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Family Business - Community Strong

Custom Craftsmanship

Article by GJ Lifestyle Staff

Photography by Jennifer Maxfield, C. W. Morgan

Originally published in Grand Junction Lifestyle

Since 2007, Dave and Jessica Milo have had a hand in community projects big and small. As a family-operated business, each project they create together keeps the community, sharply in focus.

They provide custom coating and engraving on everything from firearms to footwear. New to TE Metalworks is Cerakote, a cutting-edge protective and insulating coating designed for heat control, scratch resistance, and unparalleled visual appeal!

They support many local programs through donations that support youth programs, sports, education, and numerous community organizations.

A few favorite projects include:

  • Laser engraved logos on charcuterie boards (meats, cheeses, and fruits) at Bookcliff Country Club
  • Powder-coated, engraved tumblers for CMU volleyball players
  • Tumblers and mugs to be sold at JUCO 
  • Custom plasma-cut entry and street signs for new housing developments  
  • Custom pieces to be sold to support Mav-Zone activities (CMU)

In 2019 when Jack Weaver, owner of Acme Chop Shop, started Kustom Built Cars, a hot rod building class for next-generation custom car specialists, TE Metalworks provided the sandblasting, powder-coating, and underbody preparations on the program's first build - a 1951 Chevy pickup. The vehicle was sold in March of this year at the Barrett Jackson auction, providing funds for the non-profit, Kustom Built Cars' next build. 

When talking about youth sports and many other programs they support, their faces really show the heart behind what both Dave and Jessica feel about these programs. After what we have all experienced through the COVID pandemic, Dave said he feels like the character of our people in Mesa County is one thing that has made a big difference in how this community has made it through. "We are strong as a community because our people are strong, in character." They feel that supporting these community programs helps develop the level of character that gives communities the kind of strength we have seen over the past year here in Mesa County. This family-owned business thanks Mesa County for keeping your business local.