Meet Mayhew: Faces Behind the Forge

Every reliable tool starts with the dedicated hands that craft it. While we are known for producing rugged, high-quality products, our true strength at Mayhew Tools lies in the hardworking people behind the steel. We are proud to showcase the individuals who embody our rich heritage and company values.

Today, we are excited to feature two remarkable team members who bring skill, dedication, and pride to their work every day: Jacob Boston, CNC Operator/Programmer, and Gerard Arsenault, Utility Maintenance Worker. From the shop floor to the maintenance bay, their stories reflect the craftsmanship and commitment that define who we are.

From Code to Craft: Jacob Boston, CNC Operator/Programmer

Jacob Boston brings a programmer's mindset and a maker's hands to our CNC department. That pairing began in high school, and today, he handles every part of the CNC process. Discover more about Jacob's journey below.

Can you walk us through your role and what a typical day looks like for you?

Throughout my day, I work on every aspect of the CNC process, from daily and routine maintenance of our machines to setting up and operating them, to programming new parts and working on continuous improvement of our existing processes.

How'd you get your start in this line of work, and what brought you through our doors?

I started programming basic computer scripts and video game prototypes in high school, but always had an interest in making physical items. I got into CNC machining in large part because of my several machinist friends. It’s a career that lets me write programs, problem-solve, and make a wide variety of parts every day.

Is there a project or accomplishment you've been part of here that you're especially proud of?

The project I’m most proud of being part of is an overhaul of all of our CNC programs a couple of years ago. We optimized all of our programs we had at the time to be both safer and more efficient, in some cases, reducing cycle times to 20-30% of what they were previously. This caused a dramatic improvement to our process of making .401 shank pneumatic tools, and minor improvements across the board. At the same time, we made the programs more standardized and as uniform as they could be, making it easier for new operators to understand them and making it so fewer changes were necessary at the machines.

When someone picks up one of our tools, what do you want them to notice right away?

I want them to notice the quality. Many people across many operations put a lot of time and effort into making each and every one of our high-quality tools.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

When I’m not at work, I spend a lot of time playing with my dogs and spending time with my friends and family.