National Manufacturing Month: A Conversation with Bullard

Founded in 1898 and the inventor of the original hard hat in 1919, Bullard is a globally scaled personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer based in Cynthiana, with a significant presences in Greater Lexington. This fifth-generation family-owned business is led by President and CEO Wells Bullard. Originally founded in San Francisco, Bullard relocated to Cynthiana in 1972. Today, the company designs and manufactures purpose-built personal protective equipment for people working in some of the world’s most demanding environments, from firefighters to industrial workers.

“For more than 125 years, Bullard has been successful by staying focused on our customers, whose needs are constantly evolving! This means we have continuously evolved to meet and exceed their needs,” said Wells Bullard. “Being family-owned gives us the wonderful ability to think in generations, not quarters, which we think is an advantage for the incredible customers who trust us. We invest for the long term in our people, our customers, our products, and our communities. Every generation has had the responsibility to leave Bullard stronger for the next one.”

Culture is a big thing for companies these days as they work to attract and retain workers. What has Bullard implemented over the years to strengthen company culture?“Culture isn’t something we ‘implement’ — it’s the accumulation of the choices our teammates make every day in alignment with our shared Values,” said Wells. “At Bullard, we work hard to create an environment where people understand why their work matters, know what is expected of them, have opportunities to grow, and feel empowered to make a difference. Our products help protect people so they can go home safely at the end of the day, and that creates a powerful connection between what happens inside our walls and the people we serve.

We are so lucky that our ‘why’ really means something to us. When we get to hear stories directly from people who trusted us to keep them safe, that really makes it personal and inspires us all to keep doing what we’re doing! The more we connect our values and why to our actions and impacts, the stronger the Bullard Culture becomes.”

Central Kentucky has been an important part of Bullard’s story for more than 50 years. “We have access to a talented workforce, strong educational institutions, supportive communities, and an outstanding quality of life. Kentucky also has a deep manufacturing heritage and an appreciation for people who make things,” added Bullard.

Wells said she loves the adage that “Kentucky is small enough to get things done and big enough to get them done right.” “We are so lucky that serendipity brought us to Kentucky and so proud that we protect people all over the world with safety equipment that is designed, developed, and manufactured right here in Kentucky!”