84. Facing Fears and Building an Emotionally Safe Workplace | Dana Gruber

Jul 30, 2025

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What if the next frontier of manufacturing leadership isn’t on the shop floor—but in the hearts and minds of your people?

In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Dana Gruber, third-generation owner and president of ATCO Tool & Manufacturing. Dana didn’t grow up on the machines—she came from a career in cosmetology—but found herself drawn back into the family business with a mission that goes beyond precision parts: Creating an emotionally safe and psychologically aware workplace.

From investing in cutting-edge technology like 3D metal printing to redefining what leadership looks like in a male-dominated industry, Dana is helping transform not just her shop in Meadville, PA—but the way we think about what it means to lead. She opens up about her personal healing journey, the emotional baggage many team members bring into the shop, and how building trust, vulnerability, and open communication has changed the game for her employees.

This episode is a refreshing departure from the traditional “just make chips” mindset. Dana’s story is raw, thoughtful, and surprisingly practical. Whether you’re skeptical of “soft skills” or actively searching for ways to build a stronger team culture, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what truly powers a great machine shop.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

(1:19) Learn more about Dana Gruber and Actco Tool
(9:42) What Actco Tool looks like today (and why)
(11:38) Dana’s core mission: creating an emotionally safe, people-first culture
(13:09) How her leadership style is received by long-time employees
(15:22) The emotional wounds many workers carry and why awareness matters
(18:44) Examples of workplace conflict and the importance of conscious leadership
(21:56) Check out Verdant Commercial Capital for a true partner in your corner
(22:35) Receptiveness to changes in the environment
(26:40) Sales and marketing efforts to grow the additive side of the business
(30:10 Diversifying into aerospace, dental, automotive, and even Hollywood
(33:32) Dana’s approach to open-book leadership and financial transparency
(34:28) Key roles on her management team—and her search for a purpose-driven COO
(36:24) Continuous improvement through emotional growth and team alignment
(38:05) Biggest recent challenge: learning the limits of shop capacity
(45:58) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Dana Gruber

Actco Tool
TikTok
Dana@AtcoTool.com
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