Wayward Leaders Founder Carl Lee Tolbert Earns ATD Master Trainer Designation

SIOUX FALLS, SD, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Wayward Leaders LLC, an industrial training company based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has achieved a significant milestone with the recent certification of its founder, Carl Lee Tolbert, as an ATD Master Trainer. Tolbert, a PhD and Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP), has completed ATD's eight-week Master Trainer Program, which ran from August 3 to September 25, 2026. This certification follows a live, observed skills assessment in which each participant facilitated a session and was evaluated against the program's rubric.

Tolbert, the founder of Wayward Leaders LLC, has over 30 years of experience in industrial automation, having commissioned roughly 750 drives. His extensive experience has shaped his approach to training, emphasizing hands-on learning.

Wayward Leaders offers a range of courses designed to meet the needs of various industrial sectors. Students wire and commission drives on trainers that come prewired on the power side, tune control loops against four simulated processes (heating, cooling, pressure, and flow), and diagnose failures from damage cards. The course carries 13.5 documented contact hours.

In addition to the flagship course, Wayward Leaders also offers "VFD Basics for Water and Wastewater," a one-day course carrying 7.0 contact hours, and "Becoming a Specialist: Technical Sales," a two-day course for industrial sales staff. Each course includes a scored assessment before and after the class, and the client receives a competency report within five business days.

The company's courses are taught at the client's own facility for groups of 8 to 16 participants. The core course carries 13.5 documented contact hours, providing in-depth training in VFD installation and reliability. The "VFD Basics for Water and Wastewater" course is designed for those new to the field, offering 7.0 contact hours of foundational knowledge. The "Becoming a Specialist: Technical Sales" course is tailored for industrial sales staff, helping them develop the skills needed to effectively sell technical products.

Tolbert's certification as an ATD Master Trainer underscores his commitment to excellence in industrial training and his ability to effectively facilitate learning.

Wayward Leaders continues to develop and deliver on-site courses in VFDs, motor reliability, and technical sales for manufacturers, utilities, and industrial distributors. The company also builds custom training programs for industrial clients, ensuring that its services remain relevant and tailored to the specific needs of its clients. With its focus on hands-on learning and comprehensive training programs, Wayward Leaders is well-positioned to support the ongoing education and development of industrial professionals.