Controls engineer Caitlyn Young joins hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez for a candid conversation about building a successful controls company, navigating business with a spouse, and fostering a culture where both personal and client needs come first. Readers will find practical advice and relatable experiences on growing a company, defining team roles, and creating lasting client relationships.
Building a Controls Engineering Business in Kansas City
Caitlyn Young’s story offers an inside look at moving from an engineering background to growing a trusted controls company in the heart of Kansas City. She and her husband Brett built their reputation by responding quickly to urgent plant needs and prioritizing customer service. “We have some really great partners. Like, our clients are really great in the area,” Caitlyn explains, underlining how local relationships and market knowledge set their business apart. Their focus on being available to area manufacturers—from automotive to food processing—helped them expand efficiently without needing a dedicated sales department.
Their approach centers on being the go-to integrator when existing vendors aren’t available, especially during after-hours emergencies. As Caitlyn puts it, “If you're in the Kansas City Metro Area and your normal integrator...can't get ahold of them or it's like a Saturday night at 2AM and the plant is down hard...call us.” This ethos not only drives recurring business but also builds strong trust with local manufacturers.
Balancing Business, Partnership, and Personal Boundaries
Running a business as a married couple can be challenging, and Caitlyn’s perspective is refreshingly honest about the adjustments required. One major lesson: establishing clear roles and off-hours. Caitlyn shares, “We call it off days. I require off days. And, typically, it's Sunday...I need an off day.” Recognizing and respecting each other's needs for downtime has proven essential in maintaining both their relationship and company performance.
The couple also learned to use their complementary strengths to the company’s benefit. Brett brings focused engineering expertise; Caitlyn excels at client relations and project management. “I'm way more of a people person than him,” Caitlyn points out, which helps attract and retain customers. Being aligned on business values, such as prioritizing straightforward programming and fair client billing, makes joint decision-making smoother—critical for shared leadership.
Hiring, Team Building, and Customer Service in Technical Fields
Looking beyond just technical skills, Caitlyn stresses the importance of finding employees who share the company’s approach to service and communication. With most hires coming from personal recommendations or existing networks, the team values mutual respect and loyalty. Caitlyn notes, “Interviewing is really tough...you hope that they have some experience, but the personal side of it plays just as much of a factor.”
The company’s philosophy is evident in their commitment to transparency and support—both toward clients and internal teams. Simple, well-documented coding practices and a willingness to put customer needs above short-term profits define their way of doing business. “Just because it does work doesn't mean that it's sustainable and that it's the best solution for the client,” Caitlyn says, describing why lasting partnerships matter more than one-off wins. This has allowed them to grow a motivated, cohesive team that's invested in the company's success.
Key Quote From The Episode
“We respond very quickly and...try to make things as easy as possible. At the end of the day, while it is engineering, it is customer service.” – Caitlyn Young
Key Takeaways
Caitlyn explains how building local relationships and being highly responsive gives their controls business an edge.
- Managing a company as a married couple requires clear boundaries and an appreciation of each other’s strengths.
- Hiring in technical fields isn’t just about skills; shared vision, communication, and a focus on customer service are equally important.
Wrap Up
This episode demonstrates that company growth in technical fields hinges on reliable service, well-defined roles, and supportive team culture. Readers interested in starting or growing their own engineering business can benefit by:
- Building strong, local client relationships
- Defining responsibilities and respecting boundaries for business partners
- Prioritizing customer-focused solutions and fostering an inclusive team environment
As you grow your technical team or business, focus on fast, honest service and appreciate the different talents your colleagues bring. Set boundaries to maintain work-life balance, and don’t underestimate the impact of transparent, straightforward communication—both within your team and with your clients.
About the Guest
Caitlyn Young is a controls engineer and co-owner of a Kansas City-based controls integration company. With a background in chemical engineering from Missouri S&T, Caitlyn specializes in process controls and customer solutions, teaches PLC courses at a local technical college, and is passionate about creating sustainable partnerships with clients across the manufacturing sector.
About Our Episode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Automate Show
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