As written in the Kutchins, Robbins & Diamond Summer Newsletter 2018

In 1986, Steve Kase acquired a company that had been around since the end of the WWII. That company, now known as ASK Power, had its beginnings in manufacturing lighting components and connectors for military vehicles. With an eye for the future, Kase took the company in new directions and began designing and manufacturing connectors for consumer truck and off-road vehicle market applications.

What are electrical connectors? In layman’s terms, connectors are used to move big power from point A to point B, from the source to the application. Examples include truck batteries to lights and wind-turbine generated power to power conversion equipment.

Connecting. Helping. Growing.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 things really took off for the company. Rebuilding from the disaster created a supply vs. demand situation that in turn created opportunities for ASK Power. Most importantly, it gave ASK Power the opportunity to help people get their daily lives back to normal. It also allowed for opportunities to expand into utility and telecommunication marketplaces.

“After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, ASK Power was able to jump in and hit the ground running. Our existing product line, manufacturing know-how, and committed employees can design
and begin production of an entire product line in as little as 48 hours,” Kase notes.

A Connection for the Future

When inquired about the company name, Kase offers two responses: the first direct and to the point, the second more accurately reflective of the company’s culture and mission.

“ASK is an acronym for my father’s name, my name and our last name. But ASK stands for so much more,” notes Kase. “In our industry, you don’t survive just by saying you’re good. You have to deliver. And that begins by asking the right questions. Asking how can we improve the process, how can we innovate, how can we exceed expectations.”

He has found an effective solution for improving processes, innovating, and exceeding expectations is to look beyond ASK Power’s four walls and to a community of his peers and colleagues.

One such community is mHub, Chicago’s innovation center for physical development and manufacturing. The vision behind mHub is to provide the facility as well as workforce training through special events, workshops, classes, seminars and one-on-one expert consulting.

“Being together in one space may seem simple. But, it’s the unpredictable magic that occurs when a need and capability share a home,” explains Kase. “mHub is that innovation experience. A belief that a community of innovators can deliver exponential entrepreneurial, product and process development, and successful employment results.”

Lasting Connections

When it comes to creating lasting connections ASK Power and KRD know how to get the job done. Since the two began working together over 15 years ago the relationship has flourished, with KRD helping ASK Power in a variety of areas including; navigating an acquisition, leadership turnover and strategic growth to name a few.

“KRD has been on our side through thick and thin,” commented Kase. “As a financial and strategic coach through critical growth junctions, Allen and his team have proved invaluable. Max Kopytko from KRD also stepped in and acted as our de facto CFO when a former CFO left to pursue other opportunities. He even helped us in identifying and training a qualified replacement.”

As a former competitive swimmer, Kase uses a fitting analogy to describe their relationship. “KRD is like a lifeguard, looking out for our well being, ready to jump in when the waters start to get choppy.”

ASK Power believes expanding the skills and roles of the front line manufacturing personnel creates valued workers who can evolve with automation and maintain quality careers.