Welcome to the Spring Newsletter!
We’re covering everything from leading uses for kyanite worldwide to what’s new with our Sales & Marketing Director. Plus, a look at recent events and a few well-earned celebrations along the way. Let’s get caught up...
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Spotlight: Kyanite Application Fields
You asked, we delivered. In our feedback surveys, many of you expressed interest in learning more about kyanite’s applications in the refractory and ceramics industries. So to kick off 2025, we launched a three-part blog series exploring kyanite’s top uses in these industries worldwide:
#2: Density Control
#3: Secondary Mullite Formation
Have another topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know—we’re all ears!
KMC Happenings
Retirement Party
Honoring 337 Years of Dedicated Service
In April, we held our annual retirement party at Southern Pines at Wedgewood (formerly the Farmville Municipal Golf Club). We dined and danced, shared memories and laughs, and most importantly, we celebrated the incredible team members retiring this year, each of whom has made a lasting impact on Kyanite Mining Corporation.
Thank You:
Joseph Jones Jr. (24 years)
Ron Hudgins (29 years)
Kevin Toney (29 years)
Rickey Amos (33 years)
Charles Scott (36 years)
Travis Pugh (37 years)
David Wagner (38 years)
James Johnson (45 years)
Daniel Batchelor (49 years)
We also honored those no longer with us, individuals whose impact and memory remain an important part of our history.
In Memory of:
Lawrence Chambers (Doc) - 10 years
Stanley Baker (Bo Jack) - 23 years
Theodore Johnson (Frank) - 24 years
Trash Pick Up Day
Giving Back to Buckingham County
Our annual trash pick-up day was another one for the books, with hundreds of bags collected. Huge thanks to the team members who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped care for the beautiful community we’re proud to call home. Your commitment makes a real impact—and keeps this long-standing KMC tradition going strong.
Administrative Professionals Day
Celebrating our Admin Team
Every year, we take our amazing administrative team members out to lunch to thank them for everything they do to keep our operations running smoothly. We're grateful for their talent, dedication, and impact on our company, team, and clients—today and every day!
As promised in our Winter newsletter, we’re shining the spotlight on Vice President and Director of Sales & Marketing, Steven Ashlock!
We somehow let his 10-year milestone slip by last year (oops!), but we’re making it right—just in time for his 11th anniversary this June. [Happy early anniversary, Steven!] Steven has had quite the journey at KMC—and it’s time we shared it. Let’s dive in…
Tell us a little about you.
I earned my degree in Ceramic Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly the University of Missouri, Rolla), with minors in History and Materials Science. During college, I worked two internships in R&D roles—one at the Vesuvius R&D Facility in Pittsburgh and the other with GE Aviation outside of Cincinnati. My nine-month co-op was at CertainTeed in Kansas City making fiberglass insulation as a process engineer. After college, I joined KMC and have been with the company for 11 years this June.
How has your role evolved since joining KMC?
I spent my first year working in the mine, learning every step of the beneficiation process—and helping with everything from blasting to bagging. From there, I moved into the R&D department, where I spent the next eight years and eventually became KMC’s Technical Director—a role I still hold today alongside my current responsibilities.
In April 2024, I also took on the role of Director of Sales & Marketing. Sales gives me another way to apply my problem-solving skills as an engineer and continue supporting our customers—many of whom I was already working with as Technical Director.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people. My coworkers here in Virginia have made this place feel like home, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships with clients around the world. Helping them solve problems is the most rewarding part of the job.
What’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to break into sales and marketing in this industry?
Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. In a world where people are losing their interpersonal skills, strong communication skills will set you apart. Face to face meetings are the best, but even picking up the phone and talking to someone is so much more valuable than an email.
Ask questions, admit when you don’t know something, and learn from those around you. That mindset has led to some of the most valuable connections in my career.
You’ve traveled the world for sales—any favorite destinations or experience highlights?
I started keeping a travel diary for my kids so they’ll one day know where I was, what I was doing, and why it was important—to both the company and our customers—that I was away from home.
I’ve enjoyed every country I’ve visited, but what really makes each trip special is the people. Some of the most fun I’ve had has been around a dinner table abroad. That said, Germany holds a special place for me. I studied the language for several years, and cities like Aachen and Düsseldorf are among my favorites.
One of the most memorable trips was to Iguazu Falls in Brazil for the ALAFAR meeting. I saw the falls by boat (got soaked), by walking path (got soaked again), and by helicopter (finally stayed dry).
As for food highlights—eating sushi in Japan with my wife stands out. We’ve always loved sushi, and the omakase experience—watching a master at work and chatting with locals—was unforgettable.
What’s been your biggest takeaway from 10+ years at KMC?
Stay curious. I have learned so much more than I ever would have thought possible by talking with people. I also never would have imagined how discussions with customers would lead to so many friendships around the world. Curiosity has also made me more adventurous when trying new foods—I’ve discovered so many dishes that I enjoy that I may never have tried!
What sets KMC apart?
We’re a small, family-owned company that still does business the old-fashioned way. That personal touch makes a big difference—for our people and our clients.
Something others might not know about you?
I’m a proud Eagle Scout. I love hiking, camping, and kayaking. I look forward to sitting around the campfire with my kids as they get older.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
When I’m home, I spend most of my time with my wife and children, making up for time spent on the road. I love seeing my kids learn and grow. I also love to watch sports. I still root for my teams from back home: the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and the St Louis Blues. My favorite hobby is playing disc golf with a cold beer.
Steven, thanks for sharing—and safe travels to the China International Foundry Expo!
Upcoming Shows
Speaking of travel, here’s where you can find Steven and the KMC sales team next:
The 23rd China International Foundry Expo
May 20, 2025 – May 23, 2025
The Refractories Institute Spring Meeting
June 2, 2025 – June 4, 2025
Keep an eye out for our summer newsletter, where we’ll recap recent show highlights!
