Forty Under 40: David Kinney

Three years ago, David Kinney accepted the biggest challenge of his career. His family business of making stereo speakers was losing sales to overseas competitors. Kinney’s father, who established Wood Specialty Products Inc. in 1970, began considering leasing the company to an outside interest.

Instead, Kinney took the reigns as president, changed the name of the company to WSP Inc. and rewrote the company’s business plan. WSP all but withdrew from the stereo business, delving instead into a variety of services, including worldwide product distribution, promotional display manufacturing, and packaging.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Sam’s Club vendors, Office Depot and Radio Shack are some of the accounts for WSP. Last year’s revenue measured about 40 percent higher than Kinney’s original business plan projected.

“We’re excited about the future,” Kinney said. He credits his strong work ethic for enabling him to make the necessary changes. When he finishes in the office, Kinney will sometimes drive a forklift or shrink-wrap products in the 120,000-SF plant.

“Not everyone does that,” Kinney said. “Most work an 8-10 hour day, and that’s it.”