faces of the frontline: manufacturing’s all stars

When you meet Karnel “KC” Chevry, his infectious energy and larger-than-life presence are impossible to ignore. “KC is probably the happiest, most jovial person I’ve ever met in my life,” says Rudy Branham, Processing Director of Production at McEntire Produce.

KC’s 15-year journey at McEntire’s plant in Columbia, South Carolina, has been nothing short of transformative. Starting as a temporary worker, he rose through the ranks with an unyielding passion for learning and a knack for embracing new challenges. His eagerness to master Redzone — the #1 connected workforce solution — has not only fueled his success but has also empowered countless others to excel.

Transforming Resistance Into Results

Twelve years ago, McEntire turned to Redzone to improve production processes, but the initiative faced some resistance from employees. However, that didn’t stop KC from recognizing Redzone’s potential to transform operations, and he quickly became its biggest champion. When the company decided to make Redzone mandatory for the entire workforce, KC guided employees through the change and helped them get on board. “When they started seeing the results of it, that’s what made them start utilizing Redzone more,” says KC. “That’s why we are where we are today.”

KC recognizes that McEntire’s success ultimately stems from its people, and he’s made it his  mission to ensure every employee can work to their fullest potential. By equipping workers with proficiency in Redzone, KC empowers them to take ownership of their roles while also improving morale. Using Redzone’s real-time performance metrics, he shows employees how their contributions directly impact the company’s success, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and engagement while also encouraging some friendly competition during shifts. “In general, Redzone gives the employees more passion,” says Shawn O’Leary, Operations Manager. “That creates a culture where they want to do good.”

Fostering Skills, Teamwork, and Purpose

KC’s journey at McEntire Produce began humbly as a temporary General Laborer, but his dedication to growth propelled him through roles like Machine Operator, Assistant Supervisor, Senior Supervisor, Plant Manager, Second Shift Manager, and now plant-wide Training Coordinator.

KC credits his success to his commitment to continuous learning, particularly his mastery of Redzone, which has been instrumental in his ability to train and empower others. As Training Coordinator, KC is focused on equipping employees with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their roles and advance in their careers while fostering teamwork and a sense of purpose.

To achieve this, he developed personalized training programs known as skill blocks which break down complex systems into manageable steps, making tasks easier to master. KC’s patient and engaging approach to training has driven measurable results, including a 31% reduction in attrition. His efforts have transformed the company culture, creating a more engaged, skilled, and cohesive workforce. “Redzone has changed the culture, making employees feel more engaged with the company,” says KC. “The training shows them that we care about their career and their advancement and that it bridges that communication gap.”

An Advocate for Technology

Initially adopted to improve efficiency on the production floor, Redzone is now embraced by leadership to streamline processes and enhance oversight. Unlike earlier days when managers had to walk to different areas to see what was happening or to respond to issues, they can now use Redzone to see what’s happening at different parts of the floor and offer assistance. “I can stand there with the platform and be in more than one place at a time,” says KC.

KC’s training initiatives ensure employees at all levels not only understand how to use Redzone but also recognize its value in their roles. Employees today rely on the platform to make informed decisions and stay engaged. “If an operator detects an issue with their equipment, they go into Redzone and say, ‘Hey, I hear something, I see something,’” says Alan Smith, Continuous Improvement Manager. “Or in maintenance, they use Redzone to schedule preventive maintenance tasks.”

Redzone’s advanced metrics and analytics allow KC and the leadership team to identify past inefficiencies and predict future challenges. Its success on the production floor has sparked interest across the organization, and KC is now set to lead Redzone’s expansion beyond the production floor and into areas such as shipping and supply chain management. “We’re starting to bleed into shipping, trucking, and supply chain,” says KC. They’re pulling us in because they see our results.”

Impact on Operational Excellence

The real-time production insights available in Redzone have allowed teams to identify inefficiencies, track performance, and take immediate corrective action. All of this has led to plantwide adoption and improved operations. “If you’re engaged with employees and make sure they have a complete understanding of how Redzone is going to help their lives, especially in their career, they gravitate towards it,” says KC.

KC has used Redzone as a tool to foster communication and collaboration across departments, effectively breaking down silos. Through regular team huddles supported by real-time data, employees work together to find solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. KC’s championing of Redzone has optimized every aspect of operations. The results speak for themselves: consistent achievement of production targets, staying well under budget and minimizing downtime. “KC’s leadership has done an excellent job,” says Rudy. “We make all our production on time, our cost is well under budget. A lot of that’s from KC’s training and Redzone. I can’t imagine us running this plant without Redzone. It’s a godsend.”

Vision for the Future

Under KC’s leadership, McEntire Produce has become a place where employees feel valued, heard, and inspired to deliver their best. But for KC, boosting production, improving communication, and empowering employees are just the beginning. He now plans to drive the company toward even greater success by implementing Redzone in other areas of the business.

KC views training as an ongoing journey where employees continually gain competence and take ownership of their roles. By merging technological expertise with hands-on leadership, KC has helped position McEntire as a benchmark for operational excellence in the industry. His work exemplifies how innovation, teamwork, and a focus on continuous improvement can drive success in a competitive landscape. “KC shows a lot of passion in everything he does,” says O’Leary. “I appreciate it, it makes my job easier.”

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