Adam Kittrell’s journey with Make48 began with his first competition in Fishers, Indiana (2022), and since then, he has become an invaluable member of our Tool-Tech team. His deep knowledge and expertise have made him a cornerstone of the Make48 community.
The Spark of Making
Adam's journey as a maker began on his grandparents' dairy farm, where he lived in an environment of constant building and fixing. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for his skills. His passion for making was further fueled in seventh grade when he chose shop classes over basketball, building projects alongside seniors and honing his craft.
“I went to a very, very small school, with 300 kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. We were in one building and every boy was on a basketball team - from the pee-wee league on up. In 7th grade, we hadn't won a game in three years, and I just didn't like playing basketball, so I quit.”
Adam continued, “They didn’t know what to do with somebody who wasn’t playing basketball, and that’s when they sent me to senior shop class, since I already knew tools. I remember very distinctly cutting letters out on a bandsaw in 7th grade that hung up on the school, as the sign for the school. For the rest of my life there it will be there! Getting to do stuff like that was really cool.”
In college, a serendipitous enrollment in an intro to theater class led to a scholarship for set building, cementing his path as a maker. “Halfway through the semester, the teacher said, if anybody wanted extra credit, come help us build sets.” Adam saw the opportunity and had done building like this before. “After a week, the teacher came up to me and said, ‘if you get your minor in theater, we will give you a scholarship’. It ended up helping pay for half of my school tuition. I was also given free rein at the shop and allowed to build stuff there for others outside of the shop to make a little money. It was extremely useful in college and helped me scrape by.”
For Adam, craftsmanship is synonymous with quality. In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable goods, he cherishes items built to last, like his family's 120-year-old oak table. He believes true craftsmanship ensures longevity and value, qualities he strives to embody in his work. If budget were no object, Adam would love to own a 2x72 grinder or a TIG welder.
Outside of the makerspace, Adam enjoys cooking and fermenting, with a refrigerator full of sauerkraut to prove it. He is also exploring other artistic fields like drawing and stamp carving, continuously expanding his creative horizons.
A Day in the Life: Shop Foreman at the Arkansas Innovation Hub
As the shop foreman for the wood and metal shops at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Adam's days start early, typically around 9:00 AM. “My first hour involves warming up the CNC machines and doing basic cleaning and organizing. From there, it varies between building projects for clients, maintaining machinery, assisting other team members, and occasionally handling production jobs.”
The Hub’s team is a close-knit group, and their focus remains on ensuring the smooth operation of the shop and helping out each other in their creative projects. Adam has been with the Arkansas Innovation Hub for almost six years, celebrating his anniversary on November 1st. His dedication to his role and the community is evident as is the passion he brings to his work.
One of his most memorable Make48 experiences was hosting nationals (seventh season) at the Hub. Adam laughed, “It was just a blast. And I’m not gonna lie, it was really nice to be able to go to my own bed at the end of the night. I know the drive like the back of my hand.”
He also fondly recalls events like the Trail of Tears competition, the first time the Hub hosted a Make48 competition, as well as The Delta School competition in Wilson, Arkansas, where the camaraderie and creativity of the participants left a lasting impact.
“They all have their own special place. The first nationals in Kansas City was great. The team from Little Rock won two of the three awards and I got to work with people like Brandy Aubé and Jimmy DiResta, and all those people that I know now. I talk to Brandy daily and I've gone down to visit her in Louisiana. It's hard to pick just one memorable event, let’s put it that way.”
One of the most surprising aspects of Make48 for Adam is the sheer diversity of ideas and solutions presented at each event. He marvels at how different teams approach the same problem with vastly different methods, from digital fabrication like 3D printing and CNC to more traditional techniques like welding. The creativity, especially from younger participants, has often astounded him, proving that fresh perspectives can lead to the most innovative solutions.
Looking Forward to Nationals
For Adam, the most exciting part of nationals will be reconnecting with friends and meeting new people. The sense of community and the shared passion for making are what he values most.
“It's fun getting to see your friends that you don't get to see all the time. The people are the most important part of these competitions and events. That's without a doubt. I'm also really looking forward to the makerspace (Operation Breakthrough). It’s one I haven’t seen yet.”
Adam has been one of our most dedicated tool techs. For those first-time tool techs, he has a couple of tips for working with the teams. “I would say the most important thing is to be there for the teams and to do exactly what the team is wanting. Explain to them what it's going to do if you do this thing. If they say, I need to cut this, it's like, okay, but if you do that, it's going to do XYZ things to it.”
“Also if a team needs you to cut to “this” dimension, it's always best to ask, " What is it for? A lot of times you can show them a different way and you're not changing their invention. We’re guiding them to achieve their goals without altering their original ideas.”
The Essence of Craftsmanship
Adam Kittrell's story is an inspiring journey of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of quality. His commitment to craftsmanship and community serves as an example for makers everywhere. If you're ever in North Little Rock, be sure to visit the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and meet Adam and the talented individuals who make it a haven for creativity.
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