A Conversation with Chris Nook, CEO of Helix Linear Technologies
At the center of Helix Linear Technologies’ growth is a leader who understands both the opportunities and the challenges of building something lasting. As CEO and Owner, Chris Nook has guided Helix through transformation, innovation, and expansion to shape the company into a trusted partner for the world’s most demanding industries.
This spotlight takes a closer look at Chris’s journey, his vision for the future, and the philosophy that drives his leadership.
Journey to Leadership
For Chris, manufacturing has always been more than a career. It’s a family tradition. Growing up in a family manufacturing business gave him early exposure to the grit and discipline required to succeed. After serving as CEO of Nook Industries for seven years, Chris was ready to take the next step.
“After running Nook Industries, I wanted to put my own stamp on the industry,” he recalls. “That led me to start Helix Linear with my father. We saw a clear need for a company that could bring precision, speed, and flexibility to motion technology, and we built Helix from the ground up to meet that need.”
From an idea to a working factory floor, from earning AS9100 certification to surpassing $22 million in sales, Chris has overseen milestone after milestone that demonstrate Helix’s ability not just to grow but to lead.
The Helix Vision
Chris’s outlook for Helix is bold and focused. “In the next three to five years, Helix will be a mid-sized manufacturer with global reach,” he says.
That vision includes expanding into new product lines such as ball screws, torque splines, and telescoping screws while also adding new capabilities like induction heat-treating and injection molding. For Chris, the future of Helix is about more than products: it’s about partnerships.
“What excites me most is seeing Helix become not just a supplier, but a true engineering partner to the world’s most innovative OEMs.”
Industry Perspective
The world of precision motion is evolving rapidly, and Chris is clear-eyed about both the challenges and the opportunities.
“Precision motion is being shaped by miniaturization, automation, and customization,” he explains. “Medical devices, semiconductor equipment, and defense systems are all demanding smaller, faster, more reliable components. The challenge and opportunity is keeping pace with that demand while navigating supply chain pressures and workforce dynamics.”
Helix, he notes, is well-positioned to deliver on those needs thanks to its unique control over the entire process from die grinding to plastic nut molding which gives the company unmatched flexibility and speed.
Culture & Leadership
Chris’s leadership philosophy centers on clarity, urgency, and empowerment. “I lead with transparency, accountability, and urgency. I believe in setting clear expectations, removing barriers, and letting talented people thrive,” he says.
At Helix, that philosophy translates into a culture of ownership and pride. “I want people to feel like they’re part of something meaningful, not just punching a clock. We celebrate wins, learn from losses, and push each other to grow. I try to inspire the team by being present, by listening, and by showing them how their work connects to something bigger.”
For customers, that culture means more than consistent quality. It means partnership and trust. “Our customers aren’t just accounts. They’re partners. Long-term success in this industry is about trust. If customers know Helix will deliver when it matters most, they’ll come back again and again.”
Life Beyond Leadership
Beyond the factory floor and boardroom, Chris is a husband, father, and coach. He finds balance in hockey, fishing, and time outdoors with his family.
“Those roles keep me grounded,” he says. “They remind me that leadership is about service, whether it’s to your family, your team, or your customers. That philosophy guides me every day.”
Leading with Precision and Purpose
Chris Nook’s leadership has helped transform Helix Linear Technologies from a bold idea into a thriving company with a clear vision for the future. With innovation, customer partnerships, and culture at the core, his approach is shaping Helix into a mid-sized manufacturer with global reach and a trusted engineering partner for the industries where precision matters most.
At Helix, leadership isn’t just about growth. It’s about building something lasting for employees, for customers, and for the future of motion technology.
