Catherine O'Toole from Kansas City NTMA joins us to discuss upcoming events designed to strengthen the Midwest manufacturing community through intentional networking and collaboration.

• April 24-25: Joint Chapter Summit with St. Louis NTMA featuring company introductions, economist Chris Kuehl, shop tours, and networking opportunities
• BattleBots KC competition showcasing 26 teams from 16 schools with 250+ students participating
• Women's Manufacturing Day bringing 50 female students together with 25 industry mentors
• Annual golf tournament funding workforce development initiatives (nearly sold out with 33 teams)
• Economic update with DC insider Omar Nashashibi coming May 28
• Collaborative Manufacturing Expo with Missouri Association of Manufacturers planned for October 28-29

Join us for these events to build relationships, grow your regional network, and be part of strengthening the Midwest manufacturing footprint. As Catherine says, "We are stronger together."

From purchasing his first CNC machine with no prior experience to building a successful manufacturing business with 14 machines and 10 employees, Ian shares his journey of calculated risk-taking and growth.

• Starting with a small 1,500 square foot facility and expanding to a 14,000 square foot building
• Learning the complex world of CNC machining through manufacturer support and networking
• Creating systems to replicate knowledge and remove himself from day-to-day operations
• Finding significant company growth during 2020 when many businesses struggled
• Building a professional network through NTMA to overcome the isolation of entrepreneurship
• Developing effective hiring practices through trial and error
• Balancing business growth with family life and keeping work stress away from home
• Manufacturing's biggest threat: young people not knowing the trade exists

Ian Reel from Kaw Valley Precision shares his non-traditional journey from industrial arts teacher to manufacturing entrepreneur, revealing how he strategically built his business while mitigating risks. As a former industrial arts teacher, he discusses the challenges facing industrial education programs in schools and the strategic approach he took in testing market demand before fully committing to manufacturing.

• Kaw Valley Precision specializes in aftermarket firearm parts with diversification into automotive, locks, oil and gas, electronics, injection molding, and food industries
• Ian's background includes growing up around his father's production woodworking business and earning a degree in industrial arts education
• Industrial arts programs in schools are facing challenges
• Ian identified underserved markets in the firearms industry
• He developed his first product by leveraging his network of manufacturing connections
• Rather than immediately investing in equipment, he subcontracted manufacturing for four years while teaching
• The business grew to approximately 15 products before Ian took the leap to purchase CNC equipment
• Ian emphasizes the importance of family support when starting a business, calling it a team decision
• His approach demonstrates how to test market acceptance before making major capital investments
• Now serving on the KCNTMA board, Ian is committed to addressing the manufacturing skills gap

Get involved with KCNTMA and the upcoming Bots KC event in late April to see students engaged in robotics competitions and help support the next generation of manufacturing talent.