ACE recognized as one of the Nation’s, and Chicago’s, Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in 2024!
June 24, 2024
Precision Fabricating, Precision Workflow at Ace Metal Crafts
December 11, 2024
Thirty-five years ago, Kevin Bailey followed his instincts and accepted an Estimator role at Ace Metal Crafts Company, offered by Jack Lichter, the owner of ACE at the time. Even though he and his wife were in the midst of buying a house and starting their family, Kevin believed Jack’s company was different from any company he had worked with, or for, and felt compelled to shift his career path to ACE.
That decision is the beginning of an incredible journey for Kevin, his family, and his ACE teammates, whom he considers family as well.
Over the course of his 3 ½ decades with ACE, Kevin expanded his skill set, and accepted increasingly demanding, and rewarding, responsibilities. From Estimator, to Project Manager to Shop Floor Manager, Kevin ultimately spent the majority of his ACE career as VP Operations, and then VP Engineering.
Early in his ACE career, Jean Pitzo, Jack’s daughter, took the helm at ACE, and from the beginning of her leadership career, Kevin recognized her incredible business acumen and insight for business growth,
“Jean is an exceptional leader, and I appreciate all of the support she has provided to me over the years. She saw skills in me that I didn’t know I had, and with her encouragement, I developed leadership skills and the ability to mentor the next generation here at ACE.”
The expansion of ACE’s core capabilities has grown substantially, from stainless steel fabrication to now include machining and contract assembly as well.
Over the course of his time at ACE, Kevin has found there are 4 key aspects to ensuring your team is growing and developing:
- Hire smart
- Challenge compassionately
- Mentor
- Let folks do their work
Now, as Kevin embraces a new role – retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his wife Mary, traveling and visiting their 3 daughters, who live in different areas of the country.
Perhaps not surprising, when recently asked what career advice Kevin would offer to someone considering a career change, he enthusiastically exclaimed: “FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS!”
