| Paul Akers | |
| Other Names: | Paul A. Akers |
| Notable Works: | 2 Second Lean, Lean Health, Lean Travel, Lean Life, Banish Sloppiness |
| Alma Mater: | Biola University |
| Occupation: | Author, business owner, YouTuber |
| Birth Date: | 7 May 1960 |
| Birth Place: | San Diego, California, U.S |
| Spouse: | Leanne Akers |
| Children: | 2 |
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]
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]
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]