It is hard to imagine that a company now producing precision aerospace components and operating out of a high-tech facility in Arizona began with a single motorcycle part. But that is exactly the story of Boese Engineering.
At Rise CPA & Accountants, we love celebrating businesses that blend deep roots with constant evolution. Boese Engineering is the perfect example—a third-generation family business that proves adaptability is the key to building a legacy.
The Spark of Innovation (1958)
The family’s manufacturing roots trace back to 1958 with founder Dave Boese. Like many great American stories, it started with a practical need. Dave needed a high-quality spark arrestor for his motorcycle, and when he couldn’t find one, he invented his own.
That spirit of “if it doesn’t exist, we’ll build it” laid the foundation for everything that was to come.
The Modern Era Begins (1994–2000)
While the spark was lit in the 50s, the modern era of Boese Engineering truly began to take shape in 1994.
Operating as PW (Plymouth Works) Dash in Sacramento, California, sole proprietor Donna Boese began specializing in Mopar billet aluminum parts using a single Bridgeport Explorer 1 CNC mill.
Just one year later, the business was growing fast. Donna brought in her nephew, Dean Conner, to help. This partnership led to the formation of Conner’s Specialty Auto Parts in Marysville, Washington. This expansion allowed them to branch out into Chevy and Ford parts, showcasing their earliest custom designs.
Unifying the Family Business
By 2000, it became clear that the two ends of the business needed to come together. Donna moved north to Marysville, and she and Dean officially formed Boese Engineering.
With a new identity and new equipment—like the Supermaxx Maxx 1 Rebel—they were ready to grow again. This era also marked the arrival of the third generation, as Dean’s nephew Kevin Parshall stepped in to handle design and cutting.
A New Home in the Desert
Adaptability sometimes means moving where the business can thrive. After years in the Pacific Northwest, the team realized the location wasn’t quite right.
Today, Boese Engineering calls Tempe, Arizona home. Since moving to the desert, they have continued to expand their team and their capabilities.
Kenneth Conner, Dean’s brother, joined the ranks to handle Web, IT, and marketing—proving that in a family business, everyone wears multiple hats.
Tooling for the Future
You cannot build tomorrow’s parts with yesterday’s tools. The Boese team recently bid a fond farewell to their trusty Supermaxx mill to make room for their fastest worker yet: the Mazak Nexus 430B II.
This commitment to upgrading technology allows them to serve highly demanding industries today, including:
- Aerospace
- Medical Technology
- Military & Defense
- Automotive Restoration
Boese Engineering Today: Modern Gauges for Classic Rides
From a single mill in Sacramento to a manufacturing hub in Tempe, Boese Engineering has stayed true to its roots.
In an era of global supply chains, they stand apart. They are American-made and family-owned. Everything is built by them—no outsourcing, no shortcuts.
Whether you are restoring a vintage dashboard or looking for precision parts, you are supporting a team that values craftsmanship and integrity.
Want to see what thoughtful, people-first engineering looks like? Visit Boese Engineering.com to learn more.
