by Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA

In late 2020, Kyle Scott, project manager, Liberty Molds, Portage, Michigan, left the construction industry to join his family-run company, where he planned to share and apply developed skills in sales and relationship-building. Shortly after, he attended the AMBA 2021 pre-conference session for its Emerging Leaders Network, where he explored leadership tactics alongside like-minded peers in the industry.

After just a year and a half at the company, Scott has made waves and already generated significant impact within the company. He and his uncle, Brian Scott – who currently runs the company as its president – sat down with Rachael Pfenninger, AMBA director of strategic execution, to dive into Kyle Scott’s journey into moldmaking, the role he plays in the company’s workforce development efforts and more.

You’re newer to the industry. Please share a little bit about yourself and what you were doing before joining the Liberty Molds team.

Kyle Scott: I was born and raised in Grand Rapids,
so I’m not from here, originally. I didn’t come from a moldmaking background, even though my uncle runs Liberty Molds; I actually came over from a sales role in the home building industry.

What has been the most surprising thing about the moldmaking industry so far?

Kyle Scott: Moldmaking has been an adjustment, absolutely. With the practical knowledge I have gained in relationship building, though, it hasn’t been too jarring. What’s been most exciting to me is the level of intelligence of everyone working here. I’m very engineer-minded, so I’ve been able to communicate easily with the team and train in the technical side of the business. Of course, there’s going to be personality differences, but overall, the level of knowledge and willingness of the team to share has blown me away.

Brian, what do you think of Kyle’s transition? What’s it been like to hire a family member, especially one who is newer to the moldmaking industry?

Brian Scott: This process really has been incredible for me. Kyle is a fast learner, so his onboarding was relatively easy. He’s taken on responsibilities that we had never envisioned. I think the greatest benefit is that I’ve gotten to know Kyle as a person rather than as a family member. We’ve been able to explore the city together, and I’ve been able to build a level of trust with him very quickly.

It sounds like you’ve really taken your family relationship to another level – would you say that you feel like you’ve fallen into a mentor/mentee role?

Brian Scott: Absolutely, and it was something I never anticipated. From the beginning, Kyle and I agreed to be upfront with one another. This is a new industry, a new role and a new city for him. We both want to be sure it’s what he wants. Thankfully, because he has this willingness to learn and an ability to retain key information, I don’t think it has mattered at all that he lacks the experience some other guys in the shop might have.

It’s exciting to see someone new coming into the industry, enjoying not only the relationships and personalities, but also getting immediate access to someone in the industry on whose experience you can rely. Of course, that technical knowledge is still needed. Kyle, what has learning that side of the business looked like for you?

Kyle Scott: I’ve spent a lot of time just researching and understanding molds, as well as utilizing the knowledge of our people here. There’s no better way to learn things like mold construction, mold function, why things need to be where they are, et cetera, than through relying on the tribal knowledge of employees who have been here a long time. It’s also really helped to have an engineering background. At the same time, even though I’m constantly learning, I’m also always pushing to make things better and different – we’re always trying to go to the next level.

Brian, what’s been the greatest benefit of having Kyle here in the shop?

Brian Scott: I think having Kyle here – especially because he comes from another industry – brings some new perspectives to the floor. It’s a breath of fresh air – for myself and the team – whenever we bring in people from other industries and other generations. Having those perspectives can lead to business flourishing, which is why – as long as someone has a willingness to learn – I would never hesitate to hire someone who lacks experience in the industry. We’ve always been passionate about that.

How is that philosophy reflected in your workforce?

Brian Scott: We’ve always focused on bringing in younger kids. In fact, we always have one or two here in the shop. What a lot of other companies don’t realize is that we’ve had an apprenticeship program for 35 years that was developed through the local community college, and everyone who is local utilizes that. We also depend on senior moldmakers to help train them, and I’ve instituted financial incentives, such as the availability of annual bonuses, to encourage their willingness to do that.

Of course, we’re fortunate to have this school relationship, but it also requires an investment of time. Jeff Dee, another family member who is a part-owner of the company, participates on the college’s strategy team, for example. He provides insight into what classes are needed, what knowledge needs to be developed, et cetera. There’s just nothing better than being able to grow your own garden.

Kyle, it sounds like you’ve been fortunate to land at a moldmaking facility where there’s a broad representation of generations, but I’m sure it can be overwhelming when so many others your age have been in the industry a long time. What was it like coming to the pre-conference session in 2021 and being immersed in this up-and-coming group of leaders and industry professionals?

Kyle Scott: It actually was really validating. I had only been on the job for six months – I was completely green and still just getting my feet wet. But the speaker was incredible, and he facilitated some excellent conversation that made me feel like I had quite a lot to contribute. Going to that session really set the tone for the entire conference for me. I felt more confident and prepared to be immersed with this group of people, and that’s only grown in the time that I’ve been able to spend here.

It sounds like you’ve really embraced this role, and it’s been a benefit to both Brian and the entire company. Where do you both see this relationship going? What challenges do you think will be most pressing in the coming years?

Brian Scott: So, Kyle, let’s be direct – do you see yourself having a future here? (Starts to laugh)

Yes, definitely. I don’t plan on going anywhere. Like my uncle mentioned, bringing in new guys and training are a huge focus, and I see some challenges coming our way in that area. It’s not easy to pass knowledge from generation to generation, but I feel very encouraged by the future.

AMBA again will host a pre-conference session at AMBA Conference 2022, where other emerging leaders passionate about their path in mold manufacturing will come together for practical insights that will apply directly to their operational ability to lead. Learn more on pages 8-11.