Daviess County CEO Cohort Learns Lessons in Resilience at K & K Industries. On September 3, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to visit K & K Industries, a local manufacturing company specializing in truss production. Hosted by owner Nelson Knepp, the visit provided students with an inside look at both the business of manufacturing and the personal experiences that have shaped the company over the years.
K & K Industries recently celebrated an incredible 50 years in business. Nelson shared that the past year had been the most successful year in the company's history—a milestone made even more meaningful considering the many challenges the company and family have faced along the way.
The conversation began with a powerful message from Colossians 3:12, encouraging people to live with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. That message became a fitting foundation for a discussion centered on character, relationships, perseverance, and gratitude.
Nelson shared the remarkable history of K & K Industries and the adversity the company has overcome. The business experienced a devastating fire that required a complete rebuild and later endured a tornado that once again forced the company to reconstruct its operations. The family also experienced the heartbreaking loss of Nelson's father, Abe Knepp, who founded the company, in an aviation accident.
Through each of these difficult moments, K & K Industries continued moving forward with the support of family, friends, employees, and other local businesses. Their story demonstrated to the Cohort that strong relationships can become one of a business owner's greatest sources of strength during challenging times.
Nelson also challenged students to think about the importance of attitude and how the way we approach life's circumstances can help shape who we become. He encouraged the students to practice gratitude, remain aware of the needs of others, and focus on what truly matters.
Some of the key messages Nelson shared with the Cohort included:
++ Don't let outside noise dictate your worth.
++ Life is fragile, and every day is a gift.
++ People and relationships can be some of life's biggest challenges.
++ Pray more and worry less.
++ Competition can be good and can push businesses to improve.
++ Quality products and excellent service matter.
Nelson explained that his father, Abe Knepp, believed that if you provide good service and a high-quality product, you will be successful. That philosophy continues to guide K & K Industries today.
Students also had the opportunity to tour the K & K Industries facility and see the truss manufacturing process firsthand. Nelson demonstrated the company's advanced 3D imaging technology, giving the Cohort a glimpse into how innovation and technology are being used to improve the manufacturing process.
When asked about competition, Nelson offered an encouraging perspective. Rather than viewing competitors solely as a threat, he explained that competition can motivate businesses to become better, improve their products and services, and continue growing.
The visit to K & K Industries gave the Daviess County CEO Cohort much more than a look inside a successful manufacturing business. Students left with lessons about resilience, relationships, gratitude, quality, service, and the importance of maintaining the right attitude when facing adversity.
The Cohort sincerely thanks Nelson for opening his doors, sharing his family's story, and providing students with lessons that extend far beyond the business world. His story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not simply about what a business builds, but also about the people, relationships, values, and perseverance that help sustain it.