On Tuesday, October 21 Wayne County CEO students spent the morning in Salem, Illinois, visiting Radiac Abrasives. Radiac Abrasives is a family-owned company operated by the Swarovski family — yes, that Swarovski family, famous for their world-renowned crystals.

The visit came at the invitation of Randy Keen, whose son Evan is a member of this year’s Wayne County CEO class. Randy serves as the Quality Control Manager at Radiac.

Students were warmly welcomed by Randy and several members of the company’s administrative team, including managers from Plant Operations, Human Resources, Quality Control, Logistics, Engineering, and Accounting. Each shared insights into their roles within the company and offered students the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how Radiac operates.

During their time at Radiac, students gained a deeper understanding of the company’s products and their wide range of applications. Radiac manufactures specialized abrasives used to grind, polish, and smooth components for industries such as agriculture, automotive, wind energy, and medical manufacturing.

A key takeaway from several speakers was the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the value of enjoying what you do. Randy also encouraged students to stay open to every opportunity that comes their way.

The visit concluded with an in-depth plant tour, where students observed each step of the manufacturing process—from the materials used to create abrasives, to the “baking” of wheels in the kilns, to the precision finishing and packaging for shipment.

It was a highly informative and engaging experience, and students walked away with a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision behind Radiac’s products. We thank Radiac for taking the time to meet with us and for their hospitality! Wayne City School Counselor, and Wayne County CEO board member Jenna Talbert was also able to join us for this visit.