Growing up, we are often taught never to question the value of a good education. From the moment they "graduate" from making castles in sandboxes, the actions and interests of young adolescents are measured by how enticing they will appear on the almighty "college application." But if you stop to consider that the total student debt in the United States is estimated to be $1.3 trillion (more than credit card and auto loan debt combined), you may begin to wonder what the true "value" of a college education actually is.
In Inspiring Champions in Manufacturing, the indomitable Terry M. Iverson challenges our culture's axiom that sustainable careers may only be achieved through a college education. Through his own love, heritage, and mastery of the fine art of manufacturing, Iverson contends that careers in manufacturing offer stability, security, and prosperity for our entire nation. Iverson illustrates the power of manufacturing through in-depth research, personal stories, and over forty interviews with some of the most remarkable authors, CEOs, sports figures, and other influencers.
While half of the book speaks directly to parents, the latter half shepherds inquisitive youth curious about the options available to them.
Inspiring Champions in Manufacturing teaches parents and students:
Why cultural pressure steers parents and high school students toward college
How college pathways leave even the brightest students in debt, deferring home purchases and more
The untold potential of a career in manufacturing
How the US has a skill shortage that rewards fulfillment with impressive salaries and advancement opportunities
How technological advances have made manufacturing into a digital ecosystem versus an industrial complex
Action plans for both parents and youth to get involved in manufacturing
Inspiring Champions in Manufacturing provides parents and students a roadmap for career success, self-fulfillment, and a zero-debt foundation. With their eyes wide open, students will be free to envision the monumental potential that awaits them in a manufacturing career.
Terry M. Iverson is President/CEO of Iverson & Company, a machine tool distributorship and rebuilder in Des Plaines, Illinois. He has spent thousands of hours canvassing the country, talking to schools, and visiting with national and local state politicians about manufacturing in America. He has served on many local high school, community, and technical college advisory boards. He has served on the TMA Education Foundation in Illinois and the CTE Education Foundation in Washington, DC, and chaired the National Visiting Committee for FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center) in Florida. Terry has also testified to the Small Business Committee of the House of Representatives in Washington, DC.
He attended mechanical engineering school at both University of Wisconsin Madison and Marquette University in Wisconsin. Terry met his wife, Kathy, in their junior year of high school, and they have been married for 42 years. Terry and Kathy have three adult children each married to the love of their life. They have been blessed with four grandsons now and three granddaughters.
Terry founded CHAMPION Now!(R) with the vision of changing perceptions of manufacturing careers in hopes of assisting in solving the skills gap crisis in this country. CHAMPION Now!(R) is an acronym that stands for Change How American/Advanced Manufacturing's Perceived In Our Nation. The "Now" references our collective call to action. Learn more about CHAMPION Now!(R) www.championnow.org.
