What drives the right behaviors at the lower levels is the company’s culture, the disconnects/issues being solved make everyone successful. Catching this nerve of connecting with the people, Kevin Closky worked 12–16 hours a day so he could spend time at the lowest level and see barriers that kept MPC Plating from being successful while also coaching the front-line leaders. Kevin’s best quality is being able to walk away and let others take over and be successful so that he can go on to the next challenge.
Kevin always said to himself that he would not be one of those who just liked income, and that is what fueled his passion for mentoring. Eventually, he brought millions to companies, all while reducing costs and improving quality and service.
Let’s catch up with him to learn more about his challenges and achievements.
Kevin’s Journey to Cultivating Excellence
Kevin is a seasoned professional who has had the privilege of immersing himself in the operations of numerous companies, witnessing firsthand the diverse array of leadership styles and organizational cultures that drive them. His journey has been one of continuous learning, with a keen focus on unraveling the intricate dynamics that shape company cultures and influence behavior at all levels. Through his extensive experience evaluating over 200 companies, he developed a keen eye for identifying the root causes of underperformance and dissecting the processes, training gaps, and leadership deficiencies that hinder success.
Despite his remarkable success and expertise, Kevin remains humble, guided by a sincere desire to uplift and mentor others on their journey to personal and professional growth. His own transformation, both in terms of lifestyle and income, has instilled in him a deep conviction in the power of education and mentorship to effect positive change. For Kevin, success is not merely about achieving individual milestones but about empowering others to reach their full potential and leave a lasting legacy of knowledge and impact.
In his quest to drive meaningful change, Kevin is firm in his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning. He understands that true success is not measured solely by financial achievements but by the legacy we leave behind and the lives we touch along the way. Through his dedication, humility, and focus on developing others, he exemplifies how success, though serious in its pursuit, can be a source of profound fulfillment and purpose.
Revitalizing Legacy
MPC Plating boasts a rich history spanning six decades. It was initially founded as a family-owned enterprise before transitioning ownership multiple times. For the past nine years, it has been under the stewardship of a small private equity firm, which has guided it through various transformations, evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing market landscape.
The hallmark of MPC Plating’s success lies in its steadfast commitment to innovation and service excellence. From its humble beginnings, the company’s reputation for superior processes and unparalleled capabilities has attracted attention, leading to acquisitions by larger corporations eager to leverage its expertise across diverse industries.
Central to MPC Plating’s journey of growth and adaptation has been the establishment of a robust organizational structure designed to maximize efficiency and drive results. Recognizing the critical importance of aligning talent with strategic objectives, the leadership, under the guidance of Kevin, meticulously evaluated personnel to discern those with the requisite commitment and drive to propel the company forward.
Kevin’s hands-on approach, characterized by long hours and direct engagement at all levels of the organization, proved instrumental in identifying barriers to success and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. By coaching front-line leaders and providing personalized guidance, he fostered a sense of ownership and accountability throughout the company, ensuring that every team member was equipped with the tools and support needed to excel in their roles.
The results of Kevin’s efforts were nothing short of remarkable. Through his strategic leadership and resolute dedication, MPC Plating experienced a resurgence, surpassing previous benchmarks and achieving newfound levels of success. The company’s renewed focus on commitment, drive, and operational excellence not only enhanced its competitive position but also fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration that continues to drive growth and prosperity.
As MPC Plating celebrates six decades of achievement, Kevin’s legacy looms large, a testament to the transformative power of effective leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His tireless dedication to cultivating talent and breaking down barriers has not only revitalized the company but also laid the foundation for sustained success for years to come.
Navigating Organizational Turnarounds
Navigating turnarounds in organizations often proves to be a daunting task, especially when leadership fails to grasp the depth of the challenges or reacts defensively to proposed solutions. Kevin encountered such resistance firsthand during a project in the UK, where local leaders initially dismissed the notion that they needed outside assistance. However, once they witnessed the tangible results of his interventions—such as the remarkable 20+% productivity improvements and cost reductions at BAE Industries—they quickly changed their tune. This success paved the way for him to spearhead similar projects across multiple sites, demonstrating the universal applicability of his approach.
