Michael Vipond (2004 Graduate) and Todd Stone (1984 Graduate)represent the best of the Monmouth College business graduates. They both came to Monmouth from middle class backgrounds and have become executives for General Grind in Aledo, Illinois. General Grind was a “job shop” for years, doing things CAT, John Deere, and Harvester did not want to do. They made and forged steel parts.

Today, with the work of Michael, Todd and a vibrant CEO, General Grind is one of the largest employers in Mercer County and boast millions in annual revenues and over 400 employees.  According to Michael and Todd, General Grind’s secret to success is their willingness to invest in new technology and adapt to a changing market.

One strategic advantage is the size and scale of their operation. Another is the dedication and attention to detail and deadline that make Michael, Todd, and General Grind so dependable. The company processes and manufacture parts with 4 million pounds of steel monthly. They utilize just in time inventory and produce some of the largest parts for their customers–including axles for mining trucks that are almost two feet in diameter and support the largest commercial trucks four stories high!

Michael is the CFO and focuses on the relationships with customers, banks, insurance companies, and vendors. Todd focuses on the production process and the employees. Both commented on the importance of obtaining a college degree for the challenges in management, but believe that on the job training is always important since “you don’t know, what you don’t know” until you face a new opportunity or challenge. That was the case when the management team decided to diversify into gun shaft production. It took General Grind time and investment to learn the business, but when the ag business became soft in 2008, the gun business grew and took some of the excess capacity.

We discussed the trend towards less vertical integration by its customers so that they can achieve better financial returns. With this trend it is important for General Grind to continue to become more efficient and monitor its own profitability. Based on Q1 results, they are tracking towards the best year ever.