A year after high school, Chris Sweat’s life took an unexpected turn when he took a break from college to get a full-time job and take care of his little brother. His journey in the manufacturing world began on the assembly line, where he rolled up his sleeves and immersed himself in the intricate processes that brought products to life. “Those early days were a mix of learning, adapting, and discovering the ins and outs of the production floor,” said Sweat.
He eventually stepped into a supervisory role where his focus shifted from being part of the process to leading and managing the team that brought everything together. He continued to take on more and more complex positions. In 2019, he joined Stanek Tool as an operations support manager.
“The values of the company and its long-term vision resonated with me, solidifying my decision to put down roots at Stanek,” said Sweat. By January 2023, he was named the president of the company.
Stanek Tool, LLC, is a supplier of precision machined parts, custom gauges and complex assemblies to the defense, energy and aerospace markets.
“I never forget my roots on the assembly line,” said Sweat. “It was those early experiences that grounded me and helped me connect with the teams I’ve led. I understand their challenges, appreciate their hard work and aim to create an environment where they can excel.”
From the moment he began working at Stanek Tool, Sweat jumped in to implement new process to embrace a new direction. He was instrumental in modifying the organizational chart to right size the organization, added elements to the quality system to increase capabilities, continued to invest in new equipment and began reporting monthly metrics at an all-employee meeting, ultimately brining visibility and transparency to the team.
By 2022, business had doubled, and the firm began looking at succession planning. Under Sweat’s leadership, the company has established a pipeline of new business and has positioned the company for growth.
What sets Sweat apart from others is his emphasis on fostering a growth environment that’s holistic and human centric. “I recognize that success isn’t only about technical skills, but also about creating a collaborative culture and retaining the right talent,” he said. “I am in the fight with my team, and I roll up my sleeves and dive into the problem areas, as needed.”
It’s the people he works with that fuel his passion as a leader, said Sweat. It’s his ability to motivate and lead by example that has lead Sweat to the Titan 100 list.
