Getting to Know Your Customer Service Representative: Scott Kennedy

Before Scott Kennedy became a Besser Production Specialist, he was a producer and Besser customer. His relationship with the concrete industry began in 1975 when he joined his parents and mother-in-law in the family’s precast operation using Quinn (now Besser) forms. In 1985, Scott began looking for a better pipemaking process and in 1991 the company installed a used Pederschaab machine, moved the company to a new location, and stopped precasting altogether, making pipe the company’s sole product line. Concrete Pipe Inc, Oakboro, NC bought its first packerhead machine, a PH-24 BiDi, in 1997; the machine happened to be the last of its kind that McCracken (now Besser) manufactured. In 1999, the company expanded its product line with flared end precast elements produced using forms from Besser (formerly Quinn). Five years later, with the business booming and the market demanding more pipe, the company invested in a new PH-60 BiDi. Coincidentally, it also was the last machine of that model manufactured by McCracken (now Besser). Scott attributes his company’s success of competing against larger companies to a simple sage piece of advice shared with him many years before, “... always remember, there’s a guy (company) just up the road from you doing exactly what you’re doing. It’s a combination of quality product and service that keeps the customer.” In 2007, the family business, with a stellar reputation and gross sales reaching $9.5 million, was sold to Hanson. His parents and mother-in-law retired and Scott began his career with Besser. Scott’s career with Besser began nearly a decade ago. He likes sharing his knowledge and wisdom while he’s servicing and installing equipment around the globe. His goal is to keep the knowledge he’s acquired since 1975 alive by sharing it with members of the industry. “If you don’t share you have to rely on trial and error to find the right way to do things. Following best practices is best for all involved!” Scott enjoys being a part of a team of people that's always working towards the same goal of bettering the company and the industry.  Scott adds, “We truly care about our customers and do our best to help them." Boasting a bit, he draws a comparison between Besser and competitive machinery, “Besser equipment is quick, fast, and good. We don’t rely on Sir Isaac Newton (gravity) - we rate in tons/man hour not man hours/ton.” Many industry members that have met or worked with Scott will smile and chuckle a bit when they think of him. He’s got a quick wit, a knack for storytelling, and an aptitude for teaching how to make the best pipe. He’s an old school professional that learned hands-on the art and science of pipe production and is current on all new equipment and technology.  Customers know that they can count on him to live up to his word. Scott and his wife Jana were high school sweethearts and have been married for 32 years. The couple has a son who is 28, a daughter who is 31, and an energetic two-year-old grandson Eli who is the apple of grandpa’s eye. Creating memories with family is important to Scott as is his desire to leave the world a better place for future generations. His leisure time is spent volunteering for the American Red Cross and Hospice among others so he can achieve this goal. Scott can be contacted at +1.980.621.6074 and email at jskennedy@carolina.rr.com. [caption id="attachment_3932" align="alignnone" width="550"] Scott Kennedy (left) at Oldcastle’s Stockton, CA plant explaining Vision 3 production reporting[/caption]