Changes in Leadership
From Utah to Kentucky, each manufacturing plant has experienced exciting leadership changes over the past few months!
Jeff Thomas
One significant change impacting all of our manufacturing plants is the promotion of Jeff Thomas to Vice President of Manufacturing. In his new role, Jeff will enable the Manufacturing Organization to meet the challenges KCC faces to fulfill our customers' needs and expand our business.
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How long have you been with KCC?
5 years, since March 9th, 2020.
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What did you do before working at KCC?
I have 40 years’ of experience in Manufacturing. Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering, Sourcing and Supply Chain, and Program and Project Management within global manufacturing and distribution companies. The most recent job I had before KCC was Vice President of Supply Chain for a distributor.
Different roles at KCC?
Supply Chain Manager, Director of Product Engineering, Director of Engineering, and now, Vice President of Manufacturing.
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Any changes or insight you are bringing to your new position?
I am telling people about the opportunities we have to dramatically grow our business, what it means for every employee/owner, what we have to do to get there, my expectations for how we operate and holding our people accountable to meeting my expectations.
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Favorite KCC memory?
My favorite memories (2) just happened. Despite the Technology and Piston buildings being hit by a tornado we managed to meet our April production goal AND doubled our sales goal.
Brock Williams
At our Tooele, Utah plant, manager Brock Williams decided to retire after more than 25 years with KCC. We are incredibly grateful for all that Brock has contributed to KCC and our manufacturing facility in Utah!
Tracy Palmer
Tracy Palmer, the former Shop Foreman at Tooele, Utah, has stepped into the role of Plant Manager. Here are some things you may not know about Tracy:
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How long have you been with KCC?
Started in November 1999, so 25+ yrs.
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What did you do before working at KCC?
USN - worked on the F-14 Tomcat - Structure, Hydraulics, and flight controls. Went to Colorado Aero Tech and received my Airframe & powerplant license. I also worked in excavation and aircraft part manufacturing.
Different roles at KCC?
Layout- Programing the Strippit, Vicon, and running the brake press, worked where needed- welding, and finish area also to learn the product. Shop foreman- 24 yrs- ran the shop while doing maintenance, shipping, training, and various other responsibilities.
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Any changes or insight you are bringing to your new position?
I’m very grateful for my time and opportunities here thus far and I’m looking forward to the future of KCC. We will strive for continued success and the ability to respond as needed to grow KCC which means success for us all as owners.
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Favorite KCC memory?
There are many! One is definitely going to lunch with Al Fiorini right after the start of the ESOP. Listening to how KCC came about and discussing the excitement for the future - being able to see it all come about and to be able to be a part of it!
David Domine
For our Kentucky plants, David Domine switched roles from Plant Manager at Grassland to Plant Manager at Technology. Might add a couple of miles to his commute! ​
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How long have you been with KCC?
15 years +.
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What did you do before working at KCC?
I owned my own construction company.
Different roles at KCC?
I started as a purchasing agent, moved to product manager for MSP, Unit modification, and Horizon and Flex. Finally moved into my last position as Grassland Plant Manager.
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Any changes or insight you are bringing to your new position?
I don’t know yet! It’s been 2 days – TBD!
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Favorite KCC memory?
A couple of months ago, Rand Paul visited our facilities, and it was incredible to witness the pride that every employee has in working at KCC. You could really see during his visit, how our employees take ownership and pride in being a part of KCC. It was an impressive sight!
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Johnny Kelley
Johnny Kelley, former Production Manager, moved into David Domine’s position as Grassland Plant Manager.​
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How long have you been with KCC?
It will be seven years in August.
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What did you do before working at KCC?
United States Naval Officer.
Different roles at KCC?
Recruiter, Core Products Manager, Production Manager and Plant Manager.
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Any changes or insight you are bringing to your new position?
“Collective Collaboration leads to a more Harmonious Outcome”. Listen to understand not to respond.
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Favorite KCC memory?
There has been a lot of great memories over the almost seven (7) years. Having Curbs and Adapters go two years without a recordable injury (just recently) is the highlight for now.
​ESOP CORNER
Reflecting on Our Progress
by Izzy Hoffman
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​Over the past several months, the ESOP Committee has made meaningful strides in strengthening employee ownership awareness, building a sense of community, and developing resources that support our shared success. From organizing engaging events to launching new initiatives like the upcoming ESOP video training series, the dedication and creativity of our team have made a real impact.
Being part of a culture that values ownership, collaboration, and transparency has meant a great deal to me personally. I truly enjoy working with this incredible group of people who care deeply about making KCC a place where employee-owners feel informed, empowered, and appreciated.
As we look ahead, I’m excited about the momentum we’ve built and the possibilities that lie ahead. The foundation we’ve laid together is just the beginning, and I’m confident that with this team, the future is bright.
Thank you to everyone on the committee for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to making our ESOP culture something we can all be proud of.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
June 2 - Joel’s Town Hall at Grassland
June 13 - Joel’s Town Hall at Technology
June 14 - Lou Bats 5K Run/Walk
July 4 - KCC closed
Curb & Adapter 2 Years Injury Free!
Congratulations to the Grassland Curb and Adapter Team for completing 2 years with no injuries! This is a tremendous accomplishment that requires a commitment from everyone. This represents over 200,000 hours worked without an injury. The impact this has on team members cannot be understated as they go home the way they came in. When this happens, there is a tremendous impact on the ESOP as team members get to stay on the job and are not constantly replaced and changed because of a work-related injury. There are NO workers compensation costs when we have no injuries. That means a positive impact on the ESOP because money is not spent on managing injuries. The team is already working on year 3 and ready to celebrate in 2026!
Celebrating June Anniversaries!
Congratulations to the KCC team celebrating their June anniversaries! These milestones are significant, and KCC would not thrive without everyone's dedication and effort. Here's to many more successful years!
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5 YEARS
Matthew Lake
Paul Boggs
Jennifer Colvin
Sanjeevkumar Ramasanjeev
Edward Thien
Blake Ditsler
Wayne Mickens
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10 YEARS
Eric Guffey
Wesley Strieter
Chad Fox
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15 YEARS
Jordan Reynolds
William Keen
Lorenzo San Roman
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20 YEARS
Christopher Logsdon
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25 YEARS
Tara Mitchell
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30 YEARS
Joel Strieter
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