True Margin Consulting
Helping manufacturers simplify quoting, improve margins, and accelerate growth.
Decades of Experience. Proven Results.
Welcome
I’m John Carpenter, founder of True Margin Consulting.
For nearly three decades, I’ve worked in the manufacturing industry, leading estimating teams, building quoting systems, and negotiating with suppliers worldwide.
I’ve seen firsthand how slow, inconsistent quoting processes and incorrect overhead rates erode profits. That’s why I created True Margin Consulting — to give manufacturers practical, proven solutions that improve accuracy, speed, and margins.
I understand the pressures small machine shops and mid-sized manufacturers face every day. My mission is simple: help you quote smarter, win more work, and grow profitably. At True Margin Consulting, our mission is to help manufacturers and distributors price with precision, protect their margins, and quote with confidence — empowering them to grow sustainably and profitably in any market .
Consulting Solutions Built for Manufacturers
Fractional Estimating
Quoting System Optimization
Quoting System Optimization
Get expert estimating support without the cost of a full-time hire. I step in as needed to manage quoting, handle overflow, or build new workflows.
Quoting System Optimization
Quoting System Optimization
Quoting System Optimization
Standardize and centralize your quoting process across teams or locations. Reduce turnaround time and eliminate errors with structured workflows.
Supplier Management
Quoting System Optimization
Overhead Rate Auditing
We help manufacturers strengthen their supply chain by expanding their supplier base and negotiating with current vendors. This ensures competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reduced risk—giving your business the leverage it needs to protect margins and deliver reliably.
Overhead Rate Auditing
Pricing & Margin Improvement
Overhead Rate Auditing
Ensure your shop rates reflect reality. I help calculate accurate overhead costs so you can price competitively while protecting margins.
Pricing & Margin Improvement
Pricing & Margin Improvement
Pricing & Margin Improvement
Identify hidden profit leaks, negotiate smarter with suppliers, and set up volume discounting strategies that actually drive growth.
Grant Writing
Pricing & Margin Improvement
Pricing & Margin Improvement
We assist companies in identifying and securing state and federal grants to fund growth, equipment purchases, and safety or process improvements. From application through approval, we guide you step-by-step to maximize your chances of success.
Let’s discuss how these solutions can fit your business.
Ready to streamline your quoting process or get support on an upcoming project? I’d love to hear from you.
True Margin Consulting
