Imagine two Dads. They live close to one another, and their children are the same ages. They bump into each other frequently while dropping their kids off at school. They start to discuss their backgrounds, and what they do for a living. Somehow through the hustle and bustle of raising children, these two Dads found a common ground and developed a thriving and innovative business.
Tyler Bragnalo and Kevin Van Huygeoort are these two Dads and together they are Kam Valley Industries. Through the use of sound engineering, 3D design and cutting edge computer controlled machinery, Kam Valley offers a complete manufacturing solution.
Before Kam Valley was created, Tyler Bragnalo was planting trees, travelling and loving life. Taking on various jobs such as log home building, the arrival of children made Tyler realize that he wanted to set a goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. Goal achieved. Working at Rudnicki Industrial (another innovator member), Tyler gained experience and knowledge of running a manufacturing business in Northwestern Ontario. While Tyler was gaining valuable hands on experience in mechanical engineering, Kevin was an entrepreneur with a custom woodworking business. Kevin had always worked in a small business environment, and enjoyed the ability to use his multi-tasking skills in order to learn all aspects of being an entrepreneur. Although Kevin left wood-working, he found that the manufacturing process was very similar. Design, process, build and finish. Now, he was working with different materials and with a like-minded individual.
Before the partnership was created, Tyler left Rudnicki in order to create his own venture. Working with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Cente. Tyler accessed the Advance Program in order to patent a technology. Around four years later, Tyler and Kevin retooled the company into what is now Kam Valley Industries.
What does each partner bring to the table?
Both partners have the core knowledge of manufacturing, however each partner brings specific talents to their business.
Tyler – Experience in design and manufacturing. Detailed. Able to visualize details and problem solve before embarking on a project.
Kevin - Brings business experience. Skills in design and manufacturing. Quick learner. Handles all administrative aspects of the business.
Ever sell lemonade as a child?
Nope. Tyler had a paper route and dragged a lawn mower behind his bike. Cut lawns for all of the 90 yr old ladies who would give him some lemonade and a few coins.
Kevin always knew he wanted to own a business, but as a child, it was a motorcycle building shop.
What was the most challenging aspect of starting this business?
Understanding the financial breakdown and cash flow of the business.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
Tyler -" I think the most difficult thing for me to has been (and still is) efficiently getting all the work done while trying to run the business at the same time. I was not prepared for all the interruptions that come with being the business owner.... such as meetings, phone calls, picking things up, dropping things off, planning things, organizing things. These are things that can’t be ignored. It is quite difficult to also be a key player in getting the billable work done."
How has the Innovation Centre helped you…specific people and areas?
The Innovation Centre greatly assisted Tyler Bragnalo in the start-up phase of his business. He accessed a small cash injection in order to get the ball rolling. Tyler credits the success of this initiative to Judy Sander and her ability to bring the project to fruition.
Moving forward, where do you see your business heading?
Tyler "I see us settling into an efficient work flow as our skill sets within our company become more rounded and our equipment becomes more familiar. I see us exploring more automation potential. I see us working with other manufacturers, exploring advanced manufacturing solutions to their projects. I see us finding more time to focus on commercialization of some of our internal projects."