A thirst for learning and getting better at his craft is why you will see newly graduated Coy Kleiman of Kewaunee representing his school at next month’s Skills USA competition in Atlanta. Last month in Madison, Coy was named state champion in CNC 3-Axis Milling Programming at the Wisconsin SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. The honor showcased Coy’s machining acumen and his book smarts. Coy’s interest in CNC machining started at his brother Jesse’s machine shop in Kewaunee. He says he asked his brother where he could be the biggest help and grew his skills from there.
Jesse says he started JR Metal Works because of a love for welding and his willingness to put in the time to better himself outside of work hours by reading and earning his “YouTube degrees.” While he may have given his little brother the opportunity, Jesse says Coy’s drive to succeed is why he is finding himself in Atlanta next month and on the road to a successful career.
Coy graduated from Kewaunee on Wednesday, though he hopes he still has another week wearing Storm’s colors as a member of state-ranked relay squads on the track team. He will then balance his work life with the remaining credits needed to earn his Northeast Wisconsin Technical College degree.
