What drives the right behaviors at the lower levels is the company’s culture. The disconnects and issues being solved make everyone successful. Catching this nerve of connecting with people, Kevin Closky worked 12 to 16 hours a day so he could spend time at the lowest levels and see the barriers that kept MPC Plating from being successful while also coaching the front-line leaders. Kevin’s best quality is his ability to walk away and let others take over and be successful, allowing him to move on to the next challenge.
Kevin always told himself that he would not be one of those who just focused on income, and that is what fueled his passion for mentoring. Eventually, he brought millions to companies, all while reducing costs and improving quality and service.
Let’s catch up with him to learn more about his challenges and achievements.
Kevin’s Journey to Cultivating Excellence
Kevin is a seasoned professional who has had the privilege of immersing himself in the operations of numerous companies, witnessing firsthand the diverse array of leadership styles and organizational cultures that drive them. His journey has been one of continuous learning, with a keen focus on unraveling the intricate dynamics that shape company cultures and influence behavior at all levels. Through his extensive experience evaluating over 200 companies, he developed a keen eye for identifying the root causes of underperformance and dissecting the processes, training gaps, and leadership deficiencies that hinder success.
Revitalizing Legacy
MPC Plating boasts a rich history spanning six decades. It was initially founded as a family-owned enterprise before transitioning ownership multiple times. For the past nine years, it has been under the stewardship of a small private equity firm, which has guided it through various transformations to meet the demands of an ever-changing market landscape.
The hallmark of MPC Plating’s success lies in its steadfast commitment to innovation and service excellence. From its humble beginnings, the company’s reputation for superior processes and unparalleled capabilities has attracted attention, leading to acquisitions by larger corporations eager to leverage its expertise across diverse industries.
Central to MPC Plating’s journey of growth and adaptation has been the establishment of a robust organizational structure designed to maximize efficiency and drive results. Recognizing the critical importance of aligning talent with strategic objectives, the leadership, under the guidance of Kevin, meticulously evaluated personnel to discern those with the requisite commitment and drive to propel the company forward.
Central to MPC Plating’s journey of growth and adaptation has been the establishment of a robust organizational structure designed to maximize efficiency and drive results.
Bertrand said, “When I’m building a team, I look for people who share my passion for innovation and customer-centricity. I want team members who are not only skilled in their craft but also curious about the world around them. I believe that when you surround yourself with talented individuals who share your values, you can achieve incredible things.”
Defining Leadership
Bertrand’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to delegate tasks effectively, allowing him to focus on high-level strategy and innovation. He believes that empowering team members is essential for driving growth and success.
Talking to CEO Views about leadership, Bertrand said, “As a leader, I’m not afraid to delegate tasks or make tough decisions. I know that when I empower my team members with the autonomy to make decisions, they’re more likely to take ownership and drive results. By focusing on high-level strategy and innovation, I can create an environment where my team members feel empowered to make a difference.
Mod Op’s Competitive Edge
Mod Op’s competitive edge lies in its ability to integrate top-tier talent with up-to-the-minute technology. The company’s unique value proposition is its ability to provide clients with a distinct advantage in their market through its innovative approach to marketing and advertising.
Innovation and Adaptability
Bertrand believes that true innovation isn’t just about generating new ideas; it’s about fostering an environment where disruption thrives. He emphasizes the importance of communication, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement in driving innovation.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Bertrand acknowledges the importance of diversity in the workplace in driving team performance. Mod Op has made significant strides in promoting diversity, including sponsoring work visas for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Bertrand states, “I believe that diversity is not just the right thing to do; it’s essential for driving innovation and performance. When you bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, you create an environment where new ideas emerge naturally.” And that’s when you start to see real growth and success.”
Future-Proofing the Company
Bertrand prioritizes staying ahead of industry trends and understanding their potential impact on both the business and clients’ operations. He believes that embracing emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on human creativity is key to future-proofing the company.
Legacy and Advice
Bertrand’s vision for Mod Op is to become the industry model for innovation, client value, and nimbleness in marketing and advertising. His advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace perpetual learning, adaptability, technological savvy, and a people-first approach.
As CEO of Mod Op, Eric J. Bertrand, leads the company’s 12 offices, serving a diverse range of clients across the Fortune 500 and middle market spectrum. With a strong background in C-level executive and entrepreneurial roles, Bertrand has managed companies at various stages, including start-ups, growth-stage, and publicly traded organizations.
Formerly a seasoned private equity and venture capital fund manager, he invested over $400 million in more than 50 companies across multiple industries, with expertise in Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Products, Business Services, and Information Technology. Bertrand’s skillset encompasses a wide range of areas, including business strategy, executive management, team building, operational and financial consulting, digital marketing and strategy, turnaround management, and mergers and acquisitions.
“We take responsibility for results, both internally and for clients.”
