We recently connected with Eliot Coven and have shared our conversation below.
Eliot, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At CNC Philly and Laser Cut Philly, we believe access to technology should not be a barrier to entry for the modern maker. We provide affordable access to automated equipment for our customers, and by doing so, we give them the freedom to design without constraints. Our automated routers and laser cutters can cut a wide variety of materials from plywood to plastic, metals and more. This means a customer can reach out with an idea and in a matter of days turn that vision into a reality.
Eliot, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
The company was founded by Eliot Coven and Dan Christo who’s combined 30+ years of experience give them the know how to guide customers, from a wide range of industries, through the design-build process. Eliot has a background in product design, architectural restoration, and sales. Dan is a natural maker and builder. Additionally, the CNC Philly and Laser Cut Philly team have years of tech and machine operating experience. Frustrated by a lack of market accessibility to expensive, hi-tech machinery and software, Dan and Eliot set out to fix this problem by acquiring equipment and offering affordable services to their customers. The response and support has been tremendous!
They continues to grow their customer base through honest business practices, hard work, and creative approaches to problem solving.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my business partner on Craigslist… you heard me right… Craigslist. I had put a listing up for a part-time workshop employee. I needed extra help because as an owner/ operator I was spread thin and was wearing too many hats. Of the responses I received on the Craigslist ad, I chose two applicants. They were both named Dan! We brought them both in and gave them each a couple shifts, to test their skills. This was dubbed “the battle of the Dans”. Fast forward many years and one Dan prevailed! Dan Christo proved in the coming years that he was reliable, creative, and hard working, but more importantly that he was destined for for more than part time fabrication work. He was capable of running a business. The point is, you never know where you will find the right people. He is now more than just a business partner, he is a good friend. If you keep an open mind and follow talent, it will lead you down fruitful paths.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Our strategy to grow our clientele has always been to listen to customers stories. Makers and creatives always have fascinating reasons for designing and building the objects they do. The more you understand their journey, the better suited you are to help them take their product to the next level. Sharing the design process with them, with our unique understanding of automation allows us to take what was once time consuming, hand made process and add a machine element to drastically cut down on time and wasted energy. By doing this we allow our customers to focus on growing their business. It’s extremely rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cncphilly.com / www.lasercutphilly.com
- Instagram: @cnc.philly