Tyler Cox, 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year (WaterStep)
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Cox, Manufacturing Coordinator at WaterStep and the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year, awarded by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and presented by KCTCS. WaterStep is a Louisville-based nonprofit that designs and manufactures water purification systems used around the world. Their mission: save lives with safe water. Tyler’s story is a powerful look at leadership, innovation, and what it means to build something that truly matters.
Tyler earned the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award after leading one of WaterStep’s most critical manufacturing efforts to date:
A million-dollar contract required WaterStep to build 28 mobile water treatment systems (WoW Cart) in just 90 days. Failure wasn’t an option — communities around the world were depending on this equipment for clean, safe drinking water.
Tyler stepped up in a huge way:
Reengineered the entire production process
Developed a clear plan and structure for his team
Delivered all 28 units on time, saving the contract
Ensured thousands of people received access to safe water
But what made Tyler truly stand out wasn’t just the systems he built — it was the team he built. WaterStep’s manufacturing team is largely made up of volunteers, many with little or no factory experience. Tyler trained, encouraged, and inspired them, and when crunch time hit, those volunteers stayed late, worked weekends, and believed in the mission because Tyler helped them see their impact.
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We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com
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