Mike Akard, President and CEO of ACT MANAGEMENT, Inc., dba AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT), leads with a commitment to integrity and community impact. Under his guidance, ACT has excelled in providing top-quality commutators and slip rings, while also fostering strong industry relationships and actively giving back to local communities. Mike’s leadership emphasizes both innovation and a people-first approach, ensuring that AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) remains a global leader in its field.
Building a Better Way: Leadership, Innovation, and the Path to AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT)
In the spring of 1990, Mike began his career in the commutator industry with a small Canadian manufacturer, joining the sales and marketing team. Promoted to Marketing & Sales Manager shortly after, he used the Electrical Apparatus Service Association’s (EASA) directory to secure new clients across the U.S., resulting in a significant increase in sales. Mike notes, “Overall company sales increased significantly as a result of the many new customers I brought on board through EASA.”
Noticing inefficiencies in the sales process, Mike developed “Insta-Quote,” a custom software program he created that provided automated quotations in real time, revolutionizing his job’s efficiency. However, his forward-thinking approach conflicted with his employer’s reluctance to move beyond their existing model. He explained, “Upper management chose instead to focus on the extreme profitability of the existing model rather than providing an even higher level of customer service to strengthen relationships.” At the time, Mike’s employer’s product size range limitations concerning the vastly more plentiful smaller & growing number of high-performance commutators eliminated it from contention when quoting many commutator repair/replacement projects….after asking potential customers for opportunities to quote their work, Mike researched the global market using limited resources available at the time and found an English manufacturer to supply many of the units his employer was incapable of producing. This quickly became a significant portion of overall gross sales as a result of there being considerably more of this type of work throughout the electric motor repair service industry, but Mike’s employer wasn’t interested in pursuing learning to design and manufacture these types of units in-house.
Mike criticized the company’s “backward-thinking” approach, which also often replaced skilled employees with less experienced ones, noting, “The first-generation original is always better than the photocopy.” In September 1993, after a brief vacation during which he stayed connected with work, Mike was unexpectedly fired, despite his unwavering commitment to the company. Shortly after, the owner of the English commutator company Mike had previously worked with offered him a new opportunity. The owner asked, “Do you think you could still sell my commutators in the US market like you have been doing?”
Mike founded ACT, and immediately began overseeing U.S. sales and operations. He incorporated the company on October 20, 1993, and by January 1994, secured a lease for ACT’s U.S. facility. Mike quickly assembled an experienced team, many of whom had faced similar “training your replacement” situations. AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) was built on a foundation of innovation and customer service, with Mike asserting, “We were committed to WINNING from day one,” leading to the establishment of a successful business in a competitive industry.
Innovative Advancements and Unmatched Service Excellence in Commutator Manufacturing
AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) is a leader in commutator and slip ring manufacturing, known for its innovations and exceptional delivery speeds. Its 24/7 production schedule ensures continuous operation, minimizing customer downtime and maintaining high service speeds that no other manufacturer throughout the industry, from anywhere in the world, has offered in past nor to present day.
The company introduced the ACTive G-FORCE CERTIFICATION!™, which is an additional step following completion of routine manufacturing and verifies that high-performance V-ring commutators withstand testing at a minimum of 150% of the maximum rated RPM and while cooling from a minimum of 300°F while maintaining perfect stability. This certification process significantly enhances reliability for high-speed applications and provides repair facilities with cost savings due to increased durability, improving their shop’s own reputation. It is provided at no additional charge for all V-ring type commutators with RPM ratings over 1,699. Through experience, ACT has learned that the physical science involved in exposing commutators to excessive speed they will never see in normal operation while also cooling down from elevated temperatures well above anything a healthy motor would ever experience puts significantly increased vulnerability of the stability of the commutator segment pack into play. Passing these rigorous tests while remaining completely stable absolutely proves “tightness” for longevity above and beyond any standard “click of a torque wrench” during the common static seasoning utilizing compression to squeeze the commutator segments inward. It’s a basic principle of physical science and it, like several other examples, has brought about AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) adopting the slogan “Commutators & Slip Rings BACKED By SCIENCE!™” and subsequently the phrase “WHEN YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!™” being included on all of ACT’s advertising efforts. According to Mike Akard, “it’s because there’s truly a HUGE difference!”
