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.
YouTube Chapter Summary:
00:00 Start
01:44 CPI’s 50-Year Legacy in Kilgore
02:12 Global Reach of Products from East Texas
03:19 Community & Employee Pride
06:05 Why CPI Stays in Kilgore – Land, Labor, and Community
07:43 Attracting Global Customers and Employees
08:50 Working with Community, EDC, and Labor Partnerships
10:22 Sourcing Skilled Talent Across East Texas
11:12 STEM Engagement, Internships, & Workforce Development
12:44 Community Collaboration and Support
13:01 Looking Ahead – CPI’s Future Innovations
14:14 Kilgore’s Local Economic Growth
15:05 Keeping Up with Rapid Industry Changes
16:03 Kilgore’s Best Local Restaurants
17:28 Advice for Businesses Relocating to Texas
