About Penta

 THE PENTA MACHINE COMPANY STORY

 

Cofounded by husband and wife engineer team Matt and Michelle Hertel, Penta began in 2011 with the creation of the Pocket NC.

Thanks to thousands of dedicated fans and customers — and a Kickstarter campaign that broke the state of Montana’s previously held record for funding dollars raised — we’ve evolved from a one-bedroom apartment and backyard shed to our Belgrade, Montana, warehouse and offices, where we serve customers globally.

 

Today, our small but growing team continues to design and build new products in-house, while enhancing the quality and usability of our current machines and accessories.

Penta Machine Company is proud to lead the industry in developing powerful CNC machines in accessible packages — bringing the latest milling advancements to more people and businesses around the world.

 

We treat our customers — our fellow engineers, machinists, tinkerers, and designers — with a mindset of mutual respect, and we work hard to provide the best possible ongoing service after the sale. We don’t just build machines — we build relationships.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER WITH PENTA

Create, design, machine, code, and reimagine what 5-axis CNC milling can do. Check out our Careers page to learn more.

The Penta PHILOSOPHY

DESIGNING WITH PASSION | GUIDED BY PURPOSE

Vision

Shortening the distance from concept to creation.

Mission

Penta Machine Company is advancing 5-axis manufacturing by removing the barriers between design and production. We create innovative, approachable, and powerful CNC milling solutions that help startups, thinkers, and makers everywhere — from the lab and classroom to the home shop — bring their big ideas to life.

Penta Machine Company Core Values

 

Accessibility

We simplify the process, lower the learning curve, and elevate the experience and results. Our products are easy to use, portable, and powerful — giving students, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world a more approachable, affordable way to start creating.

Integrity

We do things the right way — and then we look for ways to improve. From design to production, assembly, and testing, we have our hands and minds on every detail, ensuring the quality of our work. After the sale, we support our customers for the long haul.

 

Imagination

A better product, a better company, and a better world all begin with imagination. With questions. With curiosity. We believe asking the right questions is more valuable than having all the answers. We let creativity and innovation light the way.

Teamwork

We are a collective of individuals working together towards shared goals. In our collaborative environment, new and contrary ideas are welcomed and encouraged. We all achieve more when we work together.

The Team

  • Michelle Hertel

    Michelle Hertel is the CEO & Co-Founder. She oversees all business operations and the direction of entire organization. She enjoys taking her kids to the park and relaxing in Montana's many natural hot springs.

  • Matthew Hertel

    Matthew Hertel is the CTO & Co-founder. He oversees engineering and design as well as the direction of entire organization. Matt is passionate about creating machines that empower people.

  • John Allwine

    John Allwine is the Principal Software Engineer. He develops and oversees all things software for Pocket NC. He loves to apply his knowledge of coding and 3D graphics to making real things.

  • Q Rothing

    Q Rothing is an Application Engineer. He provides technical customer service and training. He enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking as well as tackling projects on his family ranch.

  • Jonathan Dupea

    Jonathan Dupea is an Engineer. He works on the design team as well as oversees assembly and testing of machines. He is an avid fisherman and backpacker.

  • Billy Bogardus

    Billy Bogardus is an Electrical Engineering Technician. He oversees electronics production and assembly, as well as works on electronic design. He enjoys Bible study, hiking, and photography.

  • Ethan Pearl

    Ethan Pearl is an Assembly Technician. He assembles Pocket NC machines. Ethan enjoys biking, fishing, hunting and camping in Montana.

  • Bob Johnson

    Bob Johnson manages sales and marketing at Penta Machine Company. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and is passionate about skiing, mountain biking, and playing music.

  • Elisabeth Dupea

    Elisabeth Dupea is an administrative assistant and tackles behind-the-scenes details in order to support the Penta Machine team and her team of young twins at home. From data entry to painting projects and music jam sessions, her life is always exciting!

  • Chuck Knighton

    Chuck Knighton is a technical support specialist at Penta Machine Company. He provides technical customer support and machine repair services. He enjoys skiing, mountain biking, camping, and boating with his family. He also likes plucking on his ukulele and guitar and learning how to play the piano.