Mesa Business Spotlight: Karas Kustoms - local machinist shop and GIVEAWAY

Last month I was introduced to a business that is just as old as I Heart Mesa is.  Karas Kustoms, a local machinist shop, turned 3 years old this month.  For 3 years they have been building and fabricating custom metal parts for local businesses, all at their west Mesa location.  

Bill Karas always knew he wanted to be a machinist.  He had a passion for creating with his hands and took that passion and years of experience and training into starting his own business.  Shortly after, Dan Bishop struck up a conversation with Bill when he realized Bill was the one behind this custom built bike, a bike that would make any child light up with delight.

That conversation led to Dan landing a job as design lead at the shop.  Since then Bill and Dan have had fun creating, designing and building all within the Mesa shop.  It started with a model car, some salt and pepper shakers and now cases for iPhones and iPads all created out of solid aluminum, aluminum that is purchased locally.  Talk about keeping it local!

Bill knows he could make more money if he outsourced production to China.  But Bill also knows he takes pride in building things that last a lifetime and would rather make less money and "give my neighbor a job."  It's that personable attitude that has allowed Karas Kustoms to be a growing business during this difficult economy.  

Bill and Dan were able to give me a tour around the shop.  And while Bill and Dan have heard some say dirty work is dumb work, I am here to tell you, these guys prove that idiotic statement wrong.  Coding this machinery is like speaking a 2nd language.  And the process of design - oh wow. 

My time at the shop was very enjoyable.  I enjoyed hearing about Bill and Dan's love for Mesa (they both live in Mesa) and how they want Mesa to thrive.  I enjoyed seeing some future products that are in the works (shhh, it's a secret...) and was happy to be given this custom top to take home to my family.  You'll learn more about the top in our "I Heart Mesa Gift Guide."

Now that you have gotten to know the guys behind Karas Kustoms I Heart Mesa style, it's time for a giveaway - Karas Kustoms would like to give away an iPad or iPhone case to one lucky I Heart Mesa reader!  In order to enter, you must:

- Head over to FB and like KarasKustoms.
- While there, leave a comment on their wall.
- Finally, let us know here by commenting!

(As your prize you may choose any Apple case from Karas Kustoms, except the brass and copper cases.)

Winner will be chosen at random.  Giveaway ends Sunday, November 20th at midnight and winner announced Monday the 21st.

Simple - awesome product, now go.

(And if you happen to be an android person and not an apple, still enter - I may be able to persuade Dan and Bill to switch your winnings to this awesome pen.  Seriously, it's like the maglite of pens.  Below is not a picture of super bullets, it's these pens in production!  I want one.  Once you have one in your hands, you'll know it'll be the last pen you purchase.  Though you may have to wait until production is done.  Or, you could always get one of these salt and pepper shakers.  Such neat stuff.  Check them out.)

Thank you Karas Kustoms for giving me the tour.  It is always refreshing to get to know more people just as passionate about our community.

-Kathryn