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In the beginning, back in 1935 in Nashville, TN, there was one Kurt Salmon "Associate" (as opposed to the more than 600 consultants in our global practice today). But that slight, unassuming man started an organization that still reflects his values and personality today, more than 25 years after his retirement. Even though KSA's size and scope have expanded far beyond Kurt's original concepts of industry specialization, the firm works zealously to maintain the unique culture he created.

Trained as a textile engineer in Coblenz, Germany, Kurt Salmon immigrated to the United States in 1930 and worked in a hosiery mill. He became a consultant because it paid better ($7/hour) and he enjoyed looking for ways to improve things and measuring the results without worrying about daily shipments. He switched to apparel because it was more labor-intensive than hosiery and offered greater cost-reduction potential. But first Kurt had to convince skeptical apparel manufacturers that an outsider could help. He did this with analytical persuasiveness and his unique personality, which combined old-world formality with a delightfully dry, pun-filled sense of humor. Kurt loved language and used it deftly, on all levels. He liked to describe KSA's implementation-oriented approach to consulting as "we don't just lay the eggs - we hatch them." He also quoted Latin aphorisms on the importance of doing quality work.

Above all, Kurt loved people and family, his wife and four children, along with his KSA family of hundreds. He was a genuinely considerate and caring friend to his employees, as well as a manager who respected the professionals who worked with - not for - him. Needless to say, Kurt left quite a legacy.

- Stig Kry, Associate

Almost 30 years ago, Kurt and I were snowbound in a Nashville hotel for three days - without leaving the room - working on a report from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. While Kurt was indefatigable, I was exhausted and stir-crazy. The report was almost finished when Kurt finally said, "Bill, I'm sick and tired of this. Let's have a break". I envisioned going out for a nice dinner. But my wishful thinking ended when Kurt slammed down the report, pulled something from his briefcase, slapped it on the table and said, "Let's analyze the government shorts instead."

In developing a one-man consulting practice into an international organization, Kurt Salmon has professional competence, undeviating devotion to quality performance, and inspiring leadership. These characteristics have been recognized repeatedly by his clients, associates and peers.

Without diminishing the importance of Kurt Salmon's contributions to organizations like ACME and IMC, those who have worked with him feel that his greatest contribution to consulting has been on a personal level. He built a very successful organization by assembling a group of highly independent individuals, imbuing them with the concept of professionalism (repeatedly expressed as "keeping the client's interest foremost at all times") and giving them the freedom to function as professionals.

He has probably done more than any other individual, directly and indirectly, to raise the professional management level of the [apparel] manufacturing industry in the United States.

- Bill Egolf, Associate

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 As the premier global management consulting firm offering integrated strategy, process and technology deployment solutions to the retail, consumer products and health care industries, KSA enables market-leading organizations to develop and sustain outstanding performance. We deliver innovative, high-value services and solutions based on industry insight and proven methodologies.