Merchant spotlight: Rapid Turn’s journey from oilfield to aerospace
Behind the sparks: Rapid Turn’s journey from oilfield to aerospace
When Michael Viator started Rapid Turn Laser & Machine LLC in Houston back in 2012, he wasn’t ready to slow down. After selling a few businesses in the oilfield sector, the CPA-turned-entrepreneur wanted a new challenge. His solution? Buy a laser.
“I wasn’t old enough to retire, so I bought a laser and started cutting steel,” Michael recalls with a laugh.
What began as a two-person shop focused on oilfield work quickly turned into something much bigger. Today, Rapid Turn Laser & Machine employs about 30 people and operates three massive industrial lasers, each worth up to $2 million. The shop floor hums with welding, bending, rolling, and—soon—CNC machining, proof of just how far the company has come in just over a decade.
More than just metal
Rapid Turn Laser isn’t just about cutting steel anymore. The team has expanded into making architectural signs, renewable energy parts, and most notably, precision components for the aerospace industry.
“Aerospace has become our number one industry,” Michael says. “We’re making rocket parts now—projects that literally go places no one has gone before.”
That ability to diversify has helped Rapid Turn stay resilient through shifting markets. From oilfield to rockets, the company has built a reputation for quality, precision, and adaptability.
Investing in the future
Of course, growth comes with challenges. Meeting customer demand means making the right investments in people, technology, and infrastructure. For Michael, that has included:
- Purchasing $100,000 precision measurement equipment
- Expanding into new machining services
- Building a talented, versatile team capable of handling complex projects
It also means choosing trusted partners behind the scenes. For more than a decade, Rapid Turn Laser has relied on Sekure Payment Experts for merchant services for small business.
“We probably save 10 to 15% compared to what we were paying before,” Michael explains. “But more importantly, the system just works—it’s reliable and easy for the team.”
A company built to last
For Michael, the rewards go far beyond revenue. It’s about seeing what his team creates every day and watching the business evolve into something greater than he first imagined.
I’m proud of the fact that we started with just one laser and now we’re making parts for rockets. That’s not something I would have imagined in the beginning.
From humble beginnings to aerospace achievements, Rapid Turn Laser & Machine shows what happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets relentless drive—and how the right partners can help businesses scale to new heights.
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