01/28/2021
KCI is celebrating 30 Years in business today!!!! 30 Years of servicing the Crane and Hoist Industry in the Southeast!!! 30 years ago, Mitchell A. Kueffer (Our Captain), started his dream in the basement of my childhood home. I was 10 years old when he started his business and never in a million years did I think at 40 I would be sitting in his chair, continuing his dream. It's still very surreal to me. I still feel (4 years later) like I am sitting in Mitch's office and that he's going to walk through the door at any second. I am a firm believer that God works all things with purpose and for the good. I started at KCI in May of 2002 simply because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life as an "adult" and college wasn't helping me figure it out. I started by answering the phones and doing simple filing. Slowly learning the business. I have to say that I had the best training in the business! Besides watching every move and decision Mitch made, our Office Manager at the time, was so patient with me. Training me, teaching me and giving me a better education then I ever got in school. I worked my way up the ladder over the next 15 years. Mitch spent that 15 years "grooming" me to, eventually, one day, take the reins so he could semi retire. Little did we know that in 2017 he would be called Home and I would be taking the reins MUCH sooner than any of us planned. It's funny how we go through life with OUR plans, isn't it? Truth is, I've learned more over this past 4 years about life, business, team work, family, people, customer service and finances, than I did the 15 years prior. We will never know what Gods reasons are. We will never know the "why". That used to frustrate me but I've learned to TRUST. Not just trust in God, but trust in myself, trust that Mitch is watching over KCI, guiding us all. Trust. Ironically TRUST is my "word" for 2021.
I can not let today go by without also giving unending thanks and gratitude to Karen (my Mom) and Tracy (my sister). Without them this past 4 years would not have been possible. They have stood by me and supported me every single step of the way. KCI has always been a family business and always will be.
Speaking of FAMILY........ every single one of KCI's employees is FAMILY and it's what makes KCI go round and sets us apart from most businesses in this industry. Each person brings something unique to the table. We've had very little employee turn around since Mitch passed and that speaks volumes for the dedication and determination of KCI. I wish our "new" employees could have met and worked with our Captain. But I bet if you ask them, they feel like they know him anyway. Mitch is still very much "alive" at KCI! He left a legacy that I can only hope and pray to fill in the days and years to come. I am so proud of ALL of us here at KCI!
So, on this day, January 28, 2021, raise a glass and help me "cheers" to KCI's 30 year Anniversary! 🥂
