News & Insights

The smallest issues at work rarely feel urgent in the moment. A misfiled document, a slightly off number in an invoice, an email you meant to answer but didn’t—each one gets a quick mental note: I’ll deal with it later. The problem is that small things have a way of becoming bigger things when they’re left alone. For example, a simple data entry error in an invoice might seem harmless at first, but if it gets carried forward into a payment run or reconciled incorrectly in the

This summer one of my main tasks has been the movement of QuickBooks Data to ERP templates to load historical data into the new system. Working on this task I learned about the importance of creating process and repeatability. In my time at Mettle Ops, I have seen process after process in action. I never truly appreciated the effort that is put in to create these processes and how much time they save. This summer I learned firsthand how difficult work can be without processes

August often feels like a transition. Summer is winding down, new schedules are approaching, and many of the goals we started earlier in the year are no longer new or exciting. Starting something is exciting. Finishing something is rewarding. But most of the work happens in the middle. At Mettle Ops, some of our projects can take years to complete. That means the final result is not built through one major accomplishment or one productive day. It is built through consistent e

Every organization wants innovation, accountability, and high performance. Yet one of the most important ingredients for achieving those goals is often overlooked: psychological safety. Psychological safety is the belief that employees can ask questions, share ideas, admit mistakes, and provide honest feedback without fear of embarrassment or punishment. When people feel safe to speak up, they are more likely to identify risks early, solve problems collaboratively, and contri

Throughout my career, I’ve heard the phrase, “Just in case you get hit by a bus tomorrow.” It may sound a little harsh, but the message behind it is important. No organization should rely on one person being the only one who knows how to perform a critical task. We’ve all developed processes, shortcuts, and knowledge that make us effective in our roles. The problem arises when that information exists only in our heads. If someone is out unexpectedly, takes a new opportunity,

Have you ever wondered how to pray for someone who is struggling, hurting, facing an important decision, or seeking God's wisdom and direction? Sometimes it's difficult to know exactly what to say or how to pray. Rather than offering general prayers, we can pray with purpose by praying God's Word. Scripture gives us promises, truths, and prayers that reflect God's heart. When we use His Word as the foundation for our prayers, we can pray with greater confidence, knowing we're

We’ve all had one of those days where we cycle through every imaginable mood. Maybe the morning starts with frustration because you’re late dropping the kids off at school—again—thanks to yet another road construction project that seems determined to block every possible route. You finally make it to work, feeling irritated and behind schedule. Then you walk into the R&D kitchen. Suddenly, there it is: a perfectly toasted bagel, generously spread with cream cheese, and this w

Yesterday, I was talking with Kurt Ansorge, our Chief Engineer. If you know Kurt, you know he has spent his career at some of the biggest names working on some of the most noteworthy combat vehicle platforms in our industry. He has every opportunity to work wherever he wants. So, I asked him why he chose Mettle Ops. His answer stuck with me. He said there are two ways to look at a company like ours. One is that it's a smaller company with good people where you can take it a l

Dear working momma, here we are at the end of yet another day. You clocked in, attended the meetings, made the phone calls, answered the messages, and checked off just about every task on your to-do list. Maybe you even wrote a few things down after you had already done them, just so you could check them off too. I see you. I do it as well. 😊 And yet, even after a full day of giving your best, something can still feel missing. At first, you may not be able to name it. Then i

Today: Today is going to be amazing! Anxiety: "LOL... we'll see about that!" "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." — Mark Twain Did you read these two thoughts and think, "That's me!" If so, welcome to being human. You are not alone! Many people struggle with fear and anxiety. Unfortunately, many also come to believe that's how they must live. I don't believe that's true. God's Word offers hope. Throughout the Bible,

June is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is better, people spend more time outside, sports are in full swing, and calendars start filling up with events, vacations, and gatherings. It’s a season that reminds me of something we often overlook: people need community. In a culture that celebrates individual success, it’s easy to believe that achievement is something we accomplish on our own. We admire self-made success stories and independent leaders. But when you l

Young professionals are often discussed as "future leaders," but the reality is that they are already contributing to the success of organizations today. They bring fresh perspectives, technological fluency, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. Yet many workplaces fail to provide meaningful development opportunities, mentorship programs, and leadership pathways. When organizations underinvest in younger employees, they create a cycle of disengage