Southeastern Community College Alumni Association | Distinguished Alumnus Award 2014
“After graduating from BHS in 1973, I started down the path of working non-skilled, simple jobs. In 1975 I received a pamphlet from SCC with information on a new program, Mechanical Technology in Design. This program was affordable and perfect for me. After graduating from SCC in 1976 with an Associate of Applied Science Mechanical Technology degree, it opened the first of many doors. My new path included working for Winegard Co., General Electric and Caterpillar. When Caterpillar left Burlington, I started KPI Concepts in my garage in 1984.”
With a workforce of about 100 employees, KPI designs and manufactures custom wood laminate check lanes, service counters, shelving, custom cabinets and accessories for retailers in the U.S., Canada and Brazil. The last expansion in 2012 added 35,000 square feet of facility space to accommodate KPI’s entry in the wind industry.
“Thirty years and ten expansions later, my ‘garage’ business has grown to a 227,000 square foot facility. I realize that I would not be where I am today had I not attended the SCC program which marked the last of any college courses that I participated in. SCC CHANGED MY LIFE. With all the technical jobs available in today’s world, SCC should be a very attractive path for years to come. I have enjoyed raising a family and working in the Burlington area. With three boys, it’s been an adventure. If I could make one wish, I would wish for more time, as it does go by fast.”
