36 - Building a Future: How Larson Tool Embraces Change While Honoring Its Past
Navigating Legacy and Innovation: Insights from Larson Tool & Stamping's Fifth-Generation Leadership
In this episode of Growing Up B2B, host Ed Delia speaks with Andrew Larson, Production Manager, and Kyle Cederberg, System and Specials Project Engineer at Larson Tool & Stamping, a family-owned manufacturing company that has been in operation for over five generations. The conversation dives into how Larson Tool has balanced legacy and innovation, maintaining its strong family values while evolving its operations to meet modern demands. Their story offers valuable lessons for family business leaders, especially those navigating the intersection of tradition and change in today’s competitive manufacturing landscape.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation in a Family Business
At Larson Tool & Stamping, a company that has spanned five generations, the combination of family legacy and innovation has allowed them to adapt and thrive. Andrew and Kyle emphasize the importance of honoring the company's rich heritage while incorporating modern technologies and operational practices to meet industry demands. This blend of tradition and progress is evident in their flexible approach to manufacturing, from deep draw metal stamping to meeting evolving customer needs with precision and efficiency.
Both Andrew and Kyle credit the company’s longevity to a focus on a people-first culture, where employee relationships and mentorship play a pivotal role in maintaining quality and excellence. The company’s structure allows for clear role definitions, empowering each team member to contribute their expertise while fostering growth and collaboration. Larson Tool’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, such as reshoring and supply chain improvements, positions them for continued success in the manufacturing world.
The leadership transition at Larson Tool & Stamping serves as a valuable model for family businesses. It shows that succession planning, respect for legacy, and openness to innovation can create a thriving company for generations to come. The next-generation leaders like Andrew and Kyle are helping to guide Larson Tool into a new era by staying rooted in their foundational values while being agile enough to navigate changing market dynamics.
About Andrew Larson
Andrew Larson is the Production Manager at Larson Tool & Stamping, where he works alongside his family to carry forward the company’s mission of producing high-quality, precision metal stampings. Andrew’s deep involvement in the company has shaped his expertise in manufacturing operations and production processes, ensuring Larson Tool remains a leader in its field while maintaining its strong family-oriented culture.
About Kyle Cederberg
Kyle Cederberg is the System and Specials Project Engineer at Larson Tool & Stamping. His role involves overseeing the integration of new systems and special projects within the company, ensuring that Larson Tool continues to innovate and improve its operational capabilities. With a focus on technological advancements, Kyle plays a key role in enhancing the company’s production efficiency and aligning its processes with industry standards.
About Larson Tool & Stamping
Larson Tool & Stamping has been a family-owned leader in manufacturing for over five generations. Specializing in deep draw metal stamping, Larson Tool is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of its customers across various industries. With a focus on quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, Larson Tool continues to build on its legacy while embracing the latest technological advancements to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
The Power of Family Legacy: The importance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation to stay relevant in a competitive manufacturing market.
People-First Culture: Larson Tool’s focus on mentorship, employee well-being, and collaborative relationships as a cornerstone of long-term success.
Balancing Tradition and Change: How Larson Tool has maintained its values while integrating new technologies and processes to drive growth.
Navigating Industry Trends: Emphasizing the need to stay agile in response to reshoring trends and shifts in the supply chain landscape.
Leadership in Family Business: Practical advice for the next generation of family business leaders on balancing legacy, innovation, and succession.
Conclusion
Andrew Larson and Kyle Cederberg’s journey at Larson Tool & Stamping illustrates the power of blending family legacy with innovation. Their leadership, rooted in strong values and a focus on adapting to modern challenges, has propelled Larson Tool into a new era of manufacturing excellence. The episode offers valuable lessons on navigating family dynamics, fostering a people-first culture, and staying ahead of industry trends to ensure long-term success.
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