LaDonna Kaiser’s journey into the world of industrial engraving is anything but conventional. What started as a small, stay-at-home mom business has evolved into a national company serving major industries, including wastewater treatment plants, military bases, and even NASA. Her company, Precision Industrial Engraving, specializes in control panel plates, valve tags, and other industrial engraving needs, setting itself apart from the traditional engraving shops focused on awards and trophies.
The Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
Originally, LaDonna pursued a career in agriculture, her true passion. However, as she started her family, she couldn’t imagine being away from her children. That’s when an unexpected opportunity arose through her husband’s company—engraving tags and control panel plates. With no prior experience in engraving, business management, or software like CorelDRAW, she faced a steep learning curve in her first year. However, with perseverance and the support of organizations like the Small Business Development Center, SCORE, and WBEC-West, she found her footing and built a thriving business.
Mastering the Craft with Cutting-Edge Technology
The engraving industry has evolved significantly over the years. LaDonna transitioned from traditional rotary and scratch engravers to advanced CO2 and YAG lasers, which allow her to engrave directly into metals—a key advantage in the industrial sector. Staying ahead of industry changes, she regularly attends engraving trade shows in Las Vegas and follows emerging trends in laser technology. By investing in high-quality equipment from Universal Laser, she ensures that her business remains efficient and well-supported.
A One-Woman Show (With a Little Help from Family)
Running an industrial engraving business while managing a farm and raising a family is no small feat. LaDonna has primarily operated Precision Industrial Engraving as a one-woman operation, occasionally hiring employees as needed. Her children have been involved in the business from a young age, helping with tasks like organizing nameplates and learning graphic design programs that later benefited them in school.
Building Lasting Client Relationships
For LaDonna, business isn’t just about making sales—it’s about building relationships. She personally visits customers across California, Idaho, and Nevada, learning how her engraved plates are used on military bases and treatment plants. Many of her clients have remained loyal for over 25 years, a testament to her commitment to exceptional customer service. Word-of-mouth has been her strongest marketing tool, and she loves surprising her clients with personalized gifts to show appreciation.
The Power of Women-Owned Business Certification
Becoming a WBEC-West certified woman-owned business opened new doors for LaDonna. Encouraged by her daughter’s MBA program, she pursued certification to access more resources and connect with larger businesses that prioritize women-owned suppliers. Through this network, she has gained insights into AI, customer relations, and other business strategies, further strengthening her company’s foundation.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
LaDonna’s biggest piece of advice for women considering entrepreneurship? “Make sure your boat is not too far from the dock when you make that leap because it is quite the road.” The first year in business was a struggle, but by leveraging resources like SCORE, WBEC-West, and industry mentors, she found her way. She encourages aspiring engravers to reach out—she’s more than willing to mentor others looking to enter the field.
Looking to the Future
As Precision Industrial Engraving continues to grow, LaDonna’s focus is on expanding her client base. While she has a strong national presence, she is always looking for more industrial clients, particularly in electrical contracting, wastewater treatment, petroleum, and medical industries. With a portfolio that includes projects like the Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles, she is well-equipped to serve companies needing serialization, data plates, and equipment identification.
If you’re in need of industrial engraving solutions or want to learn more about LaDonna’s journey, visit https://www.pi-engraving.com/ or email LaDonna@Pi-engraving.com. Listen to her full journey on Women in Motion now using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/industrial-design/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
