About this episode

Brian Kippen discusses the integration of workforce development and automation in manufacturing.

What happens when a shop owner refuses to accept the tradeoff between developing people and driving efficiency? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Brian Kippen shares a story that feels less like a linear journey and more like a carefully engineered system—one where workforce development and automation aren't competing priorities, but deeply connected levers for growth. Brian's path into manufacturing didn't follow a traditional script. From his early days working in a one-man prototype shop to co-founding KAD Models & Prototypes, he built his business with a bias toward action, experimentation, and learning by doing. Along the way, he navigated partnership transitions, expanded across the country, and made bold bets—like launching a second facility designed for automation from day one. But what truly sets Brian apart is his commitment to the future workforce. While running two shops, he stepped into the classroom as a manufacturing instructor, gaining firsthand insight into the gaps between education and industry. What he discovered reshaped how he thinks about hiring, training, and building teams—and ultimately reinforced why automation isn't about replacing people, but…

Topics covered

• workforce development
• automation
• manufacturing
• business growth
• education-industry gap

Keywords

• automation
• workforce development
• manufacturing
• business growth
• education
• training
• efficiency

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