Tyler earned the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award after leading one of WaterStep’s most critical manufacturing efforts to date:

A million-dollar contract required WaterStep to build 28 mobile water treatment systems (WoW Cart) in just 90 days. Failure wasn’t an option — communities around the world were depending on this equipment for clean, safe drinking water.

Tyler stepped up in a huge way:

Reengineered the entire production process

Developed a clear plan and structure for his team

Delivered all 28 units on time, saving the contract

Ensured thousands of people received access to safe water

But what made Tyler truly stand out wasn’t just the systems he built — it was the team he built. WaterStep’s manufacturing team is largely made up of volunteers, many with little or no factory experience. Tyler trained, encouraged, and inspired them, and when crunch time hit, those volunteers stayed late, worked weekends, and believed in the mission because Tyler helped them see their impact.

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Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️

Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on the shop floor, and why it represents a major step forward for U.S.-based manufacturing.

Whether you're in the industry or just love hearing about smart innovation made right here in Kentucky, this episode delivers a powerful look into the future of automation.

🎧 Give it a listen—you’ll come away impressed by both the tech and the team behind it.

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@Fives_Group
@builtinthebluegrass

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 🇺🇸👓

I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics across the country, their eyewear is changing lives one pair at a time.

As part of the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament, PDS Optical is a standout example of how manufacturing and mission can go hand in hand.

🎧 Tune in to hear the story behind the frames—and the heart behind the business.

#CoolestThingMadeInKentucky #VeteranSupport #MadeInKentucky #PDSEyewear #PDSOptical #SeanLoosen #Podcast #InnovationWithPurpose #VeteransCare #KentuckyManufacturing

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com