The day kicked off with an introduction to the company followed by a tour where the visitors were broken into groups of three to experience how the different departments within NK practice lean principles. Katie Godfrey, Director of Sales and Marketing explained how her team embraces the visual aspect of lean. Every morning at 10am her team meets for a standing meeting at a large white board in the lobby where projects in process and new ideas are discussed and prioritized. Michael Naughton, NK’s Director of Engineering talked about how his team implemented lean into their meetings using visual whiteboards to keep everyone accountable and on track. After the internal office tour, groups were brought out on to the production floor where Production Manager, Tim Phelps showed how the company is using technology effectively by having a large dashboard displayed where all employees can see if they are meeting expectations. Lastly, the groups also received a tour of the cells, were shown how the production line keeps products moving and learned from CEO, Alix James how lean practices were even used in the Accounting Department.

The remainder of the day the AME attendees learned about the Andon Light System and how it is utilized for Continuous Improvement within the company. An andon light is a lean manufacturing term that basically is a system that is put in place to bring an issue to everyone’s attention so it can quickly be addressed and resolved so go production and/or the office can go back to running smoothly. The guests even had a chance to experience one first hand when Customer Service called an Andon Light. The day ended with some general Q&A and a quick wrap up. Overall, it was a success and the NK team enjoyed the opportunity to host the event and hear feedback from those who attended.

In addition to the bumpers, we’ll be selling pink Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter. The advanced Kestrel models that come with impeller covers will have a breast cancer ribbon engraved on to the cover while the basic line will have a breast cancer ribbon on the slip cover.

This idea to support breast cancer was inspired by one of NK’s very own employees, Marie Johnson, who is a nine-year survivor of the illness and suggested it would be a great way to support the cause. Since then, the idea has inspired the office and we’ve heard several stories of how breast cancer has affected many of the NK team. If you see any members of the NK team around town, you’ll notice they’ll be sporting a custom NK THINKS PINK t-shirt or hoodie, where $5 from each sale will go directly to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

NK decided to partner with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (“DBCC”) after hearing what a strong support network they offer for those with breast cancer. Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated to the DBCC goes directly to the women in need. The organization also pairs each newly diagnosed woman with a breast cancer survivor who is the same age as them to help them through tough times. To learn more, visit their website.

We realize what a wonderful cause this is and we anticipate a lot of support from our customers, friends, and dealers. If you are interested in buying your pink Kestrel today, visit the NK Thinks Pink section of the website and order while supplies last!

Also, please feel free to share your story of how breast cancer has affected you or a loved one.

Rowing News will also be giving a free Blue Ocean Rugged Megaphone to the winner of their current contest which is being promoted in their magazine. For more details regarding the contest, be sure to pick up the latest issue.

The NK team found the sessions held over the next two days to be very beneficial for both the dealers and the internal staff. The summit kicked off with a tour of the NK facility and an educational presentation from NK’s Production Manager, Tim Phelps, where he discussed Lean Manufacturing Principles. Other sessions included “Tech Support”, “Returns and Repairs”, “Key Kestrel Markets”, “Competition”, “New Product Development” and other product specific topics.

One particular presentation that was extremely well received was given by NK’s tenured Director of Engineering, Michael Naughton.  Michael highlighted all of the products NK has designed as a direct result from either dealer or end user requests. He touched on the product development cycle and how everything starts at the customer/dealer level and moves through the internal process at NK. For example, the customer brings an idea of existing issue to NK’s sales or support staff, the sales team then communicates the idea to the Engineering team who designs the product, pushes it through to production at NK, which filters back through Sales/Marketing to reach customers and then ends up back in the hands of the dealers and customers. Michael mentioned that if a dealer of customer has a need, NK will seriously evaluate the idea and consider turning it into a product. Just a few examples in which NK has done just that include the Blue Ocean Rugged Megaphone,  the Kestrel 4500 with Horus Ballistics software, and the Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker. The team at NK strongly encourages all of our customers to keep us informed if they see a potential opportunity for a Kestrel meter to add in a new measurement or software.

The new Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker was the highlight of the summit since it was released only two short weeks before the summit. Kestrel Sales Manager, Liz Spina, was able to answer questions regarding the newest addition to the Kestrel line of weather meters during her presentation. Since launching the product, we’ve already seen significant interest and sales are on the rise. A few of our dealers mentioned they’d like to see the Kestrel 4400 (at the time only offered in a standard safety orange) with the option of an olive drab or desert tan case to cater more toward their military customers.  Ask and they shall receive, as of yesterday (4-18) the NK team had a meeting to make it happen and we will soon be offering the two new colors as an option in the Heat Stress Tracker.

During each day of the summit, NK hosted a lunch with open discussion. This was a great way for our dealers and sales team to come together and identify areas for improvement and share strategies. There was a lot of good discussion and everyone learned many things about how the NK dealers market to their customers and how NK can better support them going forward.

