Since launching his business 3D Printing Shop in 2014, James Pasco has seen 3D printing go from the stuff of science fiction to reality. Today, it is a life-changing technology that can create everything from prosthetics to architectural models and medical replicas.
James Pasco was always tech-obsessed. He tells Kochie’s Business Builders (KBB) he was the kid that was constantly concocting gadgets from used computer parts and discarded devices. They say ‘necessity is the mother of invention’, and for James, this is partly true. In fact, he says slothfulness was ultimately the inspiration for his first success.
“I turned old computer and car parts into an automatic curtain opener so that I didn’t have to get up in the morning to open them. Some might call it lazy, but it worked,” he laughs.
This was the first of many inventions – some proved a success, while others failed. And, occasionally, there were mishaps.
“I’ve electrocuted myself countless times. I have only ever learnt the hard way,” he says.
Cut to the present, and James still has a penchant for innovation, with 3D Printing Shop allowing countless others to bring their creations to life. James tells KBB his journey from tween inventor to business owner was circuitous. Initially studying construction and architecture at university, James came across 3D printing after looking for an easier way to complete his architectural models.
“As I said, I was a little bit lazy. I bought a 3D printer to complete my architectural projects, then started using it to help other students with their projects.”
From side hustle to small business
Realising he might be onto something, James built himself a website and set about offering his printer for hire. It wasn’t long before his side hustle became a full-time gig.
Xero’s recent Tipping point research reveals 43 per cent of sole traders have always planned to be their own boss someday, and James is no exception. Still, it wasn’t until a company he was working for went into receivership that he decided to make the leap.
When he first launched the 3D Printing Shop in 2014, the general public knew little about the technology. Today, James says, that has changed, with 3D printing now used for manufacturing and countless applications – and as this knowledge grew, so too did James’s business.
“My business aimed to commercialise 3D printing,” he explains. “The process is always slow, and it’s often for one-off prototypes. That’s why I have close to 40 printers now, to turn over bigger quantities for larger clients.”
James tells KBB he always experiences a sense of wonder when watching a model take shape.
“It’s great to see a prototype go from a digital file to 3D printing – I love bringing it to reality.
“At the moment, I do a lot of work for the design industry with architectural models, large marketing models and installations. I also have some health clients where I work on surgical guides and orthotics and prosthetics. This year, I’ll be focussing more on this industry as it’s set to grow in the next few years.”
Innovation and technology go hand-in-hand
Digital tech is the lynchpin of 3D Printing Shop – but James also turns to technology daily to help run his business.
“All of my projects are digital,” he says. “I get the majority of clients from my website, where I have an automatic quoting system which links into my production management system.”
To manage his productivity and accounting, James turns to the cloud. Cloud solutions and digital tech have been vital to the success of 3D Printing Shop, helping James manage everything from bookings to the books. When it comes to the latter, he says having access to real-time financial data is essential to the running of his business.
He explains, “Financials are vital to running a small business, yet you never have the time to keep track consistently of your accounting. Xero accounting software links everything, making it super easy to sit down at the end of the week and reconcile.”
“Everything is there, and nothing is missed, so my accountant can just link in remotely. I couldn’t imagine the stress of running a business from paper,” he exclaims.
COVID has been challenging for many small business owners, and James and 3D Printing Shop have been no exception. Still, James says he’s learnt vital lessons during the pandemic.
“I had to pivot to more short-run manufacturing and product design as all my design and event work was wiped out overnight,” he explains.
“Some of my large jobs for 2020 were cancelled. I learnt that I should have spent more time and effort writing up my contracts in the beginning to protect myself.”
Lastly, he says he now realises the importance of having a nest egg to fall back on.
“I also learnt that cash is king! It’s best to have enough cash in the bank just in case there is a global pandemic – which I would never have thought was a possibility. Now and probably forevermore, I’ll be planning ahead.”
In the meantime, he continues to help other businesses turn the stuff of imagination into reality.
You can find out more about 3D Printing Shop here.
This helpful content was brought to you in partnership with our friends at Xero. Whether you lead a small team or are going it alone, Xero is online accounting software made for your business.
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