Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/991733
24 Hartford Business Journal • June 11, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com By Andy Thibault Special to the Hartford Business Journal O n a Sunday 40 years ago, electron beam welder trainee Bob Balboni walked onto the floor at KTI Inc. in East Windsor and found the owner, Howard Orr, working the line. "This guy's out on the floor actually running a machine," recalled Balboni, who now works on a process-improvement team at KTI. "He did whatever needed to be done." They were inspecting reels of saw-blade mate- rial, looking for defects. The process to make a superior saw at KTI involves putting a harder edge on flexible backing. The electron beam or laser welding of dissimilar metals is done in an airless chamber. If any air gets in, the welding is defective. "With the advent of OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration]," Orr recalled, "this product became very popular." Orr, now 71, was comptroller of KTI in 1971. He became debtor in possession and ultimately president at age 24 as the company emerged from bank- ruptcy and long-term litigation over propri- etary technology. "I didn't know what I was doing but I had guts," Orr said. "Because of my ambition and wanting to succeed, I dedicated ON THE JOB Guiding business principle: Work hard. Treat all employees, customers and vendors fairly and with respect. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Listen to the needs of your customers. Continue to improve and meet customer needs. Proudest accomplishment: Putting together a group of high-tech companies that complement each other and continuing to serve on several nonprofit boards at the same time. Goal yet to be achieved: Successful transfer of ownership of the KTI Group of companies. Favorite part of the job: Watching employees grow their skills and advance in the company. Least favorite part of the job: Complying with state and federal mandates and finding suitable and affordable medical coverage for my employees. Personal touch in your office: Pictures of my favorite vacation spot, St. Kitts, BWI. JUDGMENT CALLS Best business decision: Guiding KTI through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1971 at 24 years of age. Worst business decision: Investing in KTI before it entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Biggest missed opportunity: Not being born into a wealthy family. Best way to spot trends: Read industry journals and articles to stay abreast of change. Next big move: Retirement Your pet peeve: Staying organized and being on time. PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Suffield (lifelong resident) Favorite way to relax: Working at Hilltop Farm, a nonprofit educational farm in Suffield. Hobbies: Golf and gardening Last vacation: Ireland, May 2018 Favorite movie: "I can only Imagine" The car you drive: 2017 Cadillac, 1957 Cadillac and 1948 Willys Jeepster Currently reading: "Darkest Hour," by Anthony McCarten Favorite cause: Caring for the sick and underprivileged in our society. Second choice career: Farmer Guts, diligence, hands-on leadership Howard Orr Owner/President, KTI Inc. Size of organization: 47 employees Highest Education: MBA from Western New England College Previous job(s): Hamilton Standard, Financial Analyst "Because of my ambition and wanting to succeed, I dedicated my time and efforts even though I had very little business experience." HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2018