Our History (continued)

"I guess you could say we're pleasantly surprised and delighted with the quick growth we've sustained," explains Burton. "When we opened, it was without a single client.  We really took a big risk. So, for the first six months we were in business, I went out on the road to let people know who we were and what we could do and I haven't been back out since. It's just been phenomenal: word of mouth and repeat customers have kept us growing rapidly, really beyond any of our expectations."

Burton says AMA's niche has turned out to be offering the same comprehensive, quality workmanship in the heart of Iowa that had previously only been available through places like Chicago.

"Our customers get the same 'big-company' services and equipment that they used to receive at a distance," says Burton, "but now they get them closer, at more competitive prices and without all the hassles of traveling. They love that. Who wouldn't?"

"And when they walk into our facility," Bob adds, "they like what they see. We're big; we're clean. We've got a huge dedicated assembly area that gives our customers the security of knowing we're well-equipped to do whatever project they come in with."

Division of labor between the partners has been challenging and fun. Drollinger is the General Manager and Mills serves as President.

"I'm the problem solver," says Bob. "I'm the guy on the floor building the automated machinery. I just like it. I like the challenge of new projects. I like when a guy has brought his idea in on a paper napkin wondering if it can be done. That's the real excitement of this work. Taking  someone's idea and turning it into a reality."

Burton wears a couple of hats for some very important reasons.

"I'm a mechanical engineer by trade," he says. "My lap-top computer is now a full-blown extension of my arm. It goes with me everywhere. But at the same time, I'm still the one who interfaces with the clients. I've thought about hiring a sales person to do that but I've found that, so often, the questions that get asked from the very beginning are technical questions that really demand technical answers. So much of what we do in an initial meeting revolves around being able to envision the process - how we can meet a customer's exact needs. I'm not what you'd call a polished salesman - but I can answer the tough questions and I guess that's probably the best quality I bring to AMA."

AMA has recently expanded into contract work, going on-site to do some of the very things they do best for their customers.

"It's been a progression," Bob explains. "When we install our equipment, we also do everything else that's involved with the installation; millwright, electrical wiring, programming and control work. We started getting requests from companies for these same kinds of services on their existing equipment and it just sort of grew from there. We send out skilled people with top-grade equipment. It's been a nice addition to the services we provide."

Today, AMA continues to grow. Promising quick turnaround, precision work and quality results, the company is determined to maintain industry standards that rival their best big city counterparts.