ACT also offers another unique service: ACTive UNDERCUTTING!™, a pre-undercutting service that helps electric motor service shops by simplifying final machining process reducing time and costs. This value-added service is typically provided at no additional charge.
The company’s latest advancement includes custom-designed MAZAK CNC milling machines, which have more than doubled production speed and accuracy. ACT’s proprietary tooling and new clamping system have further enhanced the milling speed and precision of copper bars used in commutators.
The Key to Round-the-Clock Production
AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) secures its position as a global leader in commutators and slip rings by assembling a diverse team of industry experts, Mike refers to as the “ACT Family.” This team includes highly skilled craftsmen and women, often veterans from other commutator manufacturers, who bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to excellence.
ACT has implemented a unique, worker-friendly shift schedule that covers every hour of the day, including nights, weekends, and holidays, ensuring continuous, year-round production while providing employees with a flexible work schedule to help improve their lives with their own families outside of work. With a dedicated team and strategic scheduling, ACT consistently delivers superior service and reliability, especially since competitors’ factories are closed much of the time while ACT is producing top quality products, allowing it to meet customer demands efficiently and maintain its leadership in the industry.
Compliance as a Competitive Edge
In the commutator and slip ring industry, adhering to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Military Specification (MIL-Spec) standards is crucial for product reliability and longevity. Mike highlights that “compliance with OEM and/or MIL-Spec requirements is being ignored by more than one other vendor,” resulting in “non-compliant products that are extremely more likely to experience issues,” affecting the machinery’s stability and lifespan.
He cites General Electric’s Glassband-type commutators as an example of stringent specifications. GE invested “countless hours designing and testing” these components, setting exacting standards for materials and manufacturing. However, some manufacturers “sidestep these requirements” to cut costs and save time, leading to lower-quality products.
AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) stands out by strictly adhering to these standards. Mike asserts, “We KNOW it makes a tremendous difference for reliability and longevity for the end-user customers globally.” To affirm their commitment, ACT includes a patriotic Red, White, & Blue seal on every product to certify compliance. Mike warns, “If you DON’T see that Red, White, & Blue seal CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE, YOU DON’T WANT IT!”
Commitment to Perfection, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships
Pursuing perfection and continuous improvement is crucial for Mike. He asserts that “the most important challenge I face is to never become complacent” and likens his approach to racing, noting, “The fantastic car and driver that was a big winner last year won’t be nearly as competitive this year” without constant improvement.
To maintain AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT)’s leading position, Mike emphasizes relentless daily effort, recognizing that competitors are always eager to take their place. This drive to refine every detail ensures ACT remains ahead of its rivals.
Mike also prioritizes creating a safe, engaging workplace and is committed to innovative recruitment and team growth, despite a competitive labor market. He stresses, “Every member of the ACT Family is our most important asset” and compares recruiting top talent to NCAA Football, noting, “It’s vastly easier for the teams that regularly win championships to have their pick among five-star recruits.”
ACT thrives on strong partnerships with top-quality suppliers and OEMs, ensuring exceptional product quality and adherence to delivery schedules while avoiding common supply chain issues. Mike emphasizes that the company’s success lies in “win-win, mutually beneficial partnerships” with vendors and customers, which are crucial for both past growth and future expansion. “Everyone involved is stronger as a result,” he notes.
Cultivating Innovation Through a Dynamic Work Environment
Mike fosters innovation by embedding a culture of continuous improvement into every aspect of operations. He critiques the “That’s the way we’ve always done things!” mentality as a barrier to progress and advocates for a culture of continuous improvement as a core goal.
Mike emphasizes that attitude is crucial, and despite the busy environment, the facility is kept clean and inspiring to reflect this mindset. The shop is designed like a “championship arena,” featuring motivational quotes from celebrities, personal mentors, and humorous “Don’t be this guy/gal!” banners intended to promote a positive attitude and help employees understand “the why behind the what.”
Mike contrasts this with past experiences where employees only “trained their replacements,” resulting in a loss of understanding about why certain procedures were followed. At ACT, he explains the technical reasons behind each process, believing that “knowing the reasoning behind us doing it that way” leads to better practices and innovations.
AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT)’s Commitment to Unmatched Customer Service
At ACT, achieving complete customer satisfaction is a primary goal for every project. Mike underscores that this commitment is not just a promise but a core principle: “Complete Customer Satisfaction is THE primary goal.”
