Dan Rankin had always wanted to be his own boss. After 17 years in the industry, he bought Hi Tec Fabrication, a “start to finish” steel product fabrication shop in 2024. Dan engaged the company’s versatility, strong foundation, and skilled team to reach new goals.
From Idea to Installation
At its core, the company is a custom fabrication shop specializing in light- to medium-gauge steel, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum. What truly sets the business apart is its ability to take a customer’s idea—sometimes just a rough concept—and bring it to life. Dan said, “We’re the go-to for a lot of customers on building prototypes. If they can dream it up, we can draw it up and make it.”
From drafting and designing to processing the steel, finishing, and even installing, the team handles every step. “We’re not high-volume production,” Dan explained. “We’re high-mix, low-volume. That means every job is different—and that’s where we excel.”
Speed, Flexibility, and a Customer-First Mindset
In an industry often defined by long lead times and rigid schedules, this shop operates differently. Being small and family-owned allows the team to stay nimble, adjusting priorities and timelines to meet customer needs.
Instead of quoting standard turnaround times, Dan asks a simple question: “When do you need it?” That mindset has led to moments that surprise customers—like delivering parts the next day when competitors quoted weeks. It’s not just about speed; it’s about partnership. “We’re here to keep our customers moving,” Dan said.
Growth Without Losing Identity
When Dan took over, the business faced a common risk: customer concentration. One client accounted for over half of the total revenue, and just four clients made up 80% of the business. In just under two years, that picture has changed dramatically. Without losing any existing business, the company expanded its customer base and diversified its workload. Today, it has about ten consistent customers, creating a more stable foundation.
At the same time, the team has grown to 22 employees—including youth apprentices—while maintaining a culture rooted in experience and pride. Many team members have been with the company for over a decade, bringing deep knowledge and craftsmanship to every project. “That’s a huge win,” Dan reflected. “You can’t replace that kind of experience.”
Accomplishments with SBDC at UW-Green Bay
- Growth strategy
- Grant application
- Financial statements
Investing in the Future
Growth hasn’t just been about people; it’s also been about capability. The company has upgraded key equipment, including adding a newer, larger laser system to increase capacity and reduce downtime risks.
They’ve also launched a new division in marine repair services, expanding into a complementary market with long-term potential.
Behind the scenes, critical infrastructure improvements—like upgrading outdated IT systems—have strengthened the business’s resilience and positioned it for future innovation.
Powered by Partnership
Dan is quick to point out that success hasn’t been a solo effort. From financial guidance to mentorship, a strong support network has played a crucial role.
David Stauffacher, a consultant at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay helped him navigate financial statements and decision-making. “David is like a helpful big brother – in a good sense. He looks over the financials and helps me identify the questions that I wouldn’t know to ask. He checks in with me monthly. He even stops by the shop to see how we’re doing,” Dan said.
Hear more about how Dave was able to assist this entrepreneur
Michelle Lawrie, executive director, and others at the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) were instrumental in helping Dan obtain funding when it was needed most for a server upgrade. Horicon Bank, and Dave Kruck specifically, worked alongside him through the acquisition process, helping solve problems in real time to make the purchase of the business possible.
His wife Ashley has become an essential partner, taking on human resources, recordkeeping, and purchasing responsibilities while Dan focuses on customers and growth. A close friend, Mike Langenhorst, also lent his expertise as an experienced entrepreneur through advice and mentorship to Dan.
“You can’t do this alone,” he says. “Having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.”
Investing in People and Community
Beyond business growth, Dan is committed to building something that matters locally. The company actively partners with area schools, supports technical education programs, and participates in youth apprenticeship initiatives, providing young people with real work experience in the trades.
Hi Tec Fabrication also contributes to community projects, from custom-built training equipment for a local fire department to well-known public art installations across the region. The small business participates in annual Manufacturing Day tours for local schools sponsored by the DCEDC, giving students hands-on experiences with various equipment.
“I’ve had people guide me along the way,” Dan said. “This is about paying that forward. It’s so meaningful to help people obtain the skills to do whatever is it they want to accomplish.”
A Different Kind of Success
In 2025, the company achieved its second-highest sales year on record—just two years into new ownership. But for Dan, success isn’t only measured in size or revenue. “It’s about consistency and stability; customers know they can rely on you. It’s about creating a workplace where employees feel like they are part of something. They feel valued,” he said.
“I don’t want to grow so fast that we let people down,” he explained. “I want steady work for our team and strong relationships with our customers.”
That philosophy recently earned the company recognition as Emerging Business of the Year in the Door County region—an honor that reflects both its progress and its potential.
When talking about business ownership, Dan said, “I enjoy everything about it! I like building things and I want to see what I can build this business into. It’s fun to wake up to the morning to something that I’m excited about. It’s great to take risks and try new things to create success. This business is not just supporting me and my family; it’s supporting 20 families. And that’s neat! I won’t ever regret not giving it a shot.”
Dan gives words of wisdom for others hoping to become entrepreneurs
Looking Ahead
With a clear vision and a strong foundation, the future is full of possibility. There are plans for continued growth, expanded services, and new opportunities—but always with the same guiding principles: stay nimble, stay reliable, and stay true to what makes the business special.
For Dan, the journey is as important as the destination. Echoing advice from his dad that he’s carried for years, Dan said, “If you don’t know what to do , do something. Just keep moving forward.”
And that’s exactly what this business is doing—one custom project, one relationship, and one smart decision at a time.
View story videos linked below:
Dan gives words of wisdom for others hoping to become entrepreneurs
Hear more about how Dave was able to assist this entrepreneur
Dan’s passion for owning the company is clear!
Published April 2026