97. The Human Side of Hard Businesses: Culture, Trust, and Long-Term Leadership

Staying in business for decades requires more than machines, processes, and good customers.In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Bonnie and Ken Kuhn of Kuhn Tool, a multi-generation, family-owned shop in northwest Pennsylvania that has quietly endured for more than six decades. What makes this conversation special isn't just the longevity of the business, but the way Bonnie and Ken have built it together. From surviving offshoring waves and major customer losses to steadily growing from a handful of employees into a thriving operation, their story is rooted in flexibility, trust, and an unwavering commitment to people. They share how niching down, staying conservative with growth, and protecting employees through uncertain times helped them build a resilient company. We talk deeply about culture and what it really takes to create a workplace where people want to stay until retirement. Bonnie and Ken explain why respect, kindness, and genuine relationships aren't soft ideas, but strategic advantages in a demanding industry. Their stories about employee loyalty, family involvement, and moments of personal hardship reveal the human side of leadership that often gets overlooked. This episode is a powerful reminder that long-term success in manufacturing isn't driven solely by machines or technology. It's built through steady decisions, adaptability, and leaders who understand that people are not tools, they're the business. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Ken reflects on flexibility as a core requirement for small businesses(3:11) The origins of Kuhn Tool and its evolution into a highly specialized job shop(5:22) How Factur can help you fill your sales pipeline(6:30) A snapshot of the business today, including services, capabilities, and team size(9:16) What it takes to operate in a low-volume, high-mix, high-precision environment(12:10) Why niching down became a critical strategic decision(15:03) Surviving offshoring and losing major customers during industry downturns(17:59) How cold calling from the Thomas Register helped rebuild the business(22:07) The importance of being proactive instead of waiting for work to return(25:42) What it takes to build a company where people want to retire(28:13) Why respect is the foundation of long-term employee retention(28:55) Hiring challenges and using social media and referrals to attract talent(30:32) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding (31:43) How technology investments replaced hard-to-find toolmaker skills(33:55) Early adoption of five-axis machining and why it paid off(38:05) Leveraging waterjet technology to improve flexibility and resilience(42:23) Meaningful moments that define ownership beyond profits(44:57) Bonnie's powerful story about returning to the shop after COVID(47:54) The role of NTMA and peer groups in leadership development(52:12) Why community and shared learning matter for small business owners(55:23) Embracing technology, including AI, as just another leadership tool(59:19) Why you should head to the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Resources & People Mentioned Get a free custom report from Factur at Facturmfg.com/chipsWhy we love SMW Autoblok for workholding Why you should head to the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Connect with Bonnie and Ken Kuhn Kuhn Tool & DieConnect with Bonnie on LinkedInConnect with Ken on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production by PODCAST FAST TRACK