On December 16th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort was privileged to gain entrepreneurial insights during an enriching visit to Belt Tech Industries. The cohort was welcomed with warm hospitality by CEO Jordan Russell and COO Chris Kimball, who shared the inspiring journey of Belt Tech Industries’ transformation from a small startup to an internationally recognized company.
Founded in 1990 by Jordan’s father and uncle, “Two People with an Idea”, Belt Tech Industries started as a local belt-splicing service provider and has since expanded to three locations, even reaching overseas markets. They recounted the challenges and triumphs that have defined the company’s growth. They emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit that sparked the company's inception, rooted in a commitment to addressing local needs and a vision for future expansion.
During their talk, highlighting the core values that continue to guide Belt Tech Industries: Honesty & Integrity, Respect, Drive, and Pride. These principles not only shape the company’s business decisions but also inform its leadership philosophy. They emphasized the importance of leading employees with clarity and purpose through New Horizons, Straight Talk, Level-Up initiatives, and a strategic Roadmap.
A key takeaway from their presentation was the idea of "First Who, Then What" — prioritizing getting the right people on board, placing them in the right roles, and then charting the company’s direction. “The right people are your most important asset,” Jordan and Chris noted, encouraging the cohort to be rigorous but not ruthless in decision-making.
Other invaluable insights included:
** Finding your place, knowing your potential, and setting and maintaining high standards.
** Enjoying the process of watching employees grow and develop.
** Managing the complexities of maintaining inventory in a service business.
** Keeping the human element central to business practices.
** Creating a positive work environment and culture.
They also discussed the importance of utilizing trade shows to showcase products and services, diversifying offerings to avoid over-dependence on a single customer or employee, and remaining open to rebranding and change to stay relevant in the industry.
The cohort was inspired by the practical and philosophical wisdom shared by Belt Tech’s leadership. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Jordan and Chris for their time, candor, and encouragement. This visit was a testament to the value of learning directly from seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the complexities of building a thriving business.
