Fifth Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT 15 INSIGHT MARQUIS WHO′S WHO FIFTH EDITION What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? My discernment and tenacity. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? My clients in manufacturing are dealing with workforce issues in terms of hiring, retaining and developing their people. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? Manufacturing in the United States is viewed as dirty and boring — not a place for career development. When I started my career in the 1980s, working in manufacturing as an engineer was considered a good job. It paid well, and I was at the forefront of new technology. As an industrial engineer, I was also at the forefront of the quality movement. None of that seems to be the case anymore, which is sad. I would like to turn that around as small manufacturers are the bedrock of most small communities across the United States. When manufacturing flourishes, the community flourishes. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Everybody talks about artificial intelligence and all other kinds of automation because it’s new, but automation entered manufacturing decades ago in some form or fashion. It will continue to have an impact because they have not done it very well and are learning from that experience. I think the COVID-19 pandemic raised the bar on awareness of the fact that companies weren’t doing things in a way that could allow them to be agile and resilient to weather the storms of disruption. The world is moving at a faster pace. If we think that COVID-19 is done, and things will go back to some form of normal, then people will be sadly disappointed. There are many other disruptions coming; we need strong, resilient leaders to respond. What excites you the most about your industry? Manufacturing integrates people, materials, processes and data to make tangible products that bring value to the world. It is exciting to see all the pieces come together. No other sector of our economy does that.
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