At PRO-TECH Design & Manufacturing, our success depends on the dedication and teamwork of our very talented staff who go above and beyond. One such person is Kai Thao, a Line Lead in our St. Paul, Minnesota office, who brings calm leadership, hands-on experience, and an easygoing style that keeps his team running smoothly.
Kai joined PRO-TECH about three years ago through a local staffing agency. What began as a temporary position quickly turned into a full-time opportunity, thanks to his strong work ethic and natural leadership abilities. He was promoted directly to Line Lead, where he now manages a four-person team focused on production of a key customer’s product.
“Right now, my job is all about planning schedules, training new people, and keeping our line running efficiently. I make sure my team knows what needs to get done, and I try to keep things running smoothly.”
When Kai first started, he had help from someone he continues to credit today: Vivian, his manager, who took the time to train him. “Vivian really helped me learn the process,” he says with appreciation. That sense of collaboration and mutual respect has shaped the way Kai now leads his own team. His approach to management is laid-back but clear-cut— “I’m pretty chill,” he admits, “but when it comes to what needs to get done, I make sure people follow through.”
“When coaching/training Kai in a short amount of time he has the ability to consistently deliver high-quality work. He sets standard of excellence that motivates the entire team. The results exceeded expectations. Very grateful for his commitment.
-Vivian Villanueva, Production Supervisor
Before joining PRO-TECH, Kai’s career path took him in a few very different directions. He worked for a year installing tires at a tire shop and, before that, managed a fast-food restaurant. While neither job involved medical devices, both taught him important lessons about teamwork, accountability, and working under pressure. “In the restaurant business, everything had to move fast all the time,” he recalls. “At the tire store, it was hard labor, lifting and installing tires all day. PRO-TECH feels different—it’s organized, steady, and the people make it enjoyable.”
Born and raised in St. Paul, Kai heard about PRO-TECH through a staffing agency that helped connect him with local employers. The location was convenient, but what convinced him to stay was the culture. “The people here are great,” he says. “It feels like family. I know most of the people here, and it’s just a nice place to work.” He regularly interacts with many different members of the team members and occasionally has the chance to meet with customers who visit the facility.
Of all the aspects of his job, training new people remains the most challenging—but also the most rewarding. “It can be tough when someone new joins because everyone learns differently,” he explains. “You have to be patient and make sure they understand everything before moving on.” It is that patience, combined with his approachable personality, which makes Kai a respected leader within the St. Paul team.
Outside of work, Kai enjoys spending his free time outdoors or catching up with friends. Fishing is one of his favorite pastimes—he is even considering buying a boat. When he’s not out on the water, he can often be found playing basketball or pickleball or heading to local casinos like Mystic Lake and Treasure Island to play poker and blackjack. “It’s just fun to hang out and relax,” Kai says.
Kai’s journey at PRO-TECH is a great example of how dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude can open new doors. What began as a temporary job has grown into a leadership role where he is helping others succeed every day.
Thank you, Kai, for your hard work, leadership, and the positive energy you bring to the St. Paul team. We are grateful for all you do to make PRO-TECH a great place to work!