Home Grown
Blooming Prairie native Kurt Schrom returns to run Metal Services, bringing extensive big-company manufacturing experience.
About Kurt
Business Developer Kurt Bear knows first-hand the energy and dedication required to succeed in manufacturing. For over 30 years, he has been involved in leading manufacturing companies through challenges, opportunities, growth and management/ownership succession. He knows nearly every business owner is looking towards an effective succession plan.
His manufacturing experience includes implementation of ERP and quality management systems, individual and team development, and also out-of-the box thinking in domestic and international business development – all for proven financial results.
He began his career in manufacturing in the thermoplastic injection molding (multi-material, multi-shot) business where he spent 17 years. After that, he was at Mid-City Steel, Inc. for 13 years where his first role was to prepare the business for sale – doubling revenues and EBITDA to the benefit of the founder who sold in 2007. Then as a co-owner, with two others, he experienced valuable lessons from a period of co-leadership and also working and sharing responsibilities alongside employees who were sons of senior management/co-owners.
In the early years at Mid-City Steel, Kurt led the team through the implementation of a quality management system that established consistent, reliable product design and production processes that were industry leading and technology-rich. “Mistake Proofing Processes for Zero Defects” brought marked improvement in product quality and allowed distribution to expand from being just a regional supplier to routinely furnishing products across North America. Quality was the hallmark of their products – everything needed to fit-up in the field. After 12 years the firm was purchased by La Crosse area investors in early 2019.
Prior to joining the team at Enterprise Minnesota, he served two years as GM/VP Operations at Interstate Packaging Corporation.
After living in La Crescent for 16 years, Kurt and his wife Ramona are residents of Owatonna. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, home improvement projects and spending time with his family and granddaughter.
Kurt is excited to bring his experience to the manufacturing counties of southern Minnesota, from the Minnesota River valley east to Winona and along the Iowa border.
Education
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Finance – University of St. Thomas
- Masters of Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MMSE) – University of St. Thomas
- Bachelor of Science – Manufacturing Engineering – University of Wisconsin Stout
Additional highlights
- Named as the inventor on three US Patents as well as four in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and two in the European Union. He enjoys speaking about innovation and intellectual property.
Additional resources:
Enterprise Minnesota consulting services
Author Content
‘Old School’ No More
Metal Services of Blooming Prairie, Inc. deploys automation and sophisticated digital marketing to expand its markets.
The Sum of His Experience
Kurt Bear leans on his own 40 years as a manufacturer to help manage change.
Breaking Down Barriers, Opening Doors
Owatonna students learn the value of careers in manufacturing through paid gigs at the companies.