“It was a struggle at first since COVID hit right around that time, but I managed to find the work and continue pushing through to what it is today, still a side business but has significantly expanded,” Stamey says. “I have a lot of clients tell me the quality of laser engraving is what sets some of the products apart from others which is what draws them back to Brevard Laser.
Above all else, Brevard Laser, the laser cutting and engraving shop, is focused on quality, which is what keeps customers coming back and new ones coming in.
Check out our full Q&A with Stamey below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Brevard Laser is a laser cutting and laser engraving shop located in Brevard, NC. We can engrave anything from promotional products like coffee mugs, glassware, and hats all the way to industrial metal or plastic parts. We also offer CNC machining and hope to soon start offering small-scale CNC plasma cutting. I am currently the owner/operator of the business and will occasionally get help with various tasks from my family members.
How has your company grown over the years?
My company officially became a business in March 2020. It was a struggle at first since COVID hit right around that time, but I managed to find the work and continue pushing through to what it is today, still a side business but has significantly expanded. I have a lot of clients tell me the quality of laser engraving is what sets some of the products apart from others which is what draws them back to Brevard Laser.
Where did your career find its start? How did you get involved with your company?
My career found its start after attending Appalachian State University and getting a BS in Industrial Product Design. At App, we had access to a large shop with woodworking tools, CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutting machines. I took a Rapid Prototyping class which is what led to learning how to use the laser cutter and I really enjoyed that kind of work since I saw so much potential with the machine. When I graduated, I moved back home to Brevard and had the idea to start a small laser engraving shop on the side, and that is how it all began!
Was there ever a time you felt like you had to completely start over?
Yes. There are still plenty of times when I think about starting over. I feel like most business owners will think about this several times throughout their careers. Also, looking back and wishing you would have planned or made a product a different way to save time or money is something that runs through your head quite often. In the end, it’s all good though.
How have you/your company’s idea of success transformed?
I believe my idea of success has, and still is transforming. Originally, I just wanted to do laser work as a small hobby or side business. Currently, I am hoping to make it a full-time business, but I know that will include many hours of hard and long hours which I am alright with.
What is most important to you/your company now?
The most important thing to my company is the quality of products. When making things for another company or person I want the product to be the quality I would expect or better. Also, seeing returning customers is such a good feeling. Knowing that they saw the quality in your products to make them want more is such a good feeling which gives you confidence when you are trying to expand a business.
What’s on the horizon?
I have a couple of new projects and ideas planned. I do have a large-scale laser cutter coming which I am wanting to use for indoor/outdoor signage. I also have a couple of products I have been wanting to design and put out there to see how they do. Some for the cycling industry and then a couple of other various products.