When Joseph R. Zeno took over as president and CEO of ACS Industries Inc., he had a heavy load to bear. The company had a negative net worth of $1 million. It had four employees and contracted all manufacturing to outside vendors.
Zeno took a series of steps to rejuvenate the company. First, he switched the company’s sole focus from sales to include manufacturing. He mortgaged his house to purchase manufacturing equipment and restart operations. He also put more of the company’s efforts into development, which led to groundbreaking construction technology. The improved system allowed a single operator to change over equipment in 10 seconds from the cab on any terrain. The patented ACS Excavator Coupler, which makes changing work tools easier, faster and safer, has been a big success for the company. Patenting new equipment protects the company from slipping back toward the bad position it was once in.
A handful of acquisitions later, the Kent-based company established a larger product offering and a new 35,000-square-foot manufacturing center in Seattle. Now the company has two full-service plants that can better serve customers around the country.
Zeno’s commitment to the company is evident. Thirty-six years after he took operational control of ACS Industries Inc., it is a leader in innovation in the construction industry. It is also important to Zeno and the company to be involved and give back to the community. Zeno is a member of several groups in Kent, including the Rotary Club, Advisory Council to the City Manager and Advisory Council to the president of Kent State University. He also lectures in the College of Business and College of Nursing at Kent State. The company was recognized as the Kent business of the year.
Today, ACS Industries’ net worth is very different from what it once was, coming in at about $15 million. Zeno’s determination guided it through the recent economic challenges and the company began hiring new employees in the fourth quarter of 2009. When Zeno is not leading the company through growth or giving back to the community, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and son and flying his private jet.
How to reach: ACS Industries Inc., (800) 321-2348 or www.acs-coupler.com
