The lack of good management - not a skills shortage

[Toolmaker51]

Sure thing Jason; aware of your sea service quite some time. I think it was during posts about UNREP. Also identify with the awareness, concerns, and personal traits detailed in post #9 . Should you, or other readers feel need to bounce those around with another brother of a different mother; don't hesitate, just hit PM. Two heads are better than one, right? Warning, [tongue in cheek] my identity rides along with music & lyrics; via any mood I need can be lit up. And no one questions if I inhaled...ever.

Can't pick exactly when I noticed 'we' [makers, engineers, craftspersons] have very parallel sets of interests; not narrow but interconnected, in that abilities in one are utilized elsewhere. The interesting facet, no pattern is apparent. The idea to create a maker space in my region; came about visiting one 70 miles away. I was disappointed in what they had listed as metal working equipment and capabilities. I need access to those as means to bridge chasm of moving equipment in to hooking up electrics. It's clear others will have different requirements, but have not means or place to accomplish them. My equipment list rivals any commercial facility in several ways, bettering a few. Things are in place for a trade school, maker-space, DIY tool rental, tool sharpening, even a manufacturing 'museum' operating under banner of so far unnamed toolroom, fabrication and repair shop.
None will ever hear me say "always did it this way". I hate that with a passion; proper response should be "this way works, but...." always look for improvement.