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I n a world where looking out for number one is the norm, Garman Kimmell,

a research engineer, stands apart from the crowd. In 1948, when Black, Sivalls, & Bryson relocated its engineering division to Kansas City, Garman’s family was hesitant to leave their home and move to a different location. Garman did what was right for his family and resigned. Instead of looking for work elsewhere, which would have been the easiest option, Garman joined forces with his previous boss, Gwynne Raymond, alongside a former accountant for B. S. & B., Ernie Sanders, and decided that they would break out on their own and start a new company, Kimray.

Because Garman had signed a non-compete agreement with his previous employer, B. S. & B., he couldn’t sell any of his own inventions for three years. Instead, Garman signed a royalty agreement with a designer named Parks to produce a low pressure gas back pressure regulator. The problem was that Parks’ valve was faulty. Garman believed that he would be able to fix the flaw, make a profit,

and maybe even revolutionize the oil and gas industry with this new, simpler valve. As he moved forward, Garman not only fixed the valve, but was also able to make his valve less complex than the more elaborate valves on the market. This also made the valve easier to use and fix.

As Kimray grew, this same courageousness continued at their core. A year after Kimray had begun, Raymond left, and it was discovered that Parks’ valve patent was invalid. Nevertheless, Garman continued to fulfill his contract with Parks and

pay the royalty fees, because “a good name is better than silver or gold.” as Garman would often say. Mr. Parks later told Garman, “Everybody else welched out, but you completely fulfilled your contract with me.”

Having his trust in the Lord, Garman Kimmell was courageous enough to stand up for what he believed to be the right thing. He had courage

to start and continue a company even when his fellow founders chose

Red Iron ProducerK I M R AY ’ S M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R J U LY 2 0 1 7

GARMAN KIMMELL’S LEGACY

different paths outside of Kimray. Today Garman’s courage and life of integrity come alive in our core values, and this legacy is something we at Kimray can be proud to call our own.

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To me courage is the ability to think outside the box. You accomplish more. It may get you in trouble, but better this than staying in the box where you accomplish little or nothing.

Johnny Reeves, Sales III

I think courage is the result of taking action be-cause of one’s belief in what and whom they put their faith in. If I am where God wants me to be, then, regardless of the circumstance, there is no safer or better place for me to be. The courage demonstrated in the world around us is only evidence of trusting God and knowing He is in control.

Clay Glass, Warehouse Lead

Courage to me is facing a difficult situation with a good attitude and the mindset that it will work out for the best. For me, this comes from know-ing that God is in control and knows what’s best for me. God is sovereign, and His plan for us is much bigger than the season of life we are in, good or bad.

Kyle Andrews, Product Application Tech

Speak boldly when you believe you have a good idea.

Be dependable to obey rules and show character, even when others don’t.

Responsibly admit when you’re wrong to co-workers or clients.

Have the humility to ask for help when you need it.

Take initiative to help others build character by confronting them or going to supervisors about wrong workplace behavior.

Honestly give credit to others who deserve it.

Resolutely stand up for your convictions.

How To Be

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CASTING MASTERS

K imray team members attended the Casting Master’s class at Dotson Iron Castings to learn

more about this process and how it can improve Kimray’s way of life. Almost every product line Kimray offers has multiple castings within the valve with different size, materials and shape. Here’s what a few people had to say about what they learned:

“As a new buyer to cast-

ings, I felt the Dotson

Casting Masters Pre-

sentation and plant tour

was very informative, and it

provided me with a better understand-

ing of the casting process from start

to finish. Although all of the informa-

tion was helpful, the most beneficial

to me was the in-depth information

Dotson provided on new job start-up

to include design, quoting, and cost

savings.”

–Kelly Simpson-Brown Buyer

“I enjoyed the class tre-

mendously! I learned a

lot about castings and

the technology that

Dotson is using to accom-

modate the requirements we have and

how we as an organization can benefit

from having training sessions like this

in the future.“

–Dustin Armstrong Quality Manager

“When we can involve

the foundry early in the

design phase, engi-

neers from both organi-

zations can work together

to help develop a product that is more

cost effective and eliminate scrap is-

sues at the beginning of the process,

which means a more reliable, cost-ef-

fective casting. This helps Kimray to

eliminate costs in scrap and waste.

Over 45% of our total spend at Kimray

is on castings. This allows Kimray to be

more strategic with the funds we have

available.”

–Jennifer Sweet Purchasing Manager

“The results of a develop-

ment project are better

when Engineering col-

laborates earlier with

Manufacturing. This is

true even more so when it comes to

the design of a cast part, with early in-

volvement of the foundry.”

