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KMC Controls® is the solution for smart buildings and even genius buildings. Since 1969, it has been an independent American manufacturer of open, secure, and scalable Internet of Things (IoT) and building automation technology solutions. By teaming up with leading technology providers, KMC creates innovative products that help customers increase operating efficiency, optimize energy usage, maximize comfort, and improve safety.

Born from one such partnership, KMC Commander™, KMC’s IoT solution, began as a vision to unite building systems across networks, protocols, and locations in a single, web-based mobile platform. Committed to making the solution truly open, affordably scalable and as secure as possible, KMC set out with tech leaders Intel® and Dell to promote IoT and prove that collaboration is the only way to be successful when approaching this new connected concept. After advising Dell on what to include in an IoT gateway, the 5000 and 3000 series Edge Gateways, with Intel inside, were born. All the while, KMC developed the cloud platform that would drive the solution and finally make IoT a real possibility.

A Distinguished Leader

Richard Newberry is the CEO of KMC Controls. He currently leads all aspects of the company and has led corporate development, new product innovation, and competitive strategy for the company since 2014. He has more than 30 years of executive and general management experience in the energy, oil and gas, technology manufacturing, and building automation segments. Richard always strives to apply a total solution view to guiding innovation and forging strategic partnerships with industry-leading technology firms. Currently, he leads KMC’s collaboration with Silicon Valley tech giants developing revolutionary solutions for connecting building automation systems to IoT.

One of Richard’s proudest career achievements was KMC Commander being named an Intel IoT Market Ready Solution. This program brings scalable, end-to-end solutions to a variety of industries that can benefit from the stream-lining, cost-savings and data gathering that IoT offers. “For KMC Commander to be verified by Intel was quite the honor," says Richard.

A Blend of Learning and Challenges Create True leadership

From restructuring an automotive and recreational vehicle manufacturing in very challenging economic times to leading a company through a successful IPO, Richard loves challenges and really enjoys leading teams and individuals to accomplish much more than expected. He believes diversity builds character and strength for the next challenge.

Committed to Deliver Customer-Centric Solutions

KMC Controls develops products that are customer-minded, using state-of-the-art technologies. The company looks and listens to the customer, working with them to fill their needs with solutions that are easy to purchase, install and use. Customer commitment doesn’t end there. The company’s products are backed by a knowledgeable team that supports the client and ensures successful implementation and use of the products. The KMC advantage is found in the company mission statement: “Innovative and intuitive solutions from responsive and supportive people.”

Business Recognition and Awards

On awards and achievements, Richard says KMC Controls has been recognized by:

  • 2018 ControlTrends Award “Race to Small Space Solution of the Year” – KMC Commander
  • 2017 ControlTrends Award “Building Automation VAV Controller of the Year” – KMC Simply VAV
  • 2016 ControlTrends Award “Light Commercial Solution of the Year” – KMC Commander
  • 2015 ControlTrends Award “Building Automation VAV Controller of the Year” – KMC Simply VAV
  • 2014 ControlTrends Award “Building Automation VAV Controller of the Year” – KMC Simply VAV
  • 2015 IBCon Digie Award “Best Intelligent Building Technology Innovation” – KMC Commander
  • BACnet International Leaders of the Pack 2010 St. Bernard Award for tireless efforts and outstanding contributions to the BACnet International Community.
  • The Silicon Review as one of the “10 Fastest Growing IoT Companies in 2017”
  • CIO Bulletin as a “30 Admired Companies to Watch 2018”
  • CIOReview magazine as “50 Most Promising IoT Solution Providers 2016”
  • Insights Success Magazine in “The 20 Most Innovative IoT Companies to Watch 2018”

Moreover, KMC Controls received at least 16 different awards from BACnet International in recognition of various success stories in utilizing BACnet.

Building Client Relationship to Drive Innovation

Richard believes companies must work to build the relationship with a client. KMC Controls is dedicated to its clients. It listens to their needs, offers them assistance and training, and works with them to make sure its products are the solutions they are looking for.

An example of this continuous innovation and customer awareness is KMC’s KMD Translator, a device that translates its pre-BACnet proprietary protocol, KMDigital, into BACnet. This was created based on customer demand. Clients now can bring their KMDigital devices up-to-date, even allowing them to join the IoT with the addition of KMC Commander. It also allows clients to enjoy the benefits of the IoT without replacing their entire system.

Tough Times Paving Way for a Successful Journey

Richard feels there are always struggles along the way, but one of the biggest is swimming against the tide by embracing change. In an industry that is historically slow to adopt new technology, demonstrating and convincing others of the coming digital transformation was initially a challenge. While there is still work to be done, the conversation is absolutely changing from persuasion to demonstration and it’s incredibly exciting!

The Path Ahead

According to Richard, predictive analytics and machine learning will be disruptive over the next several years. The power of data has been unleashed by the proliferation of open-source software and the lower costs of building sensors. The impact of the IoT will be bigger than the Industrial revolution.

Encouraging Budding Leaders

In his advice to emerging business leader, Richard says, “If you want to start a business in our industry you need to embrace the power of data, the need to get relevant real-time data available on any device, the power of the cloud and the need for a subscription model to provide value to your customers. The old transaction-based approach and resistance to new ideas is a thing of the past. You need to use innovative leadership approaches to beat your competition. Our industry has always been slow to adopt new technologies but that has changed, and smart buildings are the low hanging fruit for IoT.”