Entrepreneur, Material Innovator, Podcast Enthusiast
Haley Marie Keith has carved a distinctive path in the world of sustainable manufacturing and innovation. As the CEO of MITO Material Solutions, an IACMI member, she leads with a clear vision: to revolutionize how industries use materials without sacrificing performance. Her career is a testament to her commitment to making a lasting impact through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as graphene, with sustainable practices.
With an MBA from Oklahoma State University, Haley excels in breaking down complex technological challenges and communicating them clearly to stakeholders. She’s driven by the thrill of setting goals and collaborating with teams to achieve them. This drive has shaped her journey, from corporate and academic environments to founding MITO Materials with her husband, Kevin. Together, they have developed breakthrough products like Fenix Fiber+, which combines recycled materials with high-performance composites for applications that range from sporting goods to automotive parts.
Her entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her passion for education and community. Haley is also deeply involved in helping other entrepreneurs. She aims to write a book about her journey and become an investor to empower the next wave of innovators. Her work with MITO and her collaborative spirit to create sustainability solutions with partners like Vartega, along with her involvement in initiatives like IACMI, demonstrates her leadership in driving sustainable, scalable solutions in manufacturing.
Haley’s career is marked by her ability to not only create products that outperform their predecessors but also significantly reduce environmental impacts. Her future is bright as she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. Haley is a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Haley Marie
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
My parents both worked in manufacturing – the recreational vehicle industry – so I had early exposure to the importance of manufacturing to the US and to local economies. In grad school, I was excited to discover an entrepreneurial option that had the potential to improve manufacturing outcomes and extend resources.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Staff management. I tend to focus on goals and achievable outcomes. As Co-Founder, I also have to manage staff needs such as healthcare plans, payroll functions - and those are not the fun part of my job!
What is the best part of your job?
I love talking to potential customers about how MITO's additives can improve their products; because I see new application options for our additives nearly every day.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
People seem to be a little surprised that as a woman, I co-founded this business and I'm the one leading our financing rounds and our next product application. My husband and co-founder is an engineer, and people are less surprised by his part in this business than mine. People expect a more technical leader at the founder level - my approach has always been to develop MITO's products to meet market needs across the supply chain. My team are excellent technical innovators but leadership in this industry needs a market focused approach - which I provide.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
Network. There are more applications than you think for your products because there are people out there working on all kinds of projects that you would not know about unless you talked to them!
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
The next big project.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
Being able to tell a story. Being able to cut through the clutter to the heart of an issue. Focusing relentlessly on what moves the needle.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
Shopping. (I'm a blackbelt in retail)
What activity gives you the most energy?
Spending time with my kids.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
I'm an avid podcast listener -sometimes I think I got a second MBA from all the business podcasts! I also re-sell my kids clothes, which has sharpened my eye for positioning product for a target audience.
How does the work you do impact the world?
Because our additives allow for light-weighting, we basically extend the runway of global available resources. Said simply, you can use less of some products because our additives improve important properties.
