Future Leaders in Motion

 

Learn More

FLM group photo 2025
   

View information sheet

Program Overview:

Over 13 months and approximately 60 hours, candidates will

  • work with a mentor and build relationships with their FLM peers,
  • participate in self-directed and (virtual) classroom learning,
  • complete a series of projects designed to ensure understanding of key concepts to increase performance and the bottom line, and
  • enhance natural leadership abilities in positive and productive ways.

Leadership is the art of executing a set of critical skills that encompasses influence, impact, and integrity. Here is a snapshot of what candidates will gain individually and as a team:

  • Mindsets of Leaders: The FLM Program encourages a growth in self-awareness and emotional intelligence by utilizing D.I.S.C. and weaving in the results & language throughout the year
  • Foundations of Leadership: Participants will grow a list of attributes all leaders need to understand. Topics will include developing trust, the value of reputation/rapport, and stewarding influence
  • Developing a Leadership Toolkit: Participants will be equipped with tools to greatly enhance their influence and be challenged to identify their next steps of impact as a leader
  • Mentoring and Coaching: Work closely with an industry mentor, participate in small group discussions, and receive personal guidance with one-on-one meetings by a professional career coach
  • University of Innovative Distribution: Participate in this concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry.
  • Leadership Retreat. The Tom Kundinger Leadership Retreat is another way to deepen cohort connections, build on core leadership fundamentals with hands-on practice and coaching to apply immediately on the job.


Candidate Travel Dates

Event Dates Location
2026 Industry Summit (Candidates & Mentors) October 5-7, 2026 Portland, ME.

2027 University of Innovative Distribution

 To be determined  Indianapolis, IN

2027 Leadership Retreat 

 To be determined To be determined

2027 Industry Summit (Candidates & Mentors)

 To be determined To be determind 


Program Costs

Members contributing a volunteer mentor: $5,100; cost without contributing a mentor: $5,600.

The program fee includes two consecutive registrations to the Industry Summit at the beginning and end of the program; (1) UID and (1) Leadership Retreat registration, one-on-one coaching sessions; and virtual presentations and workshops.

Note: The program fee does not include the cost of travel, accommodations, and incidental costs of travel to attend program segments. This will be the employer's responsibility.

2027 Future Leader in Motion (FLM) Applications Now Open 

FLM group photo 2025

Why Apply?

Becoming part of the Future Leaders in Motion (FLM) program is a powerful step toward advancing your career and expanding your leadership potential. FLM connects emerging professionals across the fluid power industry with exceptional training, mentorship, and unique networking opportunities. Through hands-on workshops, personalized coaching, and real-world projects, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to lead your company—and the industry—into the future. If you’re ready to accelerate your growth, learn from the best, and join a community of forward-thinking peers, FLM is your launchpad. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and make a lasting impact!

Time and Travel Commitment for Candidates

Participate in all pre-scheduled program calendar monthly 1.5 hour workshops; four day educational program held annually in March in Indianapolis, a two day Leadership Retreat, and three days to attend the Industry Summit over two consecutive years.

APPLY HERE 

Why Become a Mentor in the FLM Program?

Mentoring in the Future Leaders in Motion (FLM) program is a unique opportunity to give back to the fluid power industry by guiding and inspiring its next generation of leaders. As a mentor, you’ll share your experience, expand your professional network, and help emerging talent navigate real-world challenges. The time you invest can have a lasting impact—both for your mentee and for the future of the industry. Join us in shaping strong, confident leaders and supporting the continued growth and innovation of fluid power. Your legacy starts here!

Time and Travel Commitment for Mentors

About 60-90 minutes a month dedicated for calls with your mentee; attend mentor training and meet with your mentee at the Industry Summits.  

BECOME A MENTOR

2025-2026 FLM Participants

Next workshop:

Executive Presentations & Communications with Bill Haley, June 9, 2026, 3:00–4:30 PM ET.

Course Objectives:

Everyone is busy, but especially Executive Leaders and managers in our companies. Learning how to communicate important information quickly and succinctly to leaders on the go is a skill vital to you on your leadership journey. During our time together, we'll focus on:

  1. Learn how to effectively communicate with executive leaders
  2. Learn email etiquette when communicating with key stakeholders
  3. Learn how to plan, create, and lead presentations that connect with your audience

Part 1:  Presentation

Scenario:  Create a presentation worthy of delivering to your company's Executive Leadership articulating the following: 

  • The value you have found as a participant in the FLM program.
  • The ROI to your company for your participation.
  • Why your company should consider enrolling other managers in the future.

