We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Buck Holly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Buck below.
Hi Buck, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
Rising from the Ashes: A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
In the fall of 2017, life as I knew it unraveled. Just months after uprooting my family, business, and team from Florida to Richmond Hill, Georgia, I faced the crushing news that my marriage was over. With no savings left after the costly relocation, I was blindsided. My small business was barely keeping the lights on, let alone generating enough revenue for me to secure an apartment, buy furniture, or cover utilities.
Backed into a corner, I made a decision that would change everything—I moved into my commercial building. It wasn’t glamorous by any stretch. An unused office became my bedroom, the conference room transformed into my makeshift living room, and in a dusty corner of the warehouse, I built a rudimentary shower. It was a crude setup, but it gave me a roof over my head when I had nowhere else to turn.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this desperate choice would set the stage for an unforeseen opportunity. My business was struggling to make ends meet, largely because I couldn’t afford to hire the additional labor needed to keep production running at full capacity. Living at the shop meant I was always there—available to oversee operations during the day and to keep the machines humming long after the team clocked out.
By day, I handled the admin work and supervised my small team. By night, I became a machinist, running the equipment myself and keeping production going almost 24/7. Before heading to bed, I’d make sure the machines were loaded with material and running smoothly. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I’d listen for the telltale silence of a stalled machine, throw on my flip-flops, and restart it. This relentless routine stretched on for over four years.
Looking back, I realize the impact of those years: I effectively doubled—sometimes tripled—our production throughput without adding a single dollar to labor costs. The sacrifices were immense, but the payoff was undeniable. My business grew stronger, more resilient, and more efficient during those long, grueling nights.
Eventually, the time came to leave my industrial sanctuary. After four years of relentless work, I was finally in a position to buy a house and move out of the business park. But the transition wasn’t as smooth as I’d imagined. For the first few weeks in my new home, I struggled to sleep. The silence was deafening, a stark contrast to the familiar hum of machines and the rumble of passing trains that had become my nighttime soundtrack.
This chapter of my life taught me lessons I never expected to learn—about resilience, innovation, and the strength that comes from embracing hardship head-on. What began as a desperate move to survive became the catalyst for my business’s success and my personal growth.
Today, when I walk through my now-thriving shop, I can’t help but smile. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Those long nights weren’t just about keeping machines running—they were about keeping hope alive.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Buck Holly, CEO and Founder of C&H Precision. I started this business with a vision to create innovative, practical solutions to everyday challenges, driven by my passion for precision and performance. My journey into this industry stemmed from a lifelong habit of problem-solving. I believe every obstacle is an opportunity to create something better, whether it’s related to my business, hobbies, or personal life. That mindset has been the foundation of C&H Precision and everything we do.
At C&H Precision, we design and manufacture cutting-edge mounting systems and accessories that enhance the performance and reliability of our customers’ tools. Our products are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, solving issues such as durability, usability, and adaptability. Our clients include professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone who values precision-engineered solutions.
What sets us apart is our relentless commitment to quality and our ability to innovate. We’re constantly refining our products based on real-world feedback and the needs of our customers. It’s not just about making a product—it’s about solving a problem in a way that exceeds expectations and delivers true value.
Beyond the business, I’m deeply committed to teaching my children the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. My goal is to instill in them the same drive and determination that built C&H Precision from the ground up. I’m proud that this business reflects not only our dedication to excellence but also a legacy of innovation and effort that I hope to pass down.
For anyone considering working with us or following our journey, know this: we’re not just a brand—we’re a team of problem solvers driven to create solutions that matter. At C&H Precision, every product we make is a testament to our belief in doing things better, smarter, and with integrity. That philosophy is what defines us, and it’s what keeps us moving forward every day.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
For years, I was deeply entrenched in the world of manufacturing precision bolt-action rifles. It was something I was passionate about—a craft that required focus, precision, and a commitment to excellence. I loved the challenge of making rifles that performed flawlessly and exceeded the expectations of my customers. But as the market evolved, I started to notice a shift. The demand for bolt-action rifles was steady, but it was becoming increasingly competitive, with more players entering the space. At the same time, I saw an emerging opportunity that aligned with a growing need in the firearms community: optic plate adapters.
This pivot wasn’t something I planned overnight. It was born out of a recognition that shooters were struggling to find reliable, high-quality adapters that allowed them to easily mount optics to their firearms. The precision engineering skills I had developed in manufacturing rifles translated perfectly to this new endeavor. I realized I could create something innovative, solving a problem that many people faced while still leveraging my expertise in precision machining.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. It required a shift in mindset, resources, and focus. I had to step back from something I was deeply invested in and take a calculated risk on something new. But that risk paid off. The optic plate adapters quickly gained traction because they met a real need. Customers appreciated the quality and reliability we delivered, and we were able to carve out a niche in a space where demand was rapidly growing.
Looking back, that pivot taught me the importance of adaptability in business and life. Sometimes, success isn’t about sticking to what you’ve always done—it’s about recognizing when it’s time to change course, embracing new opportunities, and bringing your expertise into fresh territory. That shift didn’t just keep my business thriving; it reinvigorated my passion for creating products that make a difference in people’s lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Relocating my business from Florida to Georgia was supposed to be a new chapter—a chance to grow and build something greater. But life had a way of throwing curveballs. Not long after I arrived, the foundation of my personal life started to crumble. My marriage was in tatters, and it quickly became clear that it was coming to an end. At the same time, the financial struggles of moving, coupled with the growing pains of the business, created a perfect storm of stress and uncertainty.
With resources stretched thin and nowhere else to go, I made a decision that felt like rock bottom at the time. I converted a small, old office at the back of our industrial building into a makeshift bedroom, and that’s where I lived—for over four years. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t comfortable. But it was what I could afford, and it gave me a place to regroup.
In those early days, it felt like a curse. I was living where I worked, constantly surrounded by the weight of both personal and professional challenges. But as time went on, I began to see an unexpected opportunity in my situation. Living in the same building as my machines meant I could work on a whole new level. When the day shift ended, I stepped in as the second and third shift machinist, keeping the machines running through the night.
This arrangement allowed me to maximize production without incurring additional labor costs—a critical factor for a growing business trying to find its footing. The long hours and late nights weren’t easy, but they were transformative. What initially felt like a setback became the foundation for exponential growth. Those years of relentless effort and sacrifice helped me build a stronger, more resilient business.
Looking back, I realize that what seemed like a curse was actually one of the greatest blessings in disguise. It taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and finding creative solutions in the face of adversity. That time shaped me and my business in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and it’s a story I carry with pride to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chpws.com
- Instagram: buckholly
- Linkedin: Buck Holly
- Twitter: buckholly
- Youtube: chpws
