Rooted in legacy, focused on the future, Reed Montgomery, vice president at Adams, Inc., shares his career journey in the material handling industry.
By Nicole Needles
Reed Montgomery’s professional journey began in a place many young professionals can relate to: with uncertainty, opportunity and a willingness to take a leap. A 2006 graduate of West Fargo High School, Montgomery went on to earn a business administration degree from North Dakota State University. It was during his final year of college that his path took an unexpected turn.
Montgomery admits he knew very little about the material handling industry. The owner of Adams Inc. at the time, Al Hager, and his son, Tim, also happened to be family friends. They reached out to Montgomery with an opportunity to get involved with the company upon graduating. So that’s exactly what he did.
Fast forward 12 years, and Montgomery has grown into a key player at Adams Inc., watching both his own role and the company itself expand.
“Professionally, I’m proud of my growth here,” he said. “Starting out not knowing anything at all about the industry and growing into where I am now – and also seeing the company really grow in volume over the past ten-plus years – that’s been a fulfilling accomplishment.”
Montgomery’s early exposure to leadership and responsibility came long before his days at Adams. One of his most significant mentors was his father, who worked in industrial construction. His father passed away when Montgomery was young, but the memories of going to job sites with him on weekends remain at the forefront of his mind.
“He showed me how to take care of a job, stay on track and treat customers right. That was instilled in me at a young age,” Montgomery said.
Leadership, he believes, is not about knowing it all, but about continuing to learn and grow. He credits MHEDA events with helping him do just that.
“Attending events like the Emerging Leaders Conference is a great way to network, bounce ideas off people in similar roles and just get a pulse on the industry,” he said. “Surrounding yourself with a good team and being open to learning from others – that’s crucial.”
When asked what advice he has for new leaders entering the field, Montgomery emphasizes passion, drive and the ability to adapt quickly. Jumping in feet first is the best way to go when navigating multiple new responsibilities.
“Being a problem solver is key,” he said. “No matter how well you plan, something will go wrong. The question is: How well can you minimize the impact?”
His philosophy on leadership is rooted in two principles: treat others well and get comfortable being uncomfortable. He emphasizes that showing respect for all goes a long way.
The second piece of advice – embracing discomfort – stems from his early sales days filled with cold calls. It was the most uncomfortable task for him, and he recalls it’s not something they teach you in college. With exposure to the discomfort every day, it eventually faded into the background.
As Adams Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, Montgomery is focused on the future.
“I hope to continue growing the company,” he said. “One day, I’d like to take it over myself. Adams has evolved a lot over the past century – different divisions, shifting markets – but material handling has been the constant. I want to help set it up for another 100 years of success.”
On both personal and professional fronts, Montgomery finds pride in growth – his own, his family’s and his company’s.
“Watching my four kids grow up, seeing them develop into their own individuals – that’s something I’m really proud of,” he said. “And being part of Adams’ continued success is something I don’t take for granted. It’s been a great ride so far.”
