Alder Creek Beverages

Evolving from the Floor to the Front Office: Michael McKinney’s Leadership Journey & UpKeep Connection

We had the privilege of speaking with Michael McKinney, now General Manager at Alder Creek Beverages, to learn how he transitioned from running CNC machines at the historic Remington plant to leading plant-wide operations at a growing beverage manufacturer.

Michael shared what it’s been like growing through the ranks—from technician to leadership—and why he believes continued learning and technology adoption are key to long-term success in maintenance. He also talked about becoming UpKeep Certified, a step that reflects his commitment to staying ahead in a fast-moving, tech-driven industry.

From CNC to CMMS-Certified Leader

Michael’s journey began at 18 years old as a CNC machine operator. Over the years, he moved into maintenance roles where he was mentored by some of the best. “I absolutely loved it,” he says. “That’s where I found my passion—fixing, improving, bridging the gap between maintenance and operations.”

That bridge has only strengthened over time. At Alder Creek, he climbed from Production Manager to Plant Manager, and now General Manager, bringing with him a deep understanding of how essential strong maintenance practices are to plant performance.

Why UpKeep Certification Mattered

Michael is now UpKeep Certified, a decision rooted in his belief that technology must support—not replace—the skilled workers on the floor.

“Technology is ever-changing. The ability to learn constantly is the most important trait in a maintenance leader.”

By going through UpKeep’s certification, Michael gained tools and frameworks that reinforce that mindset—tools he believes any modern technician or manager should embrace to stay relevant.

Building Smarter Teams, Not Just Smarter Machines

Michael emphasizes continuous learning across his team. Whether shadowing an automation engineer or learning a new PLC function, he encourages curiosity:

“I may never be an expert in every area—but if my team’s doing something smart, I want to know how and why.”

That mindset—paired with tools like UpKeep—is what helps Michael lead from the front and empower his team to take ownership of performance.

Real Impact, Human-Centered

• Tech-driven leadership: From CNC programming to overseeing high-speed automated beverage lines.
  
  

• Mentorship mindset: Bridges silos between departments through clear, empathetic leadership.
  
  

• UpKeep advocate: Uses the UpKeep Certification as a knowledge asset in his evolving leadership playbook.
  
  

• Team-first approach: Elevates the role of maintenance as the true driver of plant success.
  
  

“I put these guys on a pedestal. Maintenance doesn’t just support the business—they are the business.”

Let’s Connect

Michael is passionate about maintenance, automation, and bridging the trades-to-leadership gap.

Find Michael McKinney on LinkedIn

Become UpKeep Certified like Michael and future-proof your career