Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore
Apple Podcasts 
Castro 
RSS Feed In this episode, Dave sits down with Alan Pollard, Vice President of SATCOM Antenna Products at CPI, to discuss the unique success story of CPI’s Kilgore, Texas operation. The conversation traces CPI’s impressive 50-year history and global reach as the world’s largest antenna systems supplier. Alan shares how Kilgore’s available resources, skilled labor, and welcoming community made it a logical and strategic home for a world-class manufacturer in the heart of East Texas.
They also talk about community partnerships that have been key to CPI’s growth, including working with the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and local educational institutions. Alan highlights CPI’s cutting-edge advances like AI integration and 3D printing, and reflects on how Kilgore’s supportive and collaborative culture, affordable cost of living, and diverse workforce have enabled the company—and other incoming businesses—to thrive. Alan also offers advice for any business owner considering relocation to Texas and to smaller markets like Kilgore that offer big advantages.
Key Topics Discussed:
- CPI’s evolution from RMS and Vertex to a global leader in antenna manufacturing
- Why Kilgore was selected and remains the hub for CPI’s operations
- The company’s worldwide impact, supplying both commercial and military markets
- Community partnerships: Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore College
- Recruitment and labor strategies, from skilled labor to engineering talent
- Emphasis on community integration, support, and STEM education
- Adoption of emerging technologies: AI and 3D printing
- The appeal and value of doing business in smaller Texas communities
- Alan’s advice for businesses considering a move to Kilgore or Texas overall
- Local culture, dining, and quality of life in Kilgore
About the Gone to Texas Podcast
Gone to Texas is the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection, hosted by "Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD.
We share real stories from business owners, CEOs, economic developers, and community leaders about relocating, expanding, and growing a business in Texas.
If you are researching where to expand your company in Texas, our conversations can help you understand the people, places, and business conditions behind successful Texas growth decisions.
What You'll Discover
Gone to Texas explores topics including Texas business expansion and relocation, economic development, manufacturing, workforce, infrastructure, available business sites, community development, incentives, quality of life, and the real-world decisions companies make when choosing where to grow.
Explore more:
Browse all Gone to Texas episodes
Search available Texas business properties
Thinking About Expanding or Relocating Your Business to Texas?
The Texas Economic Development Connection helps established businesses explore Texas communities and connect directly with the local economic development professionals who can help them evaluate locations, properties, workforce, and growth opportunities.
No runaround. No guessing.
Message. Match. Move.
Start exploring your Texas expansion.
Follow Gone to Texas
Follow Gone to Texas on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and hear more real stories from the people building, expanding, and growing businesses across Texas.
Gone to Texas | Texas Business Expansion, Relocation & Economic Development
If you would like to learn which region in Texas is right for expanding or relocating your business, click here to take our complimentary assessment or connect with us today for more information.