Nick Risner
Nick Risner, Production Lead, McCullough Industries, Kenton, OH
McCullough Industries 2024 Coach of the Year. Fosters collaboration with a positive mindset and encouraging work environment. Says anything worth doing is worth doing well.
Born and raised in Kenton, Ohio, Nick Risner joined McCullough Industries in May 2019 as a day-shift welder. After three years as a welder on first and third shifts, Joe Casey, then General Manager at McCullough Industries, approached Nick about a production lead position on day shift.
Nick says, “Joe saw potential in me I hadn’t yet recognized in myself and asked if I would consider a production lead position on day shift. I accepted the new opportunity and moved to first shift as the production lead.” And this is where he continues to work today.
The support Nick received along the way from his coworkers and mentors made a real difference. Supervisor training, Train-the-Trainer courses, and education through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Safety Congress and the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) Safety Conference helped him become more confident in his role, while Bob Osbun, retired Operations Manager, taught him practical ways to work more efficiently and productively. He also credits Joe for believing in him and giving him an opportunity that changed the direction of his career.
“Nick is a hardworking and dependable team member who brings a strong work ethic and high energy to everything he does. He consistently gives 100% effort, frequently going above and beyond to meet or exceed daily goals. He maintains a positive and constructive mindset, approaching challenges with resilience and confidence, while remaining humble and supportive. He’s able to lift team morale and stay focused in difficult situations, fostering a collaborative and encouraging work environment,” says Joe Casey, now Director – Manufactured Metal Products.
One of Nick’s proudest moments came in 2024, when he was named Coach of the Year, one of the special employee awards presented annually at McCullough Industries. It’s a fitting honor for someone whose leadership style is grounded in respect.
“I always treat others how I want to be treated,” Nick said, adding that Respect is the Core Value he best represents. His approach also demonstrates Integrity: earning trust through everyday actions, treating people fairly and consistently doing what is right.
The people around him keep him motivated. Nick likes being part of a team of hardworking people who challenge him to improve and bring his best each day. That same drive shapes the way he handles tough assignments. “Usually I just dig right into it and go full steam ahead. When you need something done, you can count on me to get it done,” he said.
For those just getting started or anyone building a career with the Company, Nick’s advice is simple: “Whatever you do, you might as well give it your all and do it well.”
