Douglas Machining Machinist Earns Outstanding Achievement
Aaron Nelson experienced a very successful tenure at Fastenal to begin his CNC machining career. That stint was approaching a decade, but then an opportunity knocked at the door.
“Two former co-workers of mine from Fastenal reached out to me [on behalf of Douglas Machining Services],” Aaron said. “Seven and a half years later, I’m still here.”
The nearly two-decade CNC machining veteran has been a key member of Douglas Machining throughout that time. For his efforts, Douglas’ parent company, Compass Precision, has named him its employee of the month for July 2024.
Aaron is the seventh Compass employee of the month, including the second this year, at Douglas. The operating company’s office coordinator Molly Adank was Douglas’ most recent recipient of the honor in January 2024.
Aaron is also the 52nd employee of the month since Compass began the program in March 2020.
Nicknamed “Airgun Nelson” because of his notorious usage of the tool on the shop floor, Aaron focuses on working with the lathes at Douglas Machining. He performs programming and setups on the 10 different multi-tasking mill/turn machines at the Compass operating company.
Douglas co-general manager Christina Douglas says Aaron is valued for his “meticulous attention to detail on tight tolerance parts” that need to be closely monitored.
Aaron estimated that he has made thousands of different types of parts. He said he enjoys the daily grind of producing lots of quality parts very quickly.
“It’s hard to pick a particular one,” Aaron said when asked if he had a favorite project at Douglas.
During his seven and a half years at Douglas, the original owner, Dan Douglas, sold the company to Compass. Dan remained as the company’s president but then retired a year later in June 2022.
Aaron excelled through both transitions.
”Aaron is a really solid guy,” said Douglas co-general manager Ben Kubis, Aaron’s boss. “I’d take a million guys like him.”
Aaron gave credit of his success to the culture at Douglas, particularly under the company’s new leadership – co-general managers Christina and Ben.
“It’s been a great atmosphere,” Aaron said. “The shop has been amazing.”
“Having a dependable guy like Aaron helps things run smoothly,” said Christina.
Originally from St. Charles, MN, Aaron has spent his entire CNC machining career at Douglas and Fastenal. He expanded his machining knowledge with a two-year tool and die degree from Southeast Tech, which he earned as part of the Fastenal sponsorship program during his nine years with the company.
In his free time, Aaron likes riding his motorcycle. He lives in Dover, MN with his cat, Princess.