We recently connected with Jon Mann and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I went to college for botany and biology, HSU 2014! I graduated and was looking for a job but couldn’t find anything I was passionate for. I came across a soil testing company which unfortunately was not hiring, but I persuaded the owners Joanna and Sarah to take me in a free, unpaid intern. Within 3 months they had hired me on and the vibe was great. Learning cool ways to test soil nutrients and pest identification was my daily life. At some point I noticed the instruments we used has stickers listed with an offset. A measurement offset is a correction factor to add with your measured data. This bugged me and I found ways to remove the offset and adjust each device. This was my first round of calibrations and I became in the in lab expert with calibrations.
Some of the devices I was not able to calibrate and we ended up calling a large company to have their service technicians come onsite. While meeting with this tech, we went to lunch and he talked with me about my workings and what i was doing. By the end of the day he offered me a job with his company. I was so shocked and also happy for this new career.
I worked for them for 5 years, learned a lot about the industry and in 2019 I started my own company which is now a growing and thriving business. The idea came to me to be the MANN and not work for anyone else anymore. Now I’m loving my work life, exuding professionalism with every step I walk and creating a great environment for my employees to succeed.

Jon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

JMCS is a full-service calibration and testing laboratory, specializing in the repair and calibration of measuring devices. We work with a variety of equipment, including scales, temperature sensors, centrifuges, micrometers, and other analyzers, ensuring their accuracy matches manufacturers’ specifications. Our talented technicians, Mason and Michelle, meticulously verify measurements and, when possible, perform adjustments, documenting each change to meet regulatory compliance standards. Additionally, we often carry out routine maintenance and, when parts are available, execute straightforward repairs.

As part of our commitment to fostering connections, Shani, our Business Development lead, and I actively engage with the community through local chambers of commerce. We are proud members of both the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber and the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce. These organizations have been instrumental in our professional growth, offering opportunities for networking and personal development.

For me, this work stems from a lifelong passion. Growing up, I was captivated by science and enjoyed repairing broken appliances and cars. This career has been a dream realized, providing me with far more laboratory experience than I could have ever gained on my own. However, the most fulfilling aspect of running JMCS is creating a positive work environment. Witnessing our team members flourish in their roles and bring their best selves to the job is an unparalleled joy that keeps me smiling—so long as they’re happy, of course!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth is, without a doubt, the most effective strategy. I’ve noticed that lab scientists often develop a strong attachment to older equipment, going the extra mile to keep it operational. When we help someone preserve the tools they cherish, they eagerly share their positive experience with others, spreading the word about how exceptional Joint Matters is.

In industries like manufacturing and biotech, the stakes are high. I think people rely heavily on their measuring devices, with entire careers often hinging on the item’s precision. For example, if a pharmaceutical engineer cannot produce a consistent formula, their experiments will fail, and career advancements may be at risk. If an aerospace engineer makes the wrong measurements, plane down. These are not things to take lightly or into the hands of someone unqualified.

In these situations, trust becomes paramount. Clients want confidence in their service provider, seeking an expert rather than a generic handyman or repairman. This is why I firmly believe that personal recommendations hold greater value than flashy advertisements or enticingly low prices.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

In 2019, when I launched my business, I was employed by a major company that offered excellent benefits, including a substantial 401K match. Over time, the funds accumulated, and I came to the bold conclusion that I wouldn’t need a retirement account if my business succeeded. Acting on this belief I made a nerve-racking decision and I withdrew the entire amount in the account. I paid the taxes and invested it by purchasing equipment to get my laboratory accredited and stocked.

This choice was a departure from the traditional advice I’d received for years from my parents They both emphasized the importance of retirement savings and financial caution. But deep down, my instincts told me that this gamble would lead to remarkable outcomes. I trusted those instincts completely. Looking back, its one of my favorite decisions I’ve made in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jointmatters.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointmatters/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jointmatters/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joint-matters-calibration-services-tarzana

Image Credits

We have taken these photos ourselves.