History

The Gold Standard in
Problem Solving

For over 65 years, Kepner-Tregoe has empowered companies to solve millions of problems, make better decisions and manage risk. We have integrated KT methodology into manufacturing operations, transformed IT service, and focused HR capability

development on sustainable change by building critical thinking skills. Millions of people credit the use of KT rational processes for advancing their careers and thousands of companies use these analytic processes for saving millions of dollars.

The Origin Of KT Dates
To NASA’s Lunar
Program

Early on, KT found a place in space operations. When NASA engineers heard, “Houston, we have a problem,” they used KT critical thinking skills to help bring Apollo 13 home. While not every solution is movie-worthy, an exciting aspect of what we do is the ROI.

Powerful and sustainable, our processes yield results… in time and cost savings, smarter use of resources, fewer mistakes, uninterrupted operations, and higher profit.

1958

Ben Tregoe and Chuck Kepner start the KT partnership in Ben Tregoe’s garage in Pacific Palisades, California. The first to focus on the critical need for training in problem solving and decision making, Kepner-Tregoe was founded to help others learn the processes that they had developed.

1962

Kepner-Tregoe moves its headquarters to Princeton, NJ and then expands to a modern headquarters in 1967.

1963

Kepner-Tregoe creates the Leader Development Institute (LDI), the first organization to introduce the “train-the-trainer” concept. Client employees who completed the rigorous LDI program were certified to teach KT Problem Solving and Decision Making and to lead programs that encouraged the use of Rational Process within their organizations.

1965

The Rational Manager, (McGraw Hill) by founders Kepner and Tregoe is published, becoming a best seller and a business classic. The New Rational Manager has been translated into many languages and continues to be read throughout the world.

1966

Kepner-Tregoe formalizes the company’s Basic Beliefs in writing which are the principles and ideas that grew out of the founders’ initial decision to create an organization that helps others learn. These continue to guide the way KT business is conducted. Established Kepner-Tregoe Deutschland LLC in Germany and Kepner-Tregoe Ltd. in the UK.

1967

KT moves to a beautiful wooded location on Research Road. The modern building remains a classic example of 1960s modern design that features flexible interior spaces and large windows that frame woodland views.

1970

GOING GLOBAL: Australasia

1973

GOING GLOBAL: Japan

1981

GOING GLOBAL: Southeast Asia

1980

Top Management Strategy by Ben Tregoe and John Zimmerman is published. KT formalizes strategy consulting service offerings.

1981

The New Rational Manager is published, an updated version of the original business classic. Kepner-Tregoe Southeast Asia, Ltd founded.

1984

Kepner-Tregoe, S.A. serving Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg is founded.

1986

Kepner-Tregoe (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is founded in Kuala Lumpur.

1989

Vision in Action: How to Integrate your Company’s Strategic Goals into Day-to-Day Management Decisions, by Ben Tregoe, John Zimmerman, et al is published.

1991

Ben Tregoe is elected to the HRD Hall of Fame.

1999

KT launches Project Logic® software to provide a rational process framework for Microsoft® Project.

2000

KT launches eThink® software to enhance and support use of KT Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Situation Appraisal, and Potential Problem/Opportunity Analysis. Kepner-Tregoe Nederland, LLC is founded.

2002

KT publishes a series of books that are well received by the business and academic communities. These include: How Organizations Work (2002) by Alan P. Brache; The Art and Discipline of Strategic Leadership (2003) by Mike Freedman; The Rational Project Manager (2005) by Andrew Longman and Jim Mullins; and Implementation: How to Transform Strategic Initiatives into Blockbuster Results (2006) by Alan P. Brache and Sam Bodley-Scott.

2005

Ben Tregoe passed away on April 20, 2005. NY Times obituary.

2009

Portfolio Manager, a cloud-based project management application giving organizations real-time access to monitor important projects across company departments, time-zones and geographies is developed and launched by Kepner-Tregoe.

2012

KT introduces new approach to building competitive advantage, The Thinking Organization, powered by KT Clear Thinking.

2013

Kepner-Tregoe launched an upgrade of its foundational skills workshop, Problem Solving and Decision Making. KT also launched its first app for iPad and Android tablets to support KT Clear Thinking processes in solving problems, making decisions, executing plans. MyKT and the first Learning Library are launched to support certified Program Leaders and Coaches.

2016

KT introduces virtual training options to allow learners to participate from anywhere in the world.

Charles Kepner passed away on March 26, 2016.

KT introduces its second app (KT for Incident Management) for the ServiceNow Platform.

2017

KT launches a Troubleshooting Simulation model to help clients bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world and get to results faster.

2018

Kepner-Tregoe launches a user-friendly suite of Apps to embed skill development in client organizations.

KT launches a new suite of eLearning modules for core processes (SAPADAPPA) and a Problem Solving Basics module.

2019

KT launches KT Frontline – a simulation and experiential learning-based training solution, especially tailored to shopfloor and frontline service employees.

KT launches ‘KT LiveOnline,’ with modular delivery of single-process workshops.

2020

KT introduces its third app (Advanced Case Management) for the ServiceNow platform.

KT starts providing all of its training solutions as a virtual instructor-led option, leveraging our long experience in virtual delivery supported by eLearning to rapidly help clients address pandemic travel and social distancing issues.

2021

KT licenses Australia and New Zealand to Bluefield Asset Management Co.

KT updates their brand and introduces a new tagline, Challenges. Opportunities. Results.

KT launches the Problem Solving Learning Path – which combines state-of-the-art eLearning with the impact of coaching.

KT/Microsoft win Bronze in Brandon Hall Award for Excellence in Learning.