How We Got Started

In the world of small fabrication and manufacturing, growth can feel like an uphill battle. Many shop owners are drowning in data, buried in day-to-day decisions, and worried that one wrong hire could derail the business. We know the feeling - we’ve lived it.

Matt Hartigan, P.E. spent 12 years as a licensed structural engineer designing, fabricating, and installing offshore oil rigs. Along the way, he became the “bridge” between physical operations and new digital tools, seeing firsthand how small operators get shut out of accessing many of the technologies that give large corporations a competitive edge because they don't have the resources to invest in specialist employees and tools.

Cody Craig, Ph.D. built his career in machine learning and data science, with projects ranging from environmental field surveys to automation solutions for hedge funds. His strength lies in taking advanced technology out of the lab and making it work in messy, real-world conditions.

Together, we founded Small Shop Doctor with a simple mission: bring the same level of tech-enabled efficiency enjoyed by big players to small shops - in a way that’s practical, affordable, and cuts through all of the hype that constantly surrounds "AI", etc. to focus on what is actually usable on the ground.

Our approach is personal and hands-on. We sit down with owners, identify their most painful bottlenecks, and design automations that free up hours each week and make their lives better. Instead of sinking money into unused software or risky new hires, shop owners get simple, tailored systems that each do one key task exceptionally well and fit their business like a glove.

The result? Shops that once felt overwhelmed now have a way to run leaner, more profitably, and with far less stress without having to increase headcount. Owners regain control, protect their time, and finally see a clear path to sustainable growth.

We’re not just consultants suggesting things. We're the same guys who build those suggestions. We’re partners who understand both the shop floor and the tech stack - walking alongside you every step of the way. At Small Shop Doctor, your success isn’t just the goal. It’s the plan.

Sincerely,

Matt Hartigan, P.E. & Cody Craig, PhD

Small Shop Doctor