Effective leaders show as well as tell, and to me this means not being afraid to get my hands dirty. When I was a youth in my parents’ shop, I did it to prove my worth in their shop. I continue to do it now to be an example to my team and to the next generation of machinists.

In 1993, I had the opportunity to run a small, struggling company that manufactured shafts. Twenty-five years and many mistakes later, success has allowed me to create jobs, find talented people, and build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

As much as I believe in our industry’s power to change the world, I also believe in one person’s power to make a difference. Success means little unless we convert that success into opportunities to provide humanitarian assistance, both here and abroad. Manufacturing has made it all possible. For that, I am endlessly grateful to my parents, my colleagues, my faith, and everyone else that helped pave the way.