On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we explore the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Scott Ellyson, CEO and Co-Founder of East West Manufacturing. Having overseen nine global manufacturing facilities and a 4,000-strong workforce, Ellyson shares his story of resilience, strategic innovation, and lessons learned from growing a company that partners with industries to create cleaner, safer, and smarter products.
Ellyson founded East West Manufacturing 23 years ago, driven by his global manufacturing experience and desire to help companies innovate and leverage worldwide supply chains. He started with limited capital and partnered with his former employer, DiverseTech, to establish a foundation of expertise in offshore manufacturing. This unique start allowed him to accelerate East West’s growth, and after its first year, it consistently became profitable.
Initially focusing on air conditioning products, East West expanded into clean tech, medical, industrial, and robotics industries. The company operates nine fully owned facilities across the globe, including in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Vietnam, China, and India. Ellyson credits East West’s ability to provide flexible solutions—such as nearshoring, reshoring, and cost-effective scaling in lower-cost geographies—for its competitive edge.
Moreover, Ellyson emphasized the importance of being cautious with investments, always aligning expenditures with specific customer needs. For example, the company avoids purchasing equipment or adding capabilities without first securing demand. This disciplined approach has driven impressive growth, including a 45% annual increase over six years through acquisitions and strategic expansions.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ellyson advises preparing for unexpected costs and delays while staying lean and strategic. His story is a testament to the value of persistence, partnerships, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
“We’ve always made sure to justify new investments—whether in equipment or people—with a clear trigger, like securing new business. It’s helped us stay focused and not get ahead of our skis.” – Scott Ellyson