Time Allotted:  3-4 minutes presentation that you will make to the group. Please time your presentation in advance. 

Day of - Order of Presentations:  Alpha by first name.

# Slides:  See the tip sheet attached.  As a rule, you’ll have one slide for each minute of presentation.  Feel free to change the style of any slide on the template.

Add Notes:  At the bottom of each slide, bullet point or write out what you’re going to say relative to the messaging on your slide

Part 2:  Emails/Communication

Scenario: Your company is in the review and/or development stage of creating a Safety & Preventative Maintenance Program.  You want to give your direct reports the heads-up on what the company is doing, why its important to them, and that along the way you will be soliciting their feedback which you feel if valuable to the success of the plan.  You will be delivering this message via email covering these points:   

  • Why this program is important for your company and its employees.
  • That their input along the way is valued and will be important for the success of the plan.
  • How this plan will impact them.
  • When the first call for feedback will happen.

Word Limit:  125-words or less – about 10-12 lines of content.  Select your words carefully and make each word count.  Here are a few words to get you started:  Reduce and mitigate the risk to personal, the environmental, ensuring regulatory ‎compliance, and minimizing down-time by adopting industry best practices, the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan can ‎protect the company and its assets.

Format Your Message:  In a way that you feel it will be read and understood. 

The What & How of this Exercise:  The words you select are just as important as to how you format the message.

  • Is it one long paragraph or a series of too many short paragraphs.
  • Are you using bullet points to help clarify your thoughts?
  • How clear are any directions you might give.
  • Are you providing enough information to introduce the program to your direct reports.
  • Do the words you select convey a positive message. 

Unlike the presentation exercise, your email message will be added to a word document and numbered 1-2-3-4-or 5 to be anonymous.  No identifying content will be included.  We will view them together as a group.    Please send your ‘email’ examples by end of day June 5th direct;y to Bill Haley.

Previous workshops:

Please visit the schedule below for the full calendar of upcoming workshops. 

2025-2026 FLM Schedule

FLM Participating Companies



FLM Alumni - coming soon

FLM collage

The Thomas J. Kundinger Foundation

Be part of building the next generation of leaders.

Tom Kundinger believed true leadership meant lifting others up. Through his work, generosity, and commitment to mentoring, he made a lasting impact on his family, community, and the fluid power industry. His journey with Kundinger, Inc. was defined by hard work and a dedication to creating opportunities for others. Although Tom passed away in June 2025, his vision continues through the Thomas J. Kundinger Foundation, established by his family to honor his legacy of mentorship, education, and service.

A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship

Tom’s involvement with the Fluid Power Distributors Association (FPDA) reflected his commitment to helping others grow. He was instrumental in launching the FPDA Young Executives group, which paved the way for today’s Future Leaders in Motion (FLM) program—a 13-month mentorship and training initiative that equips rising professionals with the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive in the industry.


Honoring Tom’s Values

Tom believed in showing up for his family, his community, and his colleagues. He was a leader who worked side by side with his team, a family man who never missed a chance to cheer on his children and grandchildren, and a mentor who inspired countless professionals to pursue excellence. The Foundation honors those values by creating opportunities for others to succeed.

 

How Your Gift Makes a Difference

Your donation to the Thomas J. Kundinger Foundation directly supports the FLM Leadership Retreat, launching in Spring 2026. This retreat will bring future leaders together to:

  • Honor legacy and learn from experience
  • Build meaningful connections across the industry
  • Share insights that inspire growth and collaboration

By contributing, you help ensure Tom’s vision comes to life—empowering the next generation of leaders and strengthening the future of our industry.


Join Us in Honoring Tom’s Legacy

Be part of building the next generation of leaders. Your generosity ensures Tom’s values of mentorship, education, and service continue to make a lasting impact.

Make your donation today and carry Tom’s legacy forward.

DONATE NOW

To make a donation or if you have questions, please reach out to info@fpda.org

To learn more about Tom’s life: HERE 

Education