Kevin Carr

CEO, FloridaMakes, Orlando

FloridaMakes is a statewide public partnership directed at strengthening and advancing Florida’s manufacturing economy and providing high-wage, high-skill employment opportunities for Florida manufacturing workers. Carr has been leading FloridaMakes since its founding in 2015. He was a principal architect of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Carr has led the establishment of centers similar to FloridaMakes in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico.

EDUCATION: Widener University (BS)

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. He never ceases to amaze me on his depth of understanding about Florida’s economy, the dynamics within and among the various sectors, and the key factors (policy, talent, infrastructure, quality of life, etc.) influencing our business successes and failures.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: It comes to me when I have an overwhelming pile of work or chores in front of me: ‘As long as you’re doing one thing, something is getting done.’

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: It was passed down from my grandfather (who I did not know) to my father, and through him to me: Every person, regardless of their station or circumstances in life, has something you can learn from them.

RECOMMENDED READING: The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America, by Oren Cass

IF I WERE GOVERNOR
“There is currently no office or position within Florida government or committee oversight within the Legislature dealing specifically with the promotion, advancement or advocacy of the manufacturing sector as an industry. I would likely put a person in charge of this vital and growing sector.”