A graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) in 1978, Jeffry G. Kingsley had a wide array of choices for his career path. When his grandfather, Kenneth C. Kingsley, beckoned him to give the family business a try with the option to go his own way if it wasn't for him, Kingsley chose to give it a chance.
Some 20 years later, succeeding both his
grandfather and his uncle James Truesdell, he captains the ship
that is Kingsley Mfg. Co. of Costa Mesa, California. Kingsley took
over at the helm as president and CEO in 1991.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle seems to have been a natural transition for him. He will tell you he has done everything at the company there is to do with the exception of mold-making. Working at the family business during high school and junior college got his feet wet. What better way to really understand how a company works than to be directly involved in each process that culminates in the end result: prosthetic and orthotic components and supplies?
Kingsley Mfg. Co. manufactures and distributes its products to O&P, podiatry, and the general medical field. Kingsley is more or less happy with the company's status quo. He admits that the company has found a niche over the years, and he doesn't see that changing. There is a great demand for the prosthetics the company manufactures, Kingsley notes. Huge research and development projects are not on the horizon for the company, and he is comfortable with that. The goal of Kingsley Mfg. Co. is to continue to provide quality products and services to the O&P industry worldwide.
Helping Others
In the US there are programs that help amputees receive the prosthetic devices they need. Yet in other parts of the world, it's a different story. "There is so much crying need for land mine victims throughout the world," Kingsley firmly states. Most of the company's charitable works are done overseas through donations to agencies such as the Barr Foundation. It's a niche the company is proud of. Kingsley is personally involved in the Sons of The American Legion as well; that organization's main mission is children's charities.
O&P: Positive Choice
Kingsley has found that being involved in the associations and organizations that make up the O&P community has been a positive choice. As a matter of fact, the people he initially met at conventions early on in his career are a big part of why he grew to love the industry. The majority were generally nice people that had a real concern for those they served, and that appealed to him. "Working in a family business can have its ups and downs, but by and large, working in O&P has been fun and rewarding," Kingsley says.
His enjoyment is heartfelt. There is also a sense of great appreciation for what he has learned from all the leaders in O&P that he has had the privilege of knowing or working with over the years. There are too many to name, and all have left an impression on Kingsley.
Possibly this beneficial influence is part of the reason he has volunteered as exhibits chairman for both the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) for many years. He also served on the AOPA Board of Directors from 1994-2003. His years of service reflect the level of Kingsley's commitment and devotion to O&P. The feeling is mutual. The Academy awarded him honorary membership during the 2005 Academy Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. This is an honor that Kingsley feels privileged to have received. He has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and dedication to the O&P field, and it has been recognized by his peers and colleagues.
O&P: Surviving the Storm
"Battening down the hatches," as Kingsley puts it, and being united as an industry are what he sees as a short-term solution to deal with shrinking reimbursements and competition from other allied health professions that provide some of the same services as O&P. Down the road, he feels that facilities and suppliers that are able to lower overheads and "weather the storm" will survive. "Typically this will be easier for the prosthetist than the orthotist, who is already being bombarded by outside forces, especially in the 'off-the-shelf' arena," laments Kingsley. Building a rapport with suppliers and vendors is also crucial. He feels that most long-time suppliers in O&P are aware of the challenges that come with starting up a facility and will work with the practitioners.
Another piece of advice from someone that knows is to join and become active in the associations. Attending and participating in industry events helps you keep abreast of trends and challenges before they affect your business. Kingsley feels quite strongly about this and will convince you that it is especially vital from the practitioner end of the spectrum. He recalls a time when he used to have to explain to people outside the industry what prosthetics is. Now people will say they are familiar with prosthetics, either through television or possibly the Paralympics.
However, this familiarity is a double-edged sword from Kingsley's perspective. Congress, for instance, now "knows" about prosthetics, but still has the opinion that the costs are too high, and it doesn't fully understand the value of the product and the expense involved in manufacturing prosthetics. Advocacy programs are a vital part of the industry and have to be ongoing to continue to provide correct information to decision-makers involved in reimbursement and legislation, Kingsley believes.
Family and Fun
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| Jeff embraces his two daughters, Jennifer (left) and Allison. |
Despite his busy life overseeing daily operations at Kingsley Mfg. Co. and his many commitments throughout O&P, Kingsley does have other interests. Foremost are his wife of 20 years, Denise, and two daughters: Allison, 10; and Jennifer, 7. The girls are at a fun age, according to their adoring father, and he's enjoying every moment. A California native, he has a great love of all things connected to the ocean and hopes to pass this love on to his children. Sailing and power boating are pastimes he greatly enjoys. So Kingsley provided a "prize" at the No-limit Texas Hold'Em Poker tournament during the Annual Academy Meeting in March this year. The tourney was a benefit for the Barr Foundation. The "prize" donated by Kingsley was a full-day sport fishing trip from Newport Beach, California, on a 31' Tiara power boat including gear, tackle, bait, and beer for up to six people. The gentleman from College Park Industries that won will be sailing away with Kingsley in August! What a great way to help others and enjoy the day.
It would seem that Kingsley has become quite accomplished at putting others first through commitment, devotion, and genuine caring and being able to receive back as much as he gives. Sailing through the often rough seas of the O&P industry is no easy feat. Following the lead of those that have the skills and determination of Jeff Kingsley will be a great asset in plotting a course in the industry.
