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Kohler Energy is Now Rehlko – Inside the Massive Rebrand + New 41 HP Engine with Eric Fontaine

πŸ“… November 17, 2025 ⏱️ 24:51 🎀 Paul, Eric Fontaine

Chapters

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  • 1:08
    Relco Rebrand Explained
    Eric Fontaine details the transition from Kohler Engines to Relco, explaining the new name's anagrammatic connection to Kohler and its meaning.
  • 3:29
    Eric Fontaine's Career Path
    Fontaine shares his diverse career journey, from the US Naval Academy and IT consulting to roles at Danaher and Regal Rex Nord, highlighting experiences that shaped his leadership style.
  • 8:44
    Tariffs and Business Impact
    Fontaine explains the significant impact of tariffs, particularly from China and India, on the industry and how companies like Relco navigate these challenges.
  • 11:39
    New Engine Innovations
    Relco introduces its new KSD diesel engines, Command Pro 888, and Command Pro 999 with a 41 HP option, highlighting their power, efficiency, and upcoming Guinness World Record attempt.
  • 19:19
    Relco's Global Manufacturing Footprint
    Fontaine outlines Relco's manufacturing locations, including Hattiesburg, Mississippi, China, and Italy, and discusses the integration of gas and diesel engine strategies.
  • 29:57
    Leadership and Employee Retention
    Fontaine offers advice on leadership and building a strong team, emphasizing training, recognition, career development, and empowering employees for business owners.
  • 35:54
    Navy Experience and Responsibility
    Fontaine recounts a memorable and scary incident from his Navy days and reflects on the significant responsibility entrusted to young service members.
  • 38:46
    Future of Relco Engines
    Fontaine concludes by reiterating the excitement around Relco's new identity and the opportunities for growth and innovation under Platinum Equity's ownership, with the Kohler brand phasing out by 2027.

Speakers

P
Paul
Host
E
Eric Fontaine
President of Relco Engines

Key Takeaways

✦

Embrace rebranding as an opportunity for strategic redirection and innovation, not just a name change, to signal new ownership and vision.

✦

Invest in continuous improvement and discipline, leveraging proven methodologies like lean tools and process deployment to drive customer and operational excellence.

✦

Develop new products based on customer feedback to ensure market relevance and address specific needs for power, efficiency, and reliability.

✦

Understand the impact of tariffs on your supply chain and pricing strategies, and be prepared to adjust to maintain competitiveness and profitability.

✦

Prioritize leadership development, employee training, and recognition to build and retain a strong team in a challenging labor market.

✦

Delegate responsibility and empower employees, as those closest to the action often have the best ideas for business growth and sustainability.

✦

Integrate strategies across different product lines (e.g., gas and diesel engines) to leverage strengths and create a more cohesive and efficient operation.

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