A Legacy of Leadership
Kellyn Kiel, vice president at Carron Net Company, Inc., follows in her family’s footsteps.
KELLYN KIEL, VICE PRESIDENT at Carron Net Company, Inc. embodies the dynamic spirit of an emerging leader in the material handling industry. With a career deeply intertwined with the family business, Kiel’s journey reflects a blend of hands-on experience, academic expertise and an unwavering commitment to innovation and growth.
Kiel’s connection to Carron Net runs deep. “I have always been closely connected to Carron Net, frequently visiting my father and grandfather at work,” she shares.
Her formative years included part-time roles on the manufacturing floor during high school and college, providing her with an intimate understanding of the company’s operations. After graduating in 2023 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in finance and management, she transitioned to a full-time role at Carron Net.
“My academic knowledge further enhanced my foundational experience,” she notes, demonstrating how her education complements her hands-on background.
Kiel’s time on the manufacturing floor proved pivotal for her career and skill development.
“Working on the manufacturing floor gave me hands-on knowledge of our products,” she explains. “This has been valuable as I move forward in management, giving me a better understanding of our processes and employees.”
This experience shaped her leadership style, enabling her to approach challenges with a comprehensive perspective.
As vice president, Kiel emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in leadership. A key takeaway from attending the MHEDA Emerging Leaders Conference was the strategy of fostering a five-to-one positive-to-negative interaction ratio.
“Small acts of gratitude or acknowledging employees for their contributions can significantly enhance morale and engagement,” she observes.
Kiel is keenly aware of the technological advancements shaping the material handling industry. She highlights artificial intelligence (AI) as a game-changer.
“Young professionals and emerging leaders have an advantage due to their familiarity with technology, understanding its functionality and openness to its potential,” she says.
Kiel envisions AI driving reductions in waste, improving employee safety and enhancing overall workplace efficiency – goals that align with her vision for modernizing Carron Net.
Mentorship has played a vital role in Kiel’s career development. She credits her coworkers and father, Bill Kiel, the company’s president and CEO, as significant influences.
“My father has been a fantastic mentor. I work closely with him to better understand our company’s history and operations, especially being a family-owned business,” she shares. These mentors have provided guidance, instilled a strong work ethic and inspired her professional aspirations.
Staying motivated during challenging times, Kiel draws inspiration from Carron Net’s positive impact.
“I strive to inspire others by promoting a culture of encouragement and appreciation,” she explains. Recognizing and valuing contributions fosters resilience and optimism across the organization.
Kiel’s ambitions reflect both personal and organizational aspirations.
“I am ambitiously seeking to become the fifth generation and first female CEO of Carron Net,” she says.
Her vision includes modernizing the company while preserving its family owned legacy. Beyond her role, she is committed to contributing to the material handling industry through active participation in professional organizations and industry events.
Looking ahead, Kiel is focused on driving growth for Carron Net and the surrounding community. Her dedication to innovation, employee engagement and industry collaboration positions her as a transformative leader.
Kiel’s journey exemplifies the power of combining tradition with forward-thinking leadership. With a deep respect for her family’s legacy and a clear vision for the future, she is poised to make a lasting impact on both Carron Net and the material handling industry.
“I hope to modernize our company while maintaining the strong family-owned legacy that has been the foundation of our success,” she concludes, setting the stage for a promising future.
