Entrepreneur, Big-Picture Thinker, Beach Lover
For Laura Kappler-Roberts, the manufacturing floor was a key element of her childhood, helping to form who she is as an advanced manufacturing leader. The daughter of Kappler Inc.'s founder, she grew up surrounded by the hum of sewing machines and the precision of production lines. Watching protective clothing take shape—and knowing it would one day safeguard someone from chemical, biological, or even thermal hazards—sparked her early passion for manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Today, Laura is President and CEO of Kappler Inc., and a second-generation owner. Her role is all about big-picture thinking and strategic planning. As CEO, she sets the direction for the company while ensuring the right resources are in place to meet operational goals and her long-term vision. Under her leadership, the company continues to innovate in the field of protective fabrics and gear.
Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Operations & Systems Management from the University of South Alabama, but her real education started long before that—on the shop floor, learning how products are made, challenges are met, and teams work together.
As an AFFOA member, when the institute began developing new programs for Career and Technical High Schools, Laura didn’t just support the idea—she connected the dots. She introduced AFFOA to Guntersville City Schools, helping to launch the SeamLS Design Challenge, and personally showed up for students. For Laura, it’s more than outreach - it’s about creating a talent pipeline and inviting the next generation of engineers and scientists into the fold. Inspired by her own childhood experiences, Laura implemented a work-based learning program at Kappler several years ago. Partnering with local high schools, Kappler employs students, giving them exposure and real-life experience in manufacturing production, HR, IT, and R&D as part of their school curriculum. For her consistent dedication to advanced manufacturing, Laura Kappler-Roberts is a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Laura
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I grew up on the manufacturing floor watching production operators assemble protective clothing. The challenge of meeting production goals and the satisfaction of making a tangible item that will be used to protect people captivated me at a very young age.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
It would have to be time management. The overall business is so exciting, and I want to be a part of each area. We are leaders in the protective fabric and clothing industry and that means paying particular attention to every aspect of the clothing and material that protects our families and loved ones.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s being in a position to provide purposeful careers for people who are committed to taking care of their families. Also, the best part is supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional skills and in their personal careers. Whether this is growing our own team or providing work-based learning opportunities to local high school students in our factory making protective clothing, we can impact the future workforce and the future of advanced manufacturing.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
Manufacturing is not the dark, dirty, or dangerous career your parents might remember. Making things in America today looks a lot different than it did a generation or two ago. It’s really important to remember that even though all manufacturing processes advance, not all manufacturing can be automated. In our world, there is an art to producing quality-made protective clothing by the human hand.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
It’s important to realize that most things that are manufactured exist to improve the livelihood of others. We manufacture garments that protect people doing jobs most of us wouldn’t want to do, but are jobs that make the world a better place. At the end of a workday in manufacturing, you can go home knowing that you have made a real impact on someone's life. You improved the world around you!
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
Knowing that there will always be a new challenge to tackle.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
- Clear & Timely Communication
- Passion for a Cause
- Follow through...say what you will do, do what you say
If you didn't have to work, how would you spend your day?
Not sure what I would be doing, but I'd like it to include dogs, a body of water, and music.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Exercising, specifically long walks and weightlifting.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Reading
How does the work you do impact the world?
We keep bad stuff off of people!
