Adkison was selected for his ability to “lead by needing” – moving people forward by helping them see their role and purpose – while encouraging new leaders through tireless mentoring and unflagging humor, optimism, and tenacity.

“He is a great example of how the IADD can make each of us better and how one person can make the IADD better,” says Clint Medlock, president of Stafford Cutting Dies and former IADD president and secretary-treasurer.

In his service to the IADD, Adkison consistently conquers challenges others typically shy away from, removing barriers he encounters with steady optimism, humor and resolve. Among other things, he has helped rewrite the IADD’s Trade Practices, assisted in the formation of the Kansas City chapter, served as chair of the 2007 Odyssey Planning Task Force, and now shepherds the IADD as its current president.

Adkison’s commitment to mentoring has deepened along with his experience, driven by his desire to pay forward the many gifts of knowledge he received – and his strong belief in teaching’s significance in the overall betterment of the industry. Adkison’s mentoring zeal is most intensely directed toward newer, younger members of the IADD. Derrick Ames, president of Die Supply Guys and an IADD director says, “There’s an old saying, ‘You get out of something what you put into it.’ Well, Joe makes it easier for you to put more in.”

Influential mentors and opportunities borne of enthusiasm for sharing his own knowledge have peppered Adkison’s entire career path, and were a major factor behind his progression to owner of Adko, a Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA-based manufacturer of laser-cut steel rule cutting dies and photopolymer printing plates, opened with partner Dick Appeleton 25 years ago.