A Changing of the Guard
As Revolution Machine Tools continues to grow at an exceptional rate, RMT has recently made some changes in leadership personnel. Since the company first opened their doors, founders Kyle Jorgenson and Steve Larsen have spent countless hours building and developing RMT with customers’ success in mind. As anyone who has ever owned or run a business knows, growing a company on a global level takes sacrifice, and not just on the owners, but their families also. Anyone who has ever seen a flock of geese migrating knows that by flying in the V formation the leader reduces the wind drag on the rest of the flock. They also know that when the lead goose, or in this case, the two leading geese, eventually need to rely on other geese to step up and take the lead, for the benefit of the whole flock.
As the company’s success has continued, Kyle and Steve finally had to concede that they were being stretched a little thin, and they and the management team determined that for the benefit of their customers as well as the RMT team, more help was required. A new CEO, CFO, and Director of Operations have now been hired, freeing Kyle and Steve to focus even more heavily on their passion within the industry, including more R&D.
Meet Randy Benson, RMT Chief Executive Officer
“Guide the company,” was the simple answer Randy Benson, the new CEO at Revolution Machine Tools, gave when asked about his job description. “The leads of each department report to me.”
Randy noted that his first order of business is to put policies and procedures in place to keep the company operating smoothly, then he’ll focus on building out the RMT team. Once all operations are functioning effectively, his goal will be to work on growing the business. “I feel like I can affect change,” he said.
Affecting change is something Randy knows a little about. His background is one of entrepreneurship, starting his own companies, developing new products, then selling the businesses. He started his first business when he was twelve, creating and selling magnetic signs. He struck a deal with his dad to use his vacuum forming machine and materials in exchange for 60% of the revenue that he brought in, and he’s been an entrepreneur ever since.
While the metalworking field is relatively new to him—his previous ventures involved innovating things in industries like camping and crafting—Randy doesn’t feel that’s a handicap to his effectiveness. “Pretty much, any business structure is going to run the same,” he said, “so the important thing is to just know how to grow a business.”
His management philosophy is to determine what’s right for a company, then what’s right for the individual, meaning the customer. His next step is to “make sure I have the right people, then I trust them, and empower them.” He then checks in with them, teaching them when a course correction is needed (he remarked that he’s “not big into reprimands”) and helping them to “get obstacles out of the way so they can function at the highest level.”
A father of six and a grandfather of two, Randy rattled off a list of interests when asked about his hobbies. “Snow skiing. I like woodworking, canyoneering, rock climbing, surfing behind a boat. I love hiking, and I’m a major foodie whether I’m finding a good restaurant or I’m cooking. I do a lot of cooking.”
Randy is excited for his new role at RMT. “I like their vision. I like their culture. I’ve researched the industry—it’s strong and there’s a lot of opportunity for an innovative, agile company to get in and take the market share.”
Meet Scott Wiggins, RMT Chief Financial Officer
Scott Wiggins describes himself as a problem solver, and he’s brought those skills with him as the new CFO at Revolution Machine Tools, having worked previously with the company as an outside consultant. He says he “enjoys deploying technology and standard business processes to confidently provide decision-makers the reporting and analysis that lead to high-reward decisions with lowered risk.”
Scott’s problem-solving proficiencies were first developed when he was growing up on a dairy farm in Idaho and learning the family business, which at its peak farmed 600 acres and milked 500 head of Holsteins. Following that experience, he spent over two decades taking the lead in financial, accounting, and strategic planning for businesses with annual revenue ranging from $1 million to $700 million. He has advised executives and established financial systems in companies in a variety of key industries, such as medical and industrial manufacturing, banking, nutraceuticals, land development, telephony service, and distribution.
Scott and his wife Catherine, who are celebrating twenty-five years of marriage, are the parents of four children. When he’s not solving business problems, Scott says he “enjoys golfing, camping, traveling to different states and countries, and listening to digital books.”
He is working with RMT leadership to put into effect what he calls a “structured approach to growth,” and projects that the growth and dedication to their customers will continue to exceed expectations.
Meet Stephanie Nelson, RMT Director of Operations
“My role at RMT is Director of Operations,” said Stephanie Nelson of her new position at Revolution Machine Tools, adding, “my main current functions are to organize, prioritize, create policies and procedures, implement, and enforce.”
Stephanie’s background has been in the industrial sector, including over 15 years in the construction field and four years in the trucking industry. “I have worn many hats,” she said of her experiences, “starting as a receptionist, working in AP/AR, administrative and executive assistant positions, office manager, operations manager,” and finally resulting in her becoming “owner of a general contracting company that my husband and I ran together.”
Her busy schedule doesn’t detract from a full personal life, however. “My life revolves around my husband and my three fur babies,” she said, speaking of her interests. “In our off time we like to build, remodel, and restore just about anything.” Her favorite sports include hockey, UFC, boxing, Muay Thai, jujitsu, auto cross, and “anything with a motor.” She adds, “I have a hobby in tattooing,” but not as a professional.
She is enthusiastic to work with other senior leadership in “helping the company operations to stay on track and run smoothly.”
A Team You Can Count On
“At Revolution Machine Tools, it is our passion to help others succeed,” Kyle Jorgenson has said of the company he founded. “We believe that manufacturing is the backbone of our economy and that by providing the best solutions to make our customers successful is how we measure our own success.”
RMT customers agree. “They’re a good partner if you’re going to get into the business,” one said, noting that with many other machinery sellers, “you’re just a number to them, where with RMT, you’re a customer, you’re a partner.” Another said, “We’re very happy with the way RMT’s staff has taken care of us from concept to the machine landing on our floor and getting us set up and rolling.” “Best customer service ever,” declared a third.
The leadership team at RMT, both old and new, continue to follow Kyle’s and Steve’s vision for the company. As Kyle has said, “Here at Revolution Machine Tools, our goal is to be a partner with you for the rest of our life.” Call RMT today and let their team consult with you and your team to resolve any metal fabrication issues that you might currently have.
