Paul Akers

For the 19th century American sculptor sometimes known as Paul Akers, see Benjamin Paul Akers.

Paul Andre Akers is an American author and businessman.^[1] Akers is the founder and president of FastCap, a product development company that specializes in woodworking tools.^[2]

Paul Akers
Akers teaching workers at FastCap
Born	(1960-05-07) May 7, 1960 (age 65) San Diego, California, U.S
Other names	Paul A. Akers
Alma mater	Biola University
Occupation(s)	Author, business owner, YouTuber
Notable work	2 Second Lean, Lean Health, Lean Travel, Lean Life, Banish Sloppiness
Spouse	Leanne Akers
Children	2
Website	paulakers.net

Career

Akers started building guitars with his mentor Bob Taylor at Taylor Guitars and Musical Instruments in California right out of high school. He then graduated with a degree in education from Biola University and started his career in inner-city ministry in the Los Angeles area as a pastor with his wife Leanne.^[3] He worked as a teacher, and then as a carpenter.

In his garage in 1997, Akers developed his first product: the FastCap. It was a technique to cover and hide screw holes with a tiny adhesive cap that blends in with the wood around it. That idea turned into a manufacturing business. Overwhelmed with a multitude of tasks, personnel, and major financial decisions he faced on a daily basis, Akers began using the concepts of Lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System (TPS), which he credits for propelling FastCap forward.^[4]

Akers is also an author, lean teacher, YouTuber,^[5][6] and works as a speaker and consultant offering advice to companies and organizations.^[4]

Political life

In 2010 Akers set his sights on politics, running for the US Senate in Washington as a Republican.^[7] He was defeated in the primary by Dino Rossi.^[8]