Best Practices in Plants with In-Plant Stories

Employee Spotlight Profile

Rick Kline Sr., CEO
Gardner Business Media, Inc.

Rick Kline Jr., President; Rick Kline Sr., CEO; Melissa Kline Skavlem, CMO

In the very first issue of Gardner’s flagship media brand, Modern Machine Shop, founder Don Gardner set the tone with the following introduction to the brand:

Time passes, conditions change, the world progresses
– and those who are found keeping pace with the
new order of things are those who are young enough in
mind and spirit to recognize the value of the
new and to make themselves a part of it.

Don Gardner felt that the best contribution his company could make to the metalworking industry was reporting on best practices in plants with in-plant stories. He knew that shop managers are proud of what they do and want to learn about other successful plants. Every successful company has a story about their success and by talking to them Modern Machine Shop could articulate the significance of that plant’s story.

Today we do all the above and more. Through our various media channels, we talk about sustainability and the environment. We discuss the importance of diversity. We encourage safe work conditions. We teach about using new technology and automation. We have a program like Top Shops, which recognizes existing and emerging leaders in manufacturing. With all we do, we strive to make manufacturing better, which is good for our country and the people who benefit from the positive advancements that we discuss.

As a trade publisher, we do not spend our time pointing out failures of areas in which companies fall short (unless they have found ways to improve their practices and a lesson has been learned from it). We feel our mission of telling the good stories will encourage more positive outcomes than simply reporting on the bad.

So, there it is. Gardner Business Media is an encouraging voice in the industry. By fostering positive thoughts, action and outcomes, our mission is to bring about positive change.

Gardner Business Media Portfolio

Gardner Business Media, Inc. (formerly known as Gardner Publications) was founded in 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the introduction of Modern Machine Shop (MMS) magazine and since then, Gardner built a niche in one area: manufacturing. Gardner publishes Additive Manufacturing, AutoBeat, CompositesWorld, MoldMaking Technology, Plastics Technology, Production Machining and Products Finishing. Most recently, Gardner is expanding international offerings to include Modern Machine Shop Mexico, Plastics Technology Mexico and Products Finishing Mexico.

Gardner also has developed Map Your Show (MYS) which provides tradeshow mapping applications and solutions including online floor plans and agenda builders, as well as onsite product locator kiosks, and printed maps and directory products.

Need more information?
Rick Kline Sr., CEO
Gardner Business Media, Inc.
513-527-8811

About the Author

Rick Kline Sr.

Richard G. Kline Sr., CEO of Gardner Business Media, Inc. is the grandson of Gardner’s founder Don Gardner. He is joined by five of Gardner’s great grandchildren, Melissa Skavlem, Rick Kline Jr., Don Kline, Steven Kline, and Allison Miller along with now great, great grandchild Madeline Kline.

After joining Gardner Business Media, Inc. Rick became District Manager of the Detroit area. He returned to Cincinnati as Marketing Manager and was named President of Gardner Business Media, Inc. and presently serves as Chairman, CEO. Currently, Rick also serves on the Board of the American Precision Museum.