Two decades, one constant presence: Tara Utt-Kunnas recognized nationally as a Woman of Excellence

MANSFIELD — Tara Utt-Kunnas has spent more than two decades at Weiss Industries navigating ownership changes, economic downturns and company transitions — work that earned her national recognition as one of MetalForming Magazine’s Women of Excellence in Metal Forming and Fabricating honorees.

According to MetalForming Magazine, the annual recognition is designed to highlight women “from the corner office to the shop floor” who demonstrate excellence in their roles and help move their companies forward while inspiring the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

The program is supported by the Precision Metalforming Association and the Women in Manufacturing Association, which also work to expand opportunities for women in the industry.

Utt-Kunnas said she felt surprised when she learned about the nomination because she originally suggested nominating owner Laurie McKeon.

“I was a little shocked,” Utt-Kunnas said. “I have never done anything great, never done anything exceptional, it was just a matter of coming to work every day consistently over 20 years.”

Utt-Kunnas said consistency was one of the main reasons she was nominated, noting through the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 and changes in ownership, her steady presence never wavered.

“You never know how much those little things add up over the years,” she said. “Just having someone there that is always consistent was important through all those things.”

Her role includes overseeing employee benefits, financial reporting and payroll processing.

Company leaders credited her with helping implement expanded employee benefits, enhanced payment processes and streamlined payroll systems after the McKeon family acquired Weiss Industries.

“Tara’s history of promotions reflects her dedication, strong work ethic and deep understanding of the company’s culture and needs,” her nominator wrote. “Her achievements go beyond her title; she has earned the respect and trust of colleagues, and has played a critical role in both the operational and people-oriented aspects of Weiss Industries.”

Following her mother’s path

Manufacturing always sat in the background of Utt-Kunnas’ life because of her mother, Karen (Sue) Robinson, who worked at Weiss Industries from the mid-1990s until 2012.

“I am literally sitting at her desk,” Utt-Kunnas said.

After high school, Utt-Kunnas attended college without a clear career direction before turning to her mother for advice.

“I called my mom and asked if she thought I would like accounting like her and she said, ‘I think you would love it,’” Utt-Kunnas said. “She said, ‘I think it’s just right for you.’”

Utt-Kunnas later returned to Ohio after living in South Carolina, started at Weiss Industries as a receptionist and learned directly from Robinson before taking over after her retirement.

She praised both the Weiss and McKeon families for supporting her throughout her career.

“They have always been good to me and always been encouraging and provided great opportunities,” she said.

Utt-Kunnas noted while manufacturing in Richland County has declined some over the years, seeing so many small businesses and women-owned companies continue to succeed is inspiring.

She said she has noticed more opportunities for women in manufacturing during her career.

“It was pretty unspoken that women just didn’t belong, because you didn’t see women in these positions,” she said. “But I’m starting to see more and more when we have customers or vendors visit, it’s women in these roles.”

In her Women of Excellence bio, Utt-Kunnas said her mother’s example shaped how she viewed women in manufacturing.

“Seeing her hard work and confidence, I never thought to question the role of women in the manufacturing industry,” Utt-Kunnas said in the bio. “I hope that I am able to inspire another generation of women to pursue careers in manufacturing.”

Utt-Kunnas is now raising daughters of her own and said she works hard to teach them they can have successful careers as well.

“In whatever field they choose,” she added. “And they can still be feminine, raise families, contribute to their church and communities and reach their goals.”

Encouraging the next generation

Utt-Kunnas’ nominators described her as a role model for younger employees and women entering the industry.

“Tara demonstrates that leadership is not one-size-fits-all,” her nominator wrote. “It can be both quiet and strong, steady and adaptable, built on a deep care for both people and processes.”

Utt-Kunnas said she had many mentors throughout her career, including Al Thompson, who encouraged her during the transition into leadership.

“He just always believed and said, ‘You can do this,’” Utt-Kunnas said.

When asked what advice she would give younger girls interested in manufacturing, Utt-Kunnas kept her answer simple.

“Don’t limit yourself,” she said. “Don’t let your gender limit you at all. Know that you are capable of anything.”