Adam Kittrell, The Evolution of a Lead Tool Tech

In the 48-hour whirlwind of a Make48 competition, the Tool Techs are the bridge between a brain fart and a working prototype. If you’ve followed our journey since 2022, you likely remember Adam. Back then, he was the "new guy" on the tech team. Today? He’s the cornerstone of Make48, the unofficial documentarian, and the heart of the North Little Rock maker scene.

It has been years since we last sat down with Adam for a story. We caught up with him after 4 seasons of Make48 inventions, his tool tech family, and what’s currently bubbling in his fermentation jars.

Adam Kittrell; photo courtesy of The Pitch

The Veteran’s Perspective

When Adam first started as a Tool Tech, his approach to building was purely physical: "I told the teams, explain to me what you want me to make, and I’ll do my best to make that thing." But four years and dozens of prototypes later, his role has shifted from just building to strategic guiding.

Since his first competition, Adam has worked with nearly 100 contestants. "How I work as a Tool Tech has changed massively," Adam says. "Now, I have an expectation of where teams should be. I’m looking for those little details now to save them from themselves, like making sure an idea follows what the criteria of the challenge asks for." 

Beyond the teams, Adam has taken the lead on some of the most iconic Make48 trophies built in recent years. His craftsmanship has turned a simple award into a piece of maker art that represents the sweat and gears of the competition. 

Adam Kittrell at Vandermont event in Dallas, TX

Kindred Spirits

One of the most vital parts of the Make48 experience is the "behind-the-scenes" camaraderie. Adam has formed a tight-knit bond with fellow techs like Luis Rodriguez, Christina Santa Lucia, Tyler Isaacs and Brandy Aubé. 

Their weekly chats and seamless workflow on the floor ensure that even when the pressure is at a boiling point, the atmosphere stays productive (and fun). Brandy recalled meeting Adam for the first time, “We really hit it off the first time we met at Make48, and he became one of my besties! He will be coming to visit us in Louisiana at the end of April for one of our big festivals!” They get along like tomatoes in gumbo! Kidding, there are no tomatoes in Brandy’s gumbo. That might be the only thing they argue about. 

Whether they are troubleshooting a complex build or Adam is catching a candid photo of Courtney Rosenquist and others in mid-production, that synergy is what makes the tech team a family.

“There’s a reason we all love Adam," said Luis Rodriguez. "He’s got the technical skill to build anything, but it’s the conversation that he brings. The laughs with me and Christina and the genuine friendship off the clock—that makes Make48 feel like family. My wife and I think the world of him. Just don't tell him I said that, or I'll never hear the end of it."

Adam, Luis Rodriguez, Christina Santa-Lucia and Tyler Isaacs

The Heart of North Little Rock

Whenever Make48 rolls into North Little Rock, Adam is more than just a Tool Tech; he’s our local guide. From sharing the best hidden-gem eateries to pointing out the must-see spots in the Argenta Arts District, he ensures the crew feels at home.

That connection to the community went to another level at the NLR Nationals, when Adam’s mom and stepdad took the stage to play music. It was a standout moment that reminded everyone that the "maker" spirit often runs deep in the family.

If Adam isn't sparks-deep in a welding project, he’s either at an estate sale, picking up unusual cookbooks, or in his kitchen experimenting with "the funk." His latest obsession? Limoncello.

"I just finished a batch, and now I’m experimenting with a mango-infused version," he shares. "And if we’re talking straight fermentation, I just tried my first kimchi. Using it as an ingredient in stir-fry is a world-changer."

When he finally sits down to relax, he’s a fan of the "science" in sci-fi. His current recommendation? Project Hail Mary. "Best book I’ve read in years."

Melissa Miller, Brandy Aubé and Adam

Looking Ahead

While the maker scene in North Little Rock has seen some shifts, Adam remains a steady force. He’s listening to his body, recovering from a major surgery, and keeping his eyes open for the next big thing–whether that’s a new furniture project, a perfect photo op, or the next winning invention.

From the miter saw to the fermentation jar, Adam proves that being a "maker" isn't just a job title, it's a way of seeing the world.