Racing for the future
SBA support helps modern machine shop build out and train the next gen
Olson Custom Designs (OCD), headquartered in Indianapolis, is redefining what a modern machine shop can be. This high‑tech manufacturing and training facility produces precision components for the aerospace, medical, and commercial sectors—delivering everything from CNC milling and turning to advanced fabrication and welding. Whether developing prototypes or fulfilling high‑volume production runs, OCD prides itself on meeting the most demanding industry standards.
Brothers Mitch and Brian Olson launched OCD in 2014, transforming their lifelong passion for racing and hands‑on pit experience into a cutting‑edge, multi‑faceted operation capable of crafting precision parts for almost any application. Today, their work stretches far beyond motorsports and into critical innovations across medical, defense, and aerospace industries. With more than $3.2 million in SBA‑backed financing and ongoing guidance from the Central Indiana SBDC and APEX Accelerator, the company has expanded its footprint, modernized its workspace, and invested in state‑of‑the‑art equipment.
Working at OCD is fast paced, technical, and precise. It requires skills that aren’t usually taught in school. Because of this, co-owner Brian Olson says finding employees is hard, but their working on a solution by partnering with local schools and vocational programs and building their own apprenticeship-style training program that brings hands-on education in skilled trades to the next generation.
“College isn’t for everyone,” Olson said. “We were challenged that we couldn’t find employees with the kind of skills we needed to run machines making products for our clients, so we’re building our own training program. It’s a win-win - we teach the skills we need, and students gain skills that they need to secure a bright and sustainably employable future.”
In 2026, OCD’s impressive growth and innovation earned them the National Small Business Week Award as the inaugural SBA Indiana Manufacturer of the Year. Their success has also attracted high‑profile attention, including a visit from SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Looking ahead, the brothers plan to continue expanding their facility and pursuing additional federal and private‑sector contracts in defense, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing.
For more information on SBA programs, loans, and manufacturing initiatives, visit Indiana.