NUMBER 02 - Haas Automation, Inc.

­Real Word for Word
In a rare quiet moment back in OCC’s expanded machine shop, Senior and
Paulie philosophize a bit, and talk to us about the demands of “American
Chopper.” Their thoughts are so often in sync that it’s not surprising when
they jump in and finish each other’s comments.
CNC­Machining:­Senior, we know how long OCC has been on
the scene, but how long have you been around, building bikes?
Senior: My first bike was a ’71 Triumph that I think I got in
1974. Probably a couple of years after that I first started messing
around with fabrication and stuff.
CNC­ Machining: So, you’ve been at this for more than 30
years, now! How do you keep coming up with fresh ideas?
Senior: You know, most of the time, now, Paulie comes up
with the ideas. But, every once in a while, we’ll both start off just
kind of talking about it. We’ll both have certain ideas, and just
keep pushing the envelope. And sometimes I initiate things and
| www.HaasCNC.com
he takes over from there. But usually, he’s more of the designer;
he’s the guy who really comes up with the ideas.
CNC­Machining:­Whatever you’re doing, it works. Everybody’s
expecting you guys to fall on your face some week, but you keep
coming up with bikes that make clients happy, again and again.
We’re still waiting to see someone tell you: “Well . . . you know . . .
we just don’t like that.”
Senior: (laughing) I think that with the equipment we have
today, especially the Haas stuff – you know, being able to make
our own wheels and do our own CNC machining – that makes life
a little bit easier. And it helps our creative ability to come up with
something and now actually be able to do it here.