To exemplify this dedication, Mike provides his personal cell phone number in all correspondence, ensuring customers have direct access to him at all times. His phone is always on, reflecting ACT’s commitment to around-the-clock support. “Downtime can be insanely expensive,” he notes, emphasizing the need for immediate assistance when equipment fails.
ACT’s approach includes proactive after-sales service, with each shipment accompanied by survey questions on postage-paid warranty registration cards. This feedback is vital for continuous improvement. Over the past three decades, ACT has responded to customer needs by introducing services like ACTive UNDERCUTTING!™ at no additional charge, a unique offering in the commutator industry.
Strategic Goals for AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, ACT is focused on expansion and innovation. In 2024, the company strengthened its team with additional sales and customer service staff to uphold its reputation for prompt service. Mike highlights, “We’ve expanded our physical presence to South America, Australia, and Europe, aiming to assist more global customers with ACTually CERTIFIED COMPLIANT!™ commutators and slip rings.”
ACT also excels in global emergency services, providing rapid delivery to address critical equipment failures. Mike plans to attend EASA events in Portugal and other professional expositions to further extend ACT’s reach.
Looking to the future, Mike is preparing to transition leadership to his granddaughter, Camron Nipper, who has been involved with AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) from a very young age and is currently completing her Business Management degree. Mike’s goal of completely eliminating any sort of “training my replacement” mentality is a key priority along the way, ensuring Camron not only understands what needs to be done, but also why it needs to be done so that she is ready to continue ACT’s global leadership in commutators and slip rings with knowledge & understanding others don’t offer.
With Camron’s extensive background and ongoing mentorship, ACT is set to remain at the industry’s forefront by blending innovation with seasoned expertise.
Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Niche Markets
For aspiring entrepreneurs targeting success in niche markets, integrity and tenacity are essential. Mike stresses that honesty is crucial: “Your word is the very most important attribute you can ever have. Your word is your bond.” A reputation for honesty opens doors, whereas deceit creates burdens that are difficult (if not impossible) to overcome.
Mike shares a personal lesson from his grandfather about perseverance, reflected in a banner inside AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) that reads: “Instead of coming up with 10 excuses/reasons why you can’t do something, give the world one solid example of how you worked to overcome every obstacle and made it happen.” This quote highlights the importance of tenacity, a principle central to ACT’s success.
Additionally, Mike advises outworking competitors: “If you’re doing more than all of the others to be the very best, you’ll soon find yourself at the very top.” His approach, inspired by the “Eye of the Tiger” mindset from the Rocky movies, emphasizes the value of relentless effort in achieving and maintaining success.
Influence of Personal Philosophy on Leadership Style
Mike’s leadership style at AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) is deeply rooted in his personal values of respect and familial connection. He consistently treats every member of the ACT team as a family, embodying this principle daily. “I’ve said ACT Family several times… it’s truly how I feel and act towards everyone involved with ACT,” he asserts.
This approach extends to all past and present members, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions. Mike’s respect for each team member’s role is a key factor in maintaining ACT’s position at the top of the industry. His leadership reflects a commitment to valuing and supporting his team, fostering a cohesive and motivated work environment.
Committed to Industry Leadership and Community Engagement
Mike and AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) are committed to giving back to both the industry and the local community. Beyond providing high-quality products, Mike offers technical advice to extend the service life of electrical apparatuses, which reduces immediate service needs and builds goodwill with service shops.
ACT supports the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) through event sponsorships and webinars, benefiting international members. Locally, the company contributes to community welfare by sponsoring sports activities and Independence Day celebrations for underprivileged foster children and their families. Additionally, ACT has partnered with a local ice-skating rink to offer free lessons and upgrade equipment as part of a prominent community program.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACT donated over 25,000 N-95 masks to first responders and healthcare facilities. Mike’s commitment also extends to his role as an elected County Commissioner, where he dedicates significant time and effort to local governance with minimal financial compensation. He plans to step down in 2026, potentially passing the role to his granddaughter, Camron, demonstrating his dedication to both business and civic responsibility.
Conclusion
Mike Akard’s leadership at AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) exemplifies a blend of unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and a deep commitment to both industry excellence and community support. His focus on integrity and continuous improvement drives the company’s success and sets a standard for impactful leadership in the business world. As AKARD COMMUTATOR of TENNESSEE (ACT) continues to grow and expand globally, Mike’s vision ensures that the company remains at the forefront of its industry while making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.
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