Bruce Lee once said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

It’s a reminder that true mastery stems from relentless dedication to a singular craft—an ethos that TJ Grandcolas, owner and CEO of Reid Metal Finishing (RMF) and a martial arts enthusiast, embodies fully.

For over four decades, RMF has challenged the notion that metal finishing is just surface-level rust protection. Its sharp focus on perfecting the craft of metal plating, anodizing and coating showcases how the right finish not only extends durability but consistently exceeds performance expectations.

The impact of this precision reverberates across industries.

“We don’t just protect parts; we make them better,” says Grandcolas. “Our deep understanding of the metal finishing process allows us to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of components.”

More Than a Team, a Partnership for Your Success

At RMF, metals shine, and people, too.

From the general manager to the janitorial staff, everyone plays a pivotal role in upholding the high standards the company is known for. Employees at RMF tend to stay for decades—a testament to the work environment, culture and the strong trust between the team and leadership.

Grandcolas believes that RMF, with over 40 years of experience in aerospace, is second to none. From planners and customer support to quality inspectors and logistics, everyone pulls in the same direction to deliver maximum value to customers. A dedication to excellence is evident in RMF’s ability to tackle complex, multi-dimensional components that often stump other metal finishers.

RMF’s proprietary processes have been honed over decades and its attention to masking ensures that only the intended areas of even the most intricate geometries are plated. This level of precision has become a hallmark of the company, earning it a 98 percent quality rating from its clients.

Much of this spirit and dedication was picked up by Grandcolas, who took over the company from his father in 2018. Having grown up in the business, he started his career as a driver to learn every aspect of the company. He has earned the respect of his team through hard work and humility.

Recognizing that RMF could reach even greater heights, he brought in seasoned professionals like COO Mark Davidson, whose decades of industry knowledge and expertise have helped position RMF for a stronger future.

Quality that Speaks for Itself

RMF’s pursuit of excellence starts with its pre-plating procedures, a cornerstone of its success. Every new part undergoes a thorough evaluation process, beginning with a collaborative session with the client’s engineers to understand every nuance of the project.

The entire process team—from racking and masking experts to plating specialists and those handling non-destructive testing (NDT)—is brought in to analyze the part. This collaborative approach ensures everyone is on the same page, preventing decisions made in one area from negatively impacting another.

Its advanced metal analysis tools play a crucial role in the process by allowing the team to verify the composition of incoming parts and identify potential issues that could affect the outcome. Necessary adjustments are made before plating begins, safeguarding the quality and integrity of the finished product.

The result?

Unmatched plating thickness and precise tolerances, achieved through processes focused on quality and environmental responsibility.

In Southern California, where environmental regulations are the toughest in the U.S., RMF embraces the challenge, ensuring that its operations not only meet but exceed the highest standards. From wastewater treatment to air quality control and safe chemical disposal, RMF’s sustainability commitment protects the environment and the community. Clients can trust that their parts are produced using responsible, ethical practices.

We don’t just protect parts; we make them better. Our deep understanding of the metal finishing process allows us to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of components

Yet, this level of excellence demands more than technology—it’s about the people. RMF’s lab technicians and chemists play a pivotal role in maintaining process integrity at every step

This close collaboration between the lab and production ensures consistency while driving continuous improvement. When operators face unique challenges, they partner with the lab to develop and test new methods, guaranteeing that high standards are upheld even for custom needs.

Consistent results depend on maintaining its machinery and infrastructure as well. Regular maintenance and calibration of key equipment, from rectifiers to temperature control systems, making sure every process is executed with precision.

This comprehensive approach—combining technical expertise, processes, and a collaborative spirit—sets RMF apart in the industry. It’s not just about passing inspections for accreditations like NADCAP or AS9100; it’s about embodying the highest standards every day in every task. Julio Quijas, the company’s Quality Director, has led the company’s effort to achieve these multiple accreditations, which is a rarity in the industry. While many competitors might settle for one of these certifications, RMF’s commitment to obtaining both demonstrates a resolve to lead by example.

Your Project, Our Priority

RMF’s sense of camaraderie is not limited to its team. It understands the interconnected nature of Southern California’s local market, where companies often rely on one another to meet demand, and that a thriving industry should benefit everyone.

So, when a competitor suffered a major fire that destroyed a significant portion of its business, Grandcolas took proactive steps to help support them and their customers during the recovery period. He did so even while understanding that they would return to their original supplier once they were back on their feet.

The fire also impacted one of the competitor’s customers, putting it two months behind schedule. The competitor was using specialized equipment, including a hoist system, to handle heavy parts weighing hundreds of pounds. RMF, at the time, conducted all processes manually and did not have this type of equipment.

The team quickly innovated to meet the need. It repurposed spare tanks and modified a forklift by adding a hoist system, enabling it to handle the heavy parts. Its quick thinking and collaborative effort helped the customer resolve the crisis.

This illustrates RMF’s commitment to client relationships and willingness to go the extra mile for the good of the entire industry. This has allowed it to maintain long-term relationships with its clients, some dating back to 1979.

“It’s a proud moment for us, knowing we pulled together as a team to do something we initially didn’t have the capacity for. It showed what we’re capable of when pushed to the limit,” Grandcolas reflects.

Bringing Out the Full Potential of Family Businesses

RMF’s focus for the next 18 to 24 months is on reinforcing the foundation laid by its leadership and continuing to grow through strategic acquisitions and service portfolios that add more value for its clients.

RMF is actively exploring possibilities and engaging in discussions with clients to determine how best to meet their evolving needs. This client-centric approach and RMF’s dedication to continuous improvement are the reasons the company is always at the forefront of the metal finishing industry.

Grandcolas sees RMF as an “anti-private equity group,” bringing a distinct approach to acquiring family-owned businesses and smaller shops. He believes private equity groups only care about one thing “profitability” and what it will do for its portfolio and investors.

“My approach is different; I deeply care about the people. Without the people none of what we do is possible,” he says. “When acquiring a new business, I start with the previous owner’s vision and the history of how they were able to create a great name for the company. I recognize that the people are what help create and maintain the success of an organization, and allowing them to take ownership in its successes is key. The growth of an organization comes as you build upon the work that has previously been done; building upon the corporation’s strengths not coming in a rewriting the script.”

“The businesses I’m looking at are more family-based, and I want to continue expanding into more markets. I aim to acquire more corporate companies as we grow, but it’s a steady, purposeful growth strategy,” he says.

The growth from these acquisitions and expanding service portfolio predicts RMF’s future is bright. With a clear vision and a united team, the company is well-positioned to expand its capabilities and continue to lead in its industry.

With decades of experience in making things better, Grandcolas and his team at Reid Metal Finishing are focused on what lies ahead and how they can continue delivering unparalleled value to their customers. It is not just plating metals; it is making the parts you use better.