LEARN TO LEAD PROGRAM FOCUSES ON REAL-WORLD STRATEGY
Duke Manufacturing, based in Sedalia, has been a trusted name in the design and production of commercial foodservice equipment for decades, serving clients around the globe. The company is known for its innovation and reliability, focusing on operational excellence, team development, and continuous improvement. Duke identified a need to strengthen leadership skills across departments, recognizing that high-quality leadership is essential to sustaining a productive and engaged workforce.
Through funding from Missouri One Start’s Customized Training Program, Duke partnered with State Fair Community College (SFCC) | The LearningForce. Together, they created a customized Learn to Lead program aligned with Duke’s values, processes, and leadership goals. Focused on real-world strategies, the program covered communication, conflict resolution, motivation, time management, and leadership mindset.
SFCC | The LearningForce successfully delivered the Learn to Lead program to more than 80 managers and supervisors, from experienced technicians to those new to leadership roles on the production floor. Attendees shared impactful takeaways, learning how to “effectively control and present information to others based on variable situations” and “approach situations differently based on personality.” Attendees also learned the importance of effective communication in building trust and understanding.
“My teams have all commented that they are using many of the tools that were covered in the trainings to improve their daily interactions with their teams,” says Bill Blackaby, Plant Manager at Duke Manufacturing. “The Supervisors and Leads believe they have more open communication with their teams because the team feels like they are being heard.”
“Partnering with Duke Manufacturing on the Learn to Lead program has been a shining example of how customized leadership development can drive lasting change,” says Amy Jackson, Executive Director at SFCC | The Learning Force. “Seeing over 80 supervisors and managers embrace these tools and apply them on the floor is exactly the kind of impact we strive to deliver. Their investment in people and culture is positioning Duke for long-term success – and we’re proud to be a part of that journey.”
About Missouri One Start:
Missouri One Start is a Division within the Department of Economic Development. Training programs are administered regionally by local education agencies (LEAs). In addition to meeting certain eligibility criteria, companies must be making a capital investment five times greater than the amount of training funds they receive.
