2020 Power 50: Lavon R. Winkler

Lavon R. Winkler, CEO of FLEXcon

Write a Comment

Lavon R. Winkler

Title: CEO
Company: FLEXcon
Location: Spencer
Residence: West Brookfield
Colleges: University of Missouri & Birmingham-Southern University

FLEXcon, whose revenue now totals near $300 million annually, was founded in 1956 by Myles McDonough, who was succeeded by his son Neil McDonough in 1992.

Winkler is the first non-family member to lead the company, having come to the adhesive film manufacturer already having served as CEO of Milbank Manufacturing in Kansas City and the president and CEO of Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center in Kansas. His leadership at FLEXcon was on full display during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in Massachusetts, when the company innovated to make much-needed face shields, despite never having manufactured the product before. With 55% of its 750-employee workforce living in Central Massachusetts and the largest employer in Spencer, FLEXcon has a unique role in the community, including a special partnership with the Spencer-East Brookfield School District.

What makes Central Mass. unique? The amazing cultural and ethnic diversity. Central Massachusetts is a living breathing collection of people from various corners of this amazing world. My wife Lora and I celebrate this each and every day.

Farming & fishing: Having grown up in a small community, I have always enjoyed spending time in a more rural setting. This led to my wife Lora and me owning two farms in Northern Missouri. As a part of my love for the outdoors, I enjoy being on the water and fishing. Combining my love of the land and water resulted in me designing and building my own fishing lake. I learned so much about building, stocking, and managing what can be a very complex ecosystem. That was a very rewarding experience and created memories I will always cherish. I must admit, I would love to do it again!

Power 50: View the entire Power 50 Class of 2020