Balancing Tradition, Innovation, and Partnership: Inside JAKTOOL’s 25-Year Journey with Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards

In this episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia sits down with Jeff Kinsberg (Chairman, COO, and Founder) and Cristy Richards (President and CEO) of JAKTOOL, a leading product development and precision prototyping firm serving clients in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Together, they share how a shared vision, complementary leadership, and a commitment to values have fueled JAKTOOL’s growth over the past 25 years. Their discussion dives into the realities of scaling a family-run B2B company—from building culture and structure to embracing AI and process innovation.

Building a Purpose-Driven, High-Performance Organization

The story of JAKTOOL began with purpose. For Jeff, what started as a passion project became a mission when a mentor challenged him to see himself as part of a larger legacy—one that would advance engineering excellence for future generations. That mindset still defines JAKTOOL today. Every client engagement, every prototype, and every hire stems from the belief that technical expertise only matters when it serves people, progress, and purpose.

Cristy brought a new dimension to that vision, introducing structure and scalability through her background in medical device design and procurement. While Jeff drives innovation and client relationships as the visionary, Cristy leads as the integrator—aligning strategy, process, and execution. The pair exemplify how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework can strengthen leadership clarity, unify teams, and reinforce culture. Under their guidance, JAKTOOL’s core values are more than slogans—they’re decision filters embedded in hiring, communication, and daily operations.

That alignment extends to how JAKTOOL approaches the future. The company’s proprietary Accelerate Innovation Methodology (AIM) standardizes the development process while encouraging flexibility and collaboration. It gives both clients and internal teams a shared vocabulary—bridging technical expertise with clear communication. As JAKTOOL integrates AI and automation into its workflows, Jeff and Cristy remain focused on maintaining the human element—using technology not to replace people, but to amplify creativity and speed. For them, innovation only matters when it strengthens relationships, culture, and long-term impact.

About Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards

Jeff Kinsberg is the Founder, Chairman, and COO of JAKTOOL, leading the company’s innovation strategy and client partnerships. Cristy Richards, President and CEO, oversees company operations, culture, and growth strategy. Together, they’ve cultivated a high-performance organization rooted in values, process excellence, and continuous improvement—bridging engineering precision with entrepreneurial passion. Connect with them on LinkedIn (Jeff) and LinkedIn (Cristy).

About JAKTOOL

JAKTOOL is a full-service product development and precision prototyping company that accelerates innovation for clients in defense, aerospace, and manufacturing. With expertise in engineering, machining, and design, JAKTOOL helps clients bridge concept to commercialization through its proprietary Accelerate Innovation Methodology (AIM). The company’s commitment to integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement has positioned it as a trusted partner in advancing America’s engineering capability.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• JAKTOOL

• Jeff Kinsberg on LinkedIn

• Cristy Richards on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• How JAKTOOL turned a passion for engineering into a 25-year legacy of innovation

• The visionary–integrator partnership model that drives organizational balance

• Why defining and living your company’s core values creates sustainable culture

• How JAKTOOL’s AIM process improves client collaboration and consistency

• The role of AI and automation in accelerating—but not replacing—human expertise

Conclusion

In this Growing Up B2B conversation, Jeff Kinsberg and Cristy Richards show that building a resilient, innovative B2B business takes more than great products—it takes shared purpose, aligned leadership, and a culture grounded in values. Their story proves that when family-driven businesses combine technical precision with emotional intelligence, they can thrive for generations to come.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.