Husband and wife duo of Queen City Engineering and Design launch an in-house manufacturing company to control the development process resulting in greater flexibility, quality, shorter project lead times, and new business opportunities.

Queen City Engineering and Design’s growth from a single laptop in a spare bedroom to a 7,000-square-foot engineering design and manufacturing facility has been a remarkable journey. Rex started as an independent contractor, gradually taking on more projects. However, the turning point came when he invested in equipment to offer in-house contract manufacturing and prototyping services, which fueled steady growth. At this point, he brought in his wife, Ashley, who had experience managing the business side of operations. Reflecting on their journey, the couple shared, “We learned many lessons and made sure not to repeat the same mistakes.”

In 2020, when the COVID pandemic disrupted the economy, Queen City Engineering pivoted. They began designing sneeze guards for paratransit vehicles, providing protection from airborne pathogens. The company quickly designed, manufactured, assembled, and installed the guards to retrofit vehicles in a short timeframe, meeting an urgent need that led to nationwide business expansion. Since then, Queen City Engineering has shifted focus from sneeze guards to security barriers, even launching a separate company to support that growing side of their business.

Mintz and the Carrikers discuss the challenges of launching a new business, emphasizing the difficulties of navigating the startup phase while maintaining a balance between professional and family life. They share insights into identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, stressing the importance of being adaptable and proactive in recognizing potential.

LINKS

NCMEP

Queen City Engineering & Design

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Ashley Carriker, CFO/Office Manager of Queen City Engineering and Design in Concord North Carolina, is experienced in asset management, finance, and customer service Ashley manages the company’s ISO 9001 certification and is responsible for scheduling, managing incoming and outgoing jobs, ensuring strong customer relations, and addressing any issues that arise, from customer complaints to on-the-floor problems. In addition, she also handles the accounting and general business management tasks.

Rex Carriker, President of Queen City Engineering & Design is a North Carolina State University graduate with more than 14 years of extensive experience in research and development. Rex created Queen City Engineering & Design to provide turn-key engineering solutions for the complex problems encountered in modern manufacturing and in very hands-on overseeing each project and product.