Industry veteran on a quest to find America's greatest champion

After working in the machine tool industry my entire career, I called on manufacturing companies across the country. Each and every day, customers say they simply cannot find enough skilled workers. So I embarked on a quest to change the landscape of the manufacturing workforce. The only way that I thought I could accomplish this was to write a book, one that could be used by students, parents, educators, guidance counselors, industry members, government officials and other interested parties.

I conducted more than 40 interviews—including Titan Gilroy, star of the TV show “Titans of CNC,” Greg Wasson, former CEO of Walgreen Co., and Greg Knox, president of Knox Machinery Inc.—covering the topics of mentorship, parenting and opportunities, as well as the importance of manufacturing greatness in our country. Many of the sources did not come from the manufacturing sector. I interviewed professional athletes, media professionals, inventors, entrepreneurs, CEOs and many more.

To succeed with this book, I believe I need to reach those who are not in manufacturing, plus those who are. I hope this book will help change our culture and that, as a result, more young people will be encouraged to enter good-paying, rewarding careers. Many of these careers are not even on young people’s radar.

The educational sector, job market and parenting models are ever changing. Students often accumulate an overwhelming amount of debt, stifling their ability to buy homes, start families and be fully independent. We owe it to the next generation to make sure it knows of every opportunity and career set.

Our culture needs to accept those who want to work with their mind and hands. The job market yearns for more skilled workers. The degreed positions of the past are not necessarily the prime careers they once were. The manufacturing floor is not what it once was. Computerized, clean and automated cells have emerged in the market and need an entirely new level of shop expertise.

Perceptions need to adjust to what reality has become. My goal is to take readers on a journey of realization starting from their current perceptions. This book is designed to give the tools, resources and insights needed to help our next generation become America’s greatest champions.

My hope is to enhance your understanding of mentoring and parenting. I want to demonstrate the importance of manufacturing in our lives, as well as the opportunities. Together, let us find America’s greatest champions.

Visit my Kickstarter page at www.kickstarter.com/TerryIverson, watch my video, review my extensive list of contributors, and join our movement to get this book into the hands of those who need it and can use it.