Cody Sisson: A Lifetime of Building & Problem-Solving

I’ve always been a gearhead, fascinated with machines, engines, and how things work. From a young age, I was constantly building, experimenting, and pushing limits—learning through hands-on experience rather than textbooks. Luckily, I had a father who was a skilled craftsman, and he passed down the skills that shaped my career—mechanics, welding, machining, carpentry, and electrical work.

From Machinist to Business Owner

I wasn’t built for classrooms—I was built to build, fix, and improve. My early jobs in factory maintenance and precision machining gave me hands-on experience, working on high-end instruments for the National Bureau of Standards. At the same time, my passion for racing boats and high-performance engines pushed me deeper into machining and engineering, refining my skills even further.

But I always wanted more freedom to create, experiment, and solve problems my way. In 1978, I took a leap and started my own shop, renovating a 20x20 garage by hand and launching my career in custom machining for boats, motorcycles, and aircraft. That small shop laid the foundation for a lifetime in manufacturing and innovation.

Building a Business, Solving Problems

Over the years, my business grew—moving from a small airport space to a state-of-the-art facility on a Northfield, MA mountaintop farm. I worked with Fortune 500 companies, defense contractors, and industry innovators, delivering high-precision components that met the toughest industry standards.

I learned that running a business isn’t just about machines—it’s about leadership, adaptability, and making smart decisions under pressure. Through economic downturns, industry shifts, and supply chain disruptions, I built, rebuilt, and evolved.

What Drives Me Today

For 46 years, I built and ran Sisson Engineering, but at my core, I am a creator, problem-solver, and hands-on innovator. Now, I’m bringing my experience to businesses through Sisson Performance, helping companies optimize operations, solve complex challenges, and build stronger teams.

I don’t work from a cook book consultant playbook—I work from real-world experience because I’ve lived it. My approach is practical, direct, and focused on results.

This next chapter is about sharing what I’ve learned, working with great people, and continuing to build—just in a new way.