Erie, Pennsylvania – November 11, 2021 – Kane Innovations, a leading architectural products manufacturer based in Western Pennsylvania, recently announced the promotion of Curt Johnson to Vice President of Operations. In his new role, the former operations manager will place an intense focus on Kane Innovations’ corporate growth strategy while continuing to oversee the day-to-day functioning of all manufacturing facilities between Erie, PA and Kane, PA.
Johnson began his career at Kane Innovations over 25 years ago. Following graduation from Kane Area High School in 1996, he secured employment with the company that same year as an assembly worker in the fabrication shop.
“Being a kid fresh out of high school with no real work experience, I didn’t get a call back from my initial interview,” said Johnson, “so I continued to ‘drop in’ and worked to convince managers Dick Armstrong and Lenny Johnston to give me an entry-level position at the K2 shop.”
His persistence paid off and led to a rapid ascent within the Kane Innovations production department over the last quarter-century.
Johnson advanced to the paint line and press room at the start of the new millennium, before being promoted to production supervisor in 2007. More responsibility followed several years later, in 2015, when he was moved into operations management.
Johnson attributes his consistent upward mobility and overall knowledge of metal products fabrication to hard work and support from respected colleagues.
“Most of what I’ve learned over the years has come from on-the-job experience and lessons learned from spending a lot of time with a couple great mentors: President Mike Show, and former General Manager, Jim Russell.”
Additionally, Johnson was not short on compliments for the Kane team in terms of culture and opportunities for growth.
“Kane Innovations has a great reputation of grooming and promoting its people. Most of the department heads have been promoted to their current roles,” said Johnson. “Kane, in general, is an open-door type of company where communicating and collaboration are part of our daily lives. I appreciate the culture here,” he said.
When asked to share words of wisdom for those interested in career development and progression, Johnson said he recommends treating everyone with respect and establishing oneself as a person who solves problems instead of just identifying what those problems are.
In a statement released last month, Kane Innovations President Michael Show said, “Curt’s role as VP of Operations serves to make our manufacturing the very best in our industry and to prepare it for future growth. Curt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position, and I am confident he will excel.”
Johnson, an avid golf enthusiast, resides in Kane, PA with his wife and four children.