Another notable example of Kevin’s transformative impact occurred during a high-stakes project in Africa, where the CEO initially doubted the necessity of Kevin’s involvement in resolving delays in the production of Mine Resistant Armor Personnel vehicles. However, his rapid and effective interventions led to the prompt resolution of the delays, proving the efficacy of his methods even in the face of skepticism.
Kevin’s experiences underscore the critical importance of bridging the gap between top-level leadership and front-line execution. He emphasizes the need for mid-level managers to be focused and accountable for results while advocating for higher-level leaders to adopt a mindset of trust but verification. Drawing on insights from influential books like “Execution” and “Confronting Reality” by Larry Bossidy, he highlights the necessity of personal engagement from leadership to drive meaningful change.
Furthermore, Kevin challenges conventional budgeting practices, advocating for a shift towards understanding and leveraging organizational capabilities rather than settling for incremental gains. He emphasizes the importance of measuring performance against true capability, which often exceeds standard rates by a significant margin. By identifying and addressing both internal and external barriers to productivity, he empowers front-line leaders to drive meaningful improvements and achieve sustainable success.
In essence, Kevin’s approach to turnaround management is grounded in a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a relentless focus on driving results. His track record of success serves as a testament to the transformative power of effective leadership and strategic intervention, even in the face of resistance and skepticism. As organizations continue to navigate complex challenges and strive for excellence, his insights and methodologies offer a guiding light towards achieving sustainable success and unlocking untapped potential.
Empowering Success
Kevin’s approach to leadership is characterized by transparency, openness, and a relentless focus on empowering others to achieve their full potential. He believes in sharing organizational goals and metrics openly, providing teams with clear visibility into what success looks like and how it will be measured. By aligning everyone around common objectives, he fosters a sense of purpose and accountability throughout the organization.
However, Kevin goes beyond merely sharing goals and metrics; he teaches his teams how to critically evaluate opportunities through the lens of capability versus standards. By challenging conventional thinking and encouraging teams to push beyond perceived limitations, he inspires innovation and continuous improvement. He leads by example, often working alongside his teams to demonstrate that ambitious goals can indeed be achieved with the right mindset and approach.
Communication is key to Kevin’s leadership philosophy. He holds regular meetings to engage with teams, asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and foster a culture of continuous learning. Even when he already knows the answers, he encourages teams to explore the metrics themselves, empowering them to take ownership of their performance and outcomes.
When faced with excuses or resistance, Kevin remains steadfast in his commitment to facts and data. He guides teams through a process of understanding the root causes of challenges, helping them see beyond surface-level issues to identify opportunities for improvement. Through coaching and mentoring, he empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and drive growth, ultimately leading to the success of the company.
Kevin understands the importance of striking the right balance between coaching and leading. While coaching involves providing guidance and support to individuals who may be unsure of their tasks, leading entails guiding the entire team towards achieving shared goals. By discerning when each approach is needed, he ensures that the company progresses at the right pace, with individuals empowered to excel in their roles and contribute to collective success.
Diplomacy with Big Company Leaders
When collaborating with larger corporations, Kevin recognizes the delicate balance of addressing systemic issues without bruising egos or triggering defensiveness among top leaders. He understands that many organizational challenges stem from leadership behaviors such as misplaced trust, shifting priorities, or inadequate accountability measures.
Kevin employs a nuanced approach when engaging with top-level leaders, emphasizing that identifying and addressing these issues is not a personal attack but rather a collective effort to drive improvement and success. By framing discussions in a constructive manner and highlighting the potential for personal and organizational growth, he navigates sensitive territory with finesse.
One of Kevin’s key strategies is to introduce relevant metrics and performance indicators that provide visibility into the health and effectiveness of various aspects of the business. Metrics such as units per labor hour, total costs per unit finished, scrap rates, on-time delivery performance, purchase price variances, and customer complaint metrics serve as objective benchmarks for assessing performance and accountability.
Through open dialogue and data-driven insights, Kevin guides top leaders towards a deeper understanding of the root causes behind organizational challenges. He helps them recognize the importance of consistency, focus, and alignment in driving sustainable success. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of implementing strategic changes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he empowers top leaders to steer the ship back on course.
