About Me – James Lodridge

I’m James Lodridge, founder of KnowX Solutions and an operations and mechanical engineering leader with over 25 years of experience helping organizations work smarter through Lean operations, automation, and people-centered leadership.

I’m originally from Central Louisiana, and my path to California began when I joined the U.S. Navy, serving four years that shaped my discipline, teamwork, and commitment to service. After my time in the Navy, I built my career in manufacturing—spending more than two decades with BW Integrated Systems, where I led engineering and operations teams, implemented Lean manufacturing practices, and managed automation initiatives that improved reliability and performance across complex product lines.

During my tenure, I also served as the Safety Leader and ran the company’s Safety Team for many years, ensuring a culture of care and preparedness. My background as a paid-call firefighter for nine years gave me extensive first-responder training and real-world experience in fire and rescue operations—skills that have deeply influenced my calm, decisive, and team-oriented leadership style.

I’m passionate about helping organizations unlock their full potential through continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and empowering leadership. My leadership philosophy is shaped by the principles of Patrick Lencioni (The Ideal Team Player, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team), Jocko Willink (Extreme Ownership), and Bob Chapman (Everybody Matters)—blending humility, accountability, and genuine care for people.

Today, through KnowX Solutions, I partner with businesses to optimize operations, implement automation and digital workflows, and develop leaders who can sustain growth and build stronger teams.

Outside of work, I’m a proud husband to Rhonda Lodridge and a father to our three adopted kids. I call California’s Central Valley home, where family, community, and servant leadership remain central to how I live and work.