Tell us about yourself and your organization. 

I’m the Chairman and CEO of Braidy Industries. At Braidy, we’re focused on revolutionizing the transportation and toolmaking industries. Our initial project, Braidy Atlas, is a 2.5-million-square-foot aluminum rolling mill under construction in Eastern Kentucky that will be the lowest cost mill in North America. When it opens in 2021, the mill will be the 13^th largest building in the world taking advantage of the most advanced manufacturing technology – and that’s just the start.

Through two synergistic acquisitions in 2018, Veloxint and NanoAl, we obtained cutting-edge nanocrystalline powder metallurgy developed at MIT and Northwestern University necessary to produce ultra-high-strength alloys. There is a wave coming in bringing lighter, harder, stronger and more heat-resistant materials.  We will be at the forefront of this trend in materials science, making the world’s lightest, strongest metal in our labs.

What does a normal workday look like for you at Braidy Industries?

On any given day, I spend most of my time engaging with the full spectrum of our stakeholders from investors to employees, suppliers to customers. While I am focused on developing a successful strategy to build relationships and allocate our capital, this strategy can only succeed when backed by the right culture – this is what is most often overlooked when a company doesn’t perform well.

Why did you choose to bring your business to Kentucky?

Braidy Atlas is a $1.7 billion project revitalizing Kentucky’s coal country, a region that has greatly suffered from the economic devastation resulting from the decline of coal production. Construction is underway in Ashland, Kentucky, a strategic location within a one-day drive from many of the major auto manufacturing facilities that would use our products. This proximity allows for same day closed-loop recycling, with direct access to rail, land and water transportation. The incredible working talent and ideal geography of Ashland makes it a uniquely primed location for the Braidy Industries headquarters.

In support of Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and his economic development team, we are determined to use our advanced manufacturing expertise to drive economic growth throughout the region. With an abundance of highly skilled local labor, we will create over 600 full-time jobs for the hard-working families of Ashland and Appalachia.

What kind of company culture are you looking to build?

Our culture is built on integrity; it’s one of efficient and intelligent decisions.  We accept the responsibility for bettering our community not only through jobs, but also by facilitating holistic wellbeing. We’re creating a “can-do, never-give-up” attitude in our halls. Within the mill, we will provide education, a healthy lifestyle, daycare for working mothers and a fitness center and are continuously looking for ways to improve the working environment.

What is one of the most important aspects of managing a business?

At Braidy, we are incredibly proud of our proprietary technology and unique, highly competitive offering set to transform the metals industry. However, this would not be possible without the talented, disciplined team of metals industry veterans that are leading Braidy Industries vision. Selecting and motivating great people is the key to realizing a vision the size and scale of Braidy Industries.