–Brian Mueller Process Engineer

“For our future state pro-

cesses to be repeatable

and reliable, especially

as we automate our pro-

cesses, we must partner

with foundries that have similar goals

for their own processes. We saw clear

evidence of this in how Dotson oper-

ates their foundry. They pay careful

attention to details that reduce errors

and reduce or eliminate in-process in-

ventory. Processes that promote flow

to reduce lead time, safety systems in

place to protect the operators, and IT

centric systems to promote quality as-

surance in their processes were all too

evident.”

–James Schlecht Process Engineering Manager

One half of the pattern Flask placed over the first pattern

One half of the mold (cope)

Other half of the pattern Flask placed over the second pattern

One half of the mold (drag)

Assembled molds Casting through the gating system

The solidified casting

HOW CASTINGS ARE MADE

F A M I LY F U N E V E N T S

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July 20 – July 27Dive-In MoviePelican Bay Aquatic Center, Edmond7:30pm-10:00pm$5

Pelican Bay is hosting Dive-In Movies every Thursday in July! Gates open at 7:30 and movie begins at dusk. The two last movies of the month are Finding Nemo and The Lego Movie.

July 20 – August 3Concerts in the ParkChisholm Trail Park, Yukon7:00pm-8:30pmFREE

Features a series of live concerts of varying genres—classic rock, country, patriotic, classical, and pop—every Thursday evening.

July 20 – August 31Summer ThursdaysGaylord-Pickens Museum, OKC10:30amFREE

You are invited to join story time, craft creation, and a special Thursday activity that changes every week ranging from Discovery Day to Fairy Tale Day. More details at oklahomahof.com.

July 22Flick & Float: The GooniesMustang Aquatic Center7:00pm-10:30pm$3

Late night swim party and movie on the water. Live music, door prizes and the concession stand will be open. More details at facebook.com/mustangparksfoundation.

August 5Slip N’ Slide Family CelebrationFamily of Faith Church,Choctaw9:00am-12:00pmFREE

Celebrate back to school with a hundred-foot Slip n’ Slide, free food and school supplies, plus fun inflatables, and water games!

August 5Kid’s DayNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC10am-12pmFREE

A Native American tradition, stickball, a variation of baseball, will be facilitated on Museum grounds by staff members for children to experience a piece of their nation’s heritage.

August 11Movie in the Park: “The Secret Life of Pets”Central Park, Moore7:00pm-11:00pmFREE

BAKERSFIELD TEAM SPOTLIGHT

I n the year 2000, Tom Hill asked Jess Ring, a long-time independent distributor for Kimray, if he would jump-start a Kimray store in California. Jess agreed and be-

gan his new adventure. Jess partnered with Steve Copeland, and they both began training so they could open Kimray’s store in Bakersfield, California.

From the beginning, Jess and Steve saw the need for a valve that could work with the unique steam injectors used to pump California’s extremely thick crude oil. A solution needed to be found, because as steam was added to the oil it became incredibly hot, and this degree of heat was melting the gaskets in normal valves. Working together, the teams in Oklahoma City and Bakersfield redesigned parts of Kimray’s valves to make sure the inner parts didn’t melt because of the steamed oil. Using the expertise of Kimray engineers, they created a reliable valve for the heated oil of California.

Since its beginning, the Bakersfield store has grown considerably and now provides service to many custom-ers in California, not just Bakersfield. With very little gas in California, the Bakersfield store works mostly with oil pumps, and Kimray’s unique valve provides a great solu-tion to meet the needs for the California environment.

Brett Copeland Shop ForemanWhat is your favorite thing about living in CA? Being

able to hit the beach, the mountains, and the desert all in the same day.What is something you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy

golfing, surfing, and woodworking.How long have you worked at the CA store? 3.5 years

Deborah Walters Inventory Coordinator and PurchasingWhat is your favorite thing about living in CA? Here in

California we have 5 major baseball teams and 3 major football teams. We’re just hours from mountains and beautiful beaches like

Glass Beach and Pfeiffer Purple Sand Beach. We have Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Hearst Castle, Universal Studios, Hollywood, tour of the stars, and the walk of fame. What is something you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy paint nights with my kids and friends, short term mission trips, heading to the shooting range (my youngest son can outshoot me), and just hanging out with my two boys (18 and 16).How long have you worked at the CA store? Eleven years this August.

Hugo Sanchez Shop/Field TechnicianWhat is your favorite thing about living in CA? My favorite

thing about living in California is the diversity that allows me and my family to experience different music, activities and food.

