In a recent interview with WashingtonExec’s Amanda Ziadeh, Brian Price, CEO and co-founder of Kion, reflects on his early years in Crisfield, Maryland — a small shore town with a population of 2,000, which he describes as “still stuck in the 1970s.” As an only child, Price gained invaluable work experience and honed his people skills at his uncle’s coffee shop, Gordon’s Confectionery, during high school. This century-old establishment, still operational today, served as both a local gathering spot and the town’s gossip hub, attracting about a third of Crisfield’s residents daily.
After graduating as valedictorian, Price was determined to “cross the bridge” to seek broader opportunities, especially in technology — opportunities that were scarce in his hometown. His early ventures into tech included creating software to manage his DVD lending to neighbors and friends, showcasing his knack for developing applications that enhance daily life.
After becoming the first person in his extended family to earn a college degree, Price graduated with a degree in computer science and began his career at Northrop Grumman as a Java developer. In this episode, he shares his unexpected journey from developer to CEO of a software startup, a role he never envisioned for himself. Price’s story is one of self-made success, fueled by perseverance, innovation and a deep-rooted sense of humility from his small-town upbringing.