Ultimately, Kevin’s goal is to instill a sense of shared responsibility and accountability among top leaders, encouraging them to proactively address issues and drive positive change throughout the organization. By facilitating constructive discussions, providing actionable insights, and championing a results-oriented mindset, he helps pave the way for enhanced performance, efficiency, and success across the board.
Patience, Stories, and Human Engineering
Navigating the expectations and aspirations of the next generation presents its own unique set of challenges, particularly in a world where instant gratification often takes precedence. Kevin recognizes the need for patience and understanding when working with younger individuals who may not yet fully grasp the realities of the professional world.
Drawing from his own wealth of life experiences, Kevin takes a mentorship approach, weaving stories and anecdotes into his teachings to impart valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and personal responsibility. He understands that true wisdom often comes with age and experience, and he seeks to guide the next generation along their journey of growth and self-discovery.
Kevin emphasizes the concept of “Human Engineering,” recognizing that individual behaviors are shaped by a complex interplay of internal motivations, external influences, and environmental factors. Like training a pet or raising children, he believes in the power of positive reinforcement and consequences to drive desired behaviors and outcomes.
By patiently coaching and mentoring the next generation, Kevin instills in them a sense of accountability and resilience, preparing them to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He encourages them to embrace the journey of self-improvement, reminding them that success is not handed out freely but earned through dedication and effort.
Through his guidance and support, Kevin empowers the next generation to chart their own paths to success, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. He serves as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration, reminding them that, while the road may be challenging, the rewards of perseverance and self-discovery are immeasurable.
Lessons Learned from the Y2K Era
PLEX, after learning valuable lessons from the Y2K era, recognized the critical importance of thorough planning and preparation in the implementation of new systems. Reflecting on past experiences where companies faced significant delays and budget overruns due to a lack of clarity and foresight, PLEX embarked on a journey to revolutionize its approach to software implementation.
At the heart of PLEX’s transformation was a commitment to proactive planning and comprehensive training. Understanding that the success of any system implementation hinges on the readiness and capability of its users, PLEX prioritized extensive training for its team members well in advance of the actual installation. Leveraging modern communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, PLEX facilitated six months of intensive training sessions, allowing employees to familiarize themselves with the new system at a comfortable pace.
Moreover, PLEX recognized the importance of defining clear objectives and expectations from the outset. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, PLEX engaged in a collaborative process of blueprinting, working closely with the software company to tailor the system to its specific needs and requirements. This meticulous planning phase enabled PLEX to identify potential pitfalls and address them proactively, minimizing the risk of costly errors and delays down the line.
Prior to the official installation, PLEX conducted thorough dry runs to simulate real-world scenarios and identify any remaining issues or challenges. This iterative process of testing and refinement allowed PLEX to fine-tune the system and ensure that it would seamlessly integrate into its operations.
A Leader’s Journey of Mentorship and Legacy
Kevin’s journey is a testament to his commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. Over the span of nearly three decades, he has not only navigated complex projects across different continents but also embraced the role of mentor and leader, empowering others to step into positions of responsibility and succeed.
One of Kevin’s greatest satisfactions comes from watching others step up and start developing their own leadership skills. He understands the importance of fostering a culture of growth and development where individuals are encouraged to take on new challenges and expand their capabilities. For Kevin, success is not just about achieving personal milestones but also about creating a legacy of mentorship and empowerment that extends far beyond his own contributions.
Despite his extensive experience and expertise, Kevin remains humble and grounded, always eager to tackle the next challenge and mentor the next generation of leaders. He refuses to become complacent, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in pushing the boundaries of what is possible and empowering others to do the same.
Kevin’s decision to walk away from consulting and later retire from his last company speaks volumes about his integrity and commitment to his principles. He refused to become the type of leader who clings to positions of power for the sake of personal gain, instead prioritizing the development and success of those around him.
The gratitude shown by the owners of his last company, who continued to support him even after his retirement, is a testament to the impact Kevin has had on the organizations he has been a part of. His ability to drive growth, reduce costs, and improve quality and service speaks to his strategic vision and leadership acumen.
In the end, Kevin’s story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to lead with integrity, humility, and a relentless dedication to empowering others. His legacy will endure not only in the organizations he has helped to grow but also in the countless individuals whose lives he has touched and transformed along the way.
