CASE STUDIES Kent Alder: The Discipline and Strategy Behind a $7 Billion Outcome
In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with Kent Alder, former CEO of TTM Technologies, to unpack how a quiet leader from Cache Valley helped build a $7 billion public company. From humble beginnings to orchestrating bold acquisitions and navigating industry chaos, Kent’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and vision.
Kent reveals the behind-the-scenes playbook that led TTM from a tiny PCB manufacturer to an industry giant. He shares how aligning incentives, focusing on execution over hype, and making countercyclical moves during downturns drove long-term success. You’ll hear lessons on navigating private equity partnerships, building strong cultures, and evolving as a leader across decades. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead through market chaos, think long-term, and win as a team.
- 00:00 | Introduction to Kent Alder
- 01:29 | Building TTM: From Roll-Up to $7B Public Company
- 03:19 | Competing in a Tough, Low-Margin Industry
- 04:18 | Early Career: From Finance to Circuit Boards
- 07:26 | Lessons from Early Mentors and Risk-Taking
- 08:26 | Turning Around a Tiny Manufacturer
- 10:29 | Becoming CEO and Strategic Expansion
- 13:46 | Partnering with Private Equity
- 15:04 | Going Public and the Dot-Com Era
- 22:21 | Navigating the Dot-Com Crash
- 26:14 | Acquiring Honeywell Assets in a Crisis
- 29:29 | Acquisitions That Worked: Culture & Fit
- 30:09 | Buying Back Tyco: Integration and Vision
- 32:14 | Incentive Structures and Company Culture
- 34:48 | Strategic Discipline in a Commoditized Market
- 36:18 | Customer Relationships as True Partnerships
- 39:18 | Leadership Through Crisis & Market Cycles
- 43:20 | Personal Growth as a CEO
- 45:56 | Lifelong Learning & Team Development
- 49:39 | Delegation and Building Teams at Scale
- 53:31 | Working the Night Shift: Leading by Example
- 55:52 | Legacy, Succession, and Long-Term Culture
- 59:42 | Sacrifices, Travel, and Company Dedication
- 01:03:19 | Legacy: Impact Over Titles
- 01:06:04 | Marriage, Support Systems & Family Balance
- 01:09:14 | Faith, Values, and Navigating Trade-offs
- 01:12:26 | Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
- 01:13:58 | The Misunderstood Journey of Success
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