Employee Spotlight - Joe Hagedorn

Title: Head Machinist
Department: CNC Programming & Toolcrib Management

At Scotchman, we're proud to shine the spotlight on Joe Hagedorn, our Head Machinist, whose passion for precision and drive for excellence continue to raise the bar in our machining operations.

What does a typical day look like for Joe?

Most of Joe’s day is spent machining production parts across the shop. He also programs and machines new parts, and makes adjustments to existing ones on virtually every CNC machine—excluding the lathe area. His work is vital to our workflow and production efficiency.

What’s the best part of the job?

For Joe, nothing beats the satisfaction of finishing a newly perfected program. "There’s nothing better than making a part from scratch and, after many hours of work, dialing it in and seeing it come out perfect,” he says. That sense of accomplishment is what fuels his passion day in and day out.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

"Programming, hands down," Joe admits. “One wrong number, letter, or decimal can make for a really bad day.” That kind of high-stakes precision is no small feat, and it’s a challenge he tackles with skill and focus.

Professional Highlights

Joe’s proudest accomplishments include:

• Earning an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology
• Serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, including one overseas tour
• Starting at Scotchman with zero machining experience and growing into a leadership role as Head Machinist

Life Outside the Shop

Joe is a proud father to Sommer, who just graduated high school this year. He shares his home with two small dogs, Tater and CJ, and has a deep appreciation for his grandfather Bob, who instilled in him the strong work ethic he lives by.

Who Would He Most Like to Meet?

Joe shared that the person he'd most like to meet is his mother, who sadly passed away when he was around five years old. It’s a personal and powerful reminder of the values and memories that shape who we are.

Hobbies & Fun Facts

Joe’s a gearhead at heart—he used to drag race in Pierre and Sturgis until those tracks shut down. These days, he’s into gaming, fixing project cars, and watching shows like Reacher (who doesn’t love that show?!). His background photo? A shot of his Camaro tearing down the drag strip in Pierre. His dream ride? A ’79 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am outfitted with modern parts.

If Not Here, Then Where?

If he weren’t at Scotchman, Joe figures he'd be working in Rapid City. But if dreams came true, you’d find him playing in the NBA—with Kobe Bryant as a role model.

Favorites & Fun

• Band: Avenged Sevenfold
• Movie: The Conjuring series
• Podcast: Bad Friends or Kill Tony
• Celebrity: Cleetus McFarland (YouTuber/Racer)
• Dream Vacation: Any tropical beach

If Joe Ruled the World...

First order of business? Lower or remove income taxes.

Goals & Aspirations

Joe’s next big goal is to master every machine in the shop—a lofty but fitting aim for someone who started from scratch and has never stopped leveling up.

Just for Fun:

This or That?

• Beach or Mountains: Beach
• Beer or Wine: Beer
• Pizza or Tacos: Tacos
• Dogs or Cats: Dogs
• Summer or Winter: Summer
• Muscle Car or Lifted Jeep: Muscle Car
• iPhone or Android: Android
• Cake or Pie: Cake
• Hotel or Camping: Camping
• Tea or Coffee: Coffee

Joe, thank you for your service, your dedication, and the energy you bring to Scotchman every day. We're lucky to have you on the team!