Working to Change the Perception of Manufacturing

 

Q: How did your own experiences influence your views on the manufacturing industry?

Terry M. Iverson, CHAMPION Now! Founder: The family business my grandfather founded has served four generations well. We have lived a comfortable life while learning and practicing a tremendous work ethic that has enabled many of us to succeed. We sold some of the most accurate and sophisticated American-made machine tools. In 2025, we will celebrate our family's 100^th year in the manufacturing sector. I feel an obligation to give back so that other manufacturing legacy families can celebrate the same.

What motivated you to write "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing"?

Iverson: After finishing my first book, “Finding America’s Greatest Champion” in 2018, I realized the importance of helping parents and students explore different career paths beyond traditional college degrees. Many families can't easily afford higher education, and taking out loans may not be the best option. Manufacturing career paths offer opportunities that are often overlooked, with many employers willing to cover training or education costs. Spreading awareness about these options can help individuals consider if this path is right for them.

Q: Can you share some of the most impactful stories or interviews from the book?

Iverson: In my books, I share significant success stories of women and people of color in manufacturing. I believe we need to be more inclusive and proactive in finding new leaders from under-represented groups in our industry. For example, I included Drew Crowe's story, who seized a chance opportunity and showed great initiative. Leigh McConnell and Jossimar Mendez also found success through unexpected paths. Overall, we need to design paths to success with knowledge, research, inspiration, and internships instead of leaving too much to chance.

Q: Why do you think there is a cultural bias towards college education over alternative career paths like manufacturing?

Iverson: In the early 1980s, outsourcing and offshoring led to a decline in technical education and the belief that our economy would be service-based. Manufacturing was devalued in favor of college degrees, but now there's a shift back towards skilled positions.

Q: What advice do you have for parents skeptical about encouraging their children to pursue careers in manufacturing?

Iverson: Approach each child with an open mind, educate yourself before making decisions, and consider career options beyond a traditional four-year degree, such as training for a career in manufacturing.

Q: How do you envision young people's role in shaping the future of manufacturing, and what qualities or skills do you hope they will bring to the industry?

Iverson: The younger generation has grown up surrounded by technology and may not fully appreciate the value of traditional mentoring. However, they can offer expertise in technology and provide reverse mentoring to established individuals in the manufacturing sector.

Q: What inspired you to start the CHAMPION  Now® initiative and how did you decide on the specific goals and methods for changing the image of manufacturing?

Iverson: I started CHAMPION Now! to change perceptions and show young people the potential in manufacturing careers. It stemmed from my extensive involvement at both regional and national levels. I was on my way to a CTE Education Foundation Board meeting and wanted to develop a catchy acronym to give the cause an identity.

That's when I created CHAMPION: Change How American Manufacturing's Perceived In Our Nation. This initiative gained traction and people didn't want me to step back from it. My goal has always been to elevate like-minded individuals who share my passion for supporting manufacturing and careers in the U.S. for our youth. I believe it's a mistake for people to stay in their own lane and not support others, as the benefits and deficits of doing so are significant.

My second book aims to do just that while engaging the student at the same time. It is a two-front cover design with both manuscripts 180 degrees to the other.

We need to design paths to success with knowledge, research, inspiration and internships, instead of just relying on chance. We deserve better.

Q: How does the CHAMPION Now! team collaborate with local companies, schools and organizations like the TMA Education Foundation to achieve its objectives?

Iverson: I strive to offer event services to organizations nationwide. Recently, I presented at an event hosted by TMA where all 50 participants received a copy of "Inspiring Champions."  I aim to secure more speaking engagements at meetings and conferences and actively participate in podcast interviews to promote the organization and books.

Q: Can you share any success stories or testimonials from individuals inspired or influenced by the CHAMPION Now! program?

Iverson: I was at an event at DMG Mori several years ago. I was trying to keep a low profile as they were a competitor of my company. At the event, a young man mentioned me by name, recalling the story of my grandfather. He expressed that if my grandfather could start a successful career and legacy in manufacturing by sweeping floors, he felt compelled to pursue a career in the same field. He was delighted to use that story as an example of his inspiration.

Q: How do you plan to sustain and expand the reach of the CHAMPION

Now! message in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives on the horizon?

Iverson: Wow, that's a great question. As I am now less directly involved in my company, I have many exciting plans. First, for IMTS2024, we will have a 10 × 30 foot booth, three times the size of our previous booths. I plan to write more articles and possibly co-author a textbook.

CAMP CHAMP is a significant project; we're planning to lease, rent and sell turnkey kits across the country and form partnerships with like-minded organizations to expand our reach. I'm most enthusiastic about the potential for national presence and impact as we move forward!

Q: How did the support of IMEC enhance the execution and success of the six CHAMPION Now! camps, and what specific resources or assistance did IMEC provide?

Iverson: The six pilot camps received financial support from Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and will receive support again this fall. We need to improve our fundraising efforts as most of the support for Camp CHAMP and CHAMPION Now! has come from a small group of people when this impacts everyone in our industry.  We are working on engaging others for donations and grants to achieve national impact.

Q: What were some of the most significant outcomes from the six CHAMPION Now! camps held in Illinois, and how have these camps impacted the participants and the local community?

Iverson: In the first round of camps, we received excellent feedback from the teachers. However, our feedback from parents and students was limited. This year, we plan to capture much more feedback to provide a much better report on our impact.

Q: What strategies do you plan to implement to expand the CHAMPION Now! program beyond Illinois and across the country in 2024, and how do you intend to measure the success of this expansion?

Iverson: Our goal is to establish Camp CHAMP in every state, offering daily manufacturing-focused activities for middle schoolers mentored by high school students. Families can access the book "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing" for inspiration and information to encourage discussions about manufacturing careers. Camps can be rented, leased or purchased and co-branded with CHAMPION Now!.

Q: How has the partnership with IMEC contributed to the success of the CHAMPION Now! camps, and what role do you see similar partnerships playing in the future expansion of the program?

Iverson: IMEC has been amazing in supporting the Camp CHAMP program. For the second year, they have provided funds for us to organize five to six camps in Illinois. We had a CHAMPION Now! Booth at the Student Summit at IMTS2024 in September. This fall we will complete six camps as agreed with IMEC and look forward to exponential growth for the camps and organization in 2025!