What is something you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy spending my time outdoors with my family and friends.How long have you worked at the CA store? 5 years

Jared Vaughan Operations SupervisorWhat is your favorite thing about living in CA? The

ability to do/enjoy just about anything and everything: log cabin in the forest/mountains, snowboard on the slopes, sunset on the

beach, boating out on the lake or ocean, zoos, aquariums, museums, sporting events, concerts,

and theme parks galore. What is something you enjoy doing for fun? Most of my enjoyment is spent with my beautiful wife and two young daughters. We enjoy going to Disneyland when we can. My wife and I love the rides, characters, activities, and history of it all. Our girls love the princesses and the ability for them to dress up/become little princesses themselves. It is something that we can all really enjoy together as a family.How long have you worked at the CA store? 6 years

Steve Copeland District ManagerWhat is your favorite thing about living in CA? From

Bakersfield, we are two hours from the beach and also two hours from the mountains with giant sequoia trees.

What is something you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy traveling with my wife of 30 years (as of July 3rd). We have traveled to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and have gone on cruises in the Caribbean and Mexico.How long have you worked at the CA store? 17 years

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

The Central Plains Sales Team attended the Sandridge Family Day on July 12.

The Safety Team hosted Kimray Kids at Work on July 14.

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Ryan Bramlett Assembly

Joshua Bruner Shipping Clerk

Christopher Burkhart

Machinist III

Frederick Cabading Assembly

Christopher Carr Assembly

Bobby Cochran Machinist III

Samuel Conrey Machine Operator

Timothy Cunkle Machine Operator

Jeff Fuentes Assembly

Daniel Guidino-Martinez Assembly

Kyle Gustafson Industrial Engineer

Justyce-Lee Hankins Assembly

Ardar Hicks Assembly

Lawann Howard Warehouse Clerk

Perry Humphreys Warehouse Clerk

Joshua Lee Assembly

Christopher Mann Shipping Clerk

Debbie Matthews Assembly

Joshua McCormick Warehouse Clerk

Sharicka McCoy Assembly

Ver’Neil Moore Assembly

Jennifer Nunez Warehouse Clerk

Jeremy Orndorff Machinist I

Alma Pando Assembly

Nathan Piper Shipping Clerk

James Post Assembly Trainer

Victor Quezada Warehouse Clerk

Laboni Rozario Staff Accountant

Cecilia Sauer Induction Operator

Jean Pierre Sawanga Assembly

John Schultz Machinist I

Clinton Short Assembly

Jackie Stingley Machinist III

Joel Tackett Assembly

JoLisa Taylor Assembly

Alfred Vela Shop Technician -

KSS Houston

Wesley JamesMachinist I

Joy Copu Communications Summer Intern

Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Bobby BrownRetired after 39 Years of service

Paul Anzaludo Promoted to

Assistant Operations Manager

Christopher Nourse

Promoted to Machinist II

Terry Tidmore Promoted to Machinist III

CALENDARJuly 23

Closed Bid Auction

September 4 Labor Day

Kimray Closed

September 15Night at the Ballpark

September 13-15Distributors Meeting

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FOOD FOR THOUGHTw i t h B r u c e B a r t e a u x

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

Ephesians 6:10 NASB

We may not realize just how important the words “in the Lord” actually are. We were

designed by God to be powered by His strength. We need Him for power infinitely

more than a car needs fuel. Without fuel, a car is just a very expensive driveway or-

nament. Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” I believe He meant that, because we are

created in his image, we can do nothing without him.

Bearing God’s image in this world requires courage. There’s so much opposition to God’s design for

both man and the world He created for us to enjoy. It’s a real battle to live according to His design. The only

way we can be this courageous is by realizing we are not alone. Scripture tells us, “The Lord is my helper, what

can man do to me?”

When Moses passed the baton of leadership to Joshua he said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and

courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The strength and courage we need to live life in a way that honors God is by and through His strength in us. In

Acts 1:8 we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses

both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Being a witness for God is

far more than speaking words, it’s the life we live. To live a life that is honoring to God, we must simply allow Him to guide us

in each moment. Then, in faith, we can act as He directs.

“… He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “the Lord is

my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 NASB

“Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” Psalm 54:4 NASB

f kimrayinc i company/kimray-inc x KimrayIncOklahomaCity

OUT OF STATE ANNIVERSARIES

JULYCHARACTER QUALITY

CourageOvercoming fear by saying and doing what is right.

KIMRAY.COM © 2017 No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recorded, or photocopied form without written permission of Kimray Inc.

Contributors: Ashley DeKock, Joy Copu, Lynly Grider, and Robert Greenlaw