The team at NK is already looking forward to planning next year’s summit and with all of the feedback received, the staff expects a big turn out. For now, some of the videos taped during the sessions are being posted to Kestrel TV on YouTube, so feel free to take a look.

]]> http://nkhome.com/news/2012/04/kestrel-pocket-weather-meters-presents-the-1st-annual-dealer-summit/feed/ 0 http://nkhome.com/news/2012/04/use-your-kestrel-meter-check-your-local-humidity/ http://nkhome.com/news/2012/04/use-your-kestrel-meter-check-your-local-humidity/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:06:54 +0000 meg http://nkhome.com/news/?p=988 NK, home of the Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter is located in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania for those of you reading this that didn’t know.  We have heard all day that we were under a fire watch. Just out of curiosity, a few members of the Sales & Marketing team, Karen, Ben, and Tommy took a Kestrel meter outside to check the measurement of the relative humidity in the air. It was at a surprising 20%, which is very low for this area, especially at this time of year.

Have you checked your relative humidity in your area today?

Unfortunately as the humidity drops, the chances for brush fires increase, so it never hurts to be prepared and keep a close watch on the humidity readings in your neighborhood. Shortly after NK team members checked our the conditions outside, word of a local brush fire broke where 2 homes and the surrounding areas were caught in the fire. [http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8614022]

The relative humidity reading is such an important parameter to review because its behavior from day to day can really be a warning sign of things to come. The Kestrel 3500 and Kestrel 4500, both which measure relative humidity among other things, are the tool of choice for many Wild land Firefighters to help them gauge potentially dangerous situations. When the humidity gets too low and the winds pick up, using their Kestrel meter to know their conditions can help them proactively assess the situation to better prepare.

For more information on our weather meters, use this tool to determine which Kestrel is best for you.

For those reading this that don’t know, WBGT is a crucial measurement that has been referenced in many published work and activity related guidelines. This specific parameter is used in sports and professions across many industries to prevent heat related illnesses and deaths. After years in the works, Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters now has a solution to measure WBGT in a rugged, affordable instrument.

With the release date only one day ago, we have already received a large amount of orders and with the hot weather just around the corner, we expect more customers to prepare for the season by ordering their Kestrel 4400.

The list below represents the types of markets that will be most likely to use this product, we are looking forward to seeing what additional industries have a need to measure heat stress and WBGT:

• Athletes (highschool, college, professional)
• Athletic trainers
• Military training units & medics
• Law enforcement medics
• Industrial hygienists
• Construction supervisors
• Others working in extreme heat conditions

When compared to the competition, the 4400 offer several desirable advantages including the following:

• Fraction of the size
• Less than half of the cost
• Equal or better accuracy
• Fast response
• Simple user interface

To promote the Heat Stress Tracker, the Kestrel girls will be attending several events including the AIHCE show for industrial hygienists and the NATA show gear toward athletic trainers.

We strongly recommend you purchase yours today by clicking here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

For the first time, we are going to officially introduce our friends and fans to the wagging tailed pals of NK in a little segment we like to call Doggie Diaries. Each week, we’ll feature a different four-legged employee and share a little information about their experience working at NK. Please feel free to chime in or share your stories about your own pup.

First up is the lovely Miss Dazey.  Dazey has been coming to NK for over 10 years and most likely has the best attendance record in the entire company. When asked what type of breed she is, her owner, our Director of Sales and Marketing, Katie Godfrey, refers to her as a North Philly special. Dazey now lives the life of luxury, having the privilege of coming to work every day. Even on days her mom is traveling for a trade show, Dazey still manages to make in it in (with the help of Katie’s husband who also works at NK). But Dazey wasn’t always so lucky; she is actually a rescue dog from the Philadelphia SPCA who only had a few more days left before Katie scooped her up over a decade ago.

Lucky for Dazey, she now has the life! You can find her lounging under Katie’s desk throughout the day to catch some z’s or laying under a conference room table during Katie’s meetings.  Her favorite things to do are to take naps and get petted. When Dazey is looking for some attention, she gives a little wet-nosed nudge to the person’s hand she is closest to so she can get a nice belly rub or pat on the head. Sometimes she can be pretty persistent.

Don’t be fooled by her age, although Dazey is 12 years old, she still has exceptional hearing. If anyone even mentions the word “T-R-E-A-T” around the office, Dazey comes running with the energy of an eight-week old puppy until she finds the treat holder. She will do just about anything for a treat including giving high “tens” or her showing off her award worthy performance as “circus dog” walking in circles on her hind legs.

One thing Dazey is known for is her Halloween costumes, every Halloween we can be sure Katie will have Dazey decked out in a goofy outfit for the holiday. Some of NK’s favorites have been Wonderdog, the Cheerleader, and how can we forget the memorable Princess Laya?

Dazey definitely brings a smile to the face of all who interact with her throughout the day, in fact many of NK’s employees who aren’t dog owners themselves, keep a stash of treats at their desk for Dazey and her fellow doggy friends. Hopefully if you’re ever in the area, you can stop in and meet Dazey and the rest of the NK Crew!