Leaders in manufacturing often get asked about their “why.” Why do we do what we do? What keeps us going when the work is hard, the market is uncertain, and the days are long?
For me, that answer started when I was five years old and told everyone I wanted to be a writer. By grade school, I had already picked my college major, advertising, and even narrowed it down to the top three programs in the country: Boston University, Ohio University, and Kent State University. I wanted BU, but I couldn’t afford it, even with a 50% scholarship. I couldn’t afford OU either. So, Kent State became my path, and I don’t regret it. I left not only with a degree in advertising journalism but also a second degree in English because words and storytelling have always been my way of connecting with people.
My first job out of college was as an advertising copywriter for a manufacturer. I was writing about vibration analysis equipment and life support systems for Space Station Freedom. (Not a bad first gig, right?) It was there I realized how much I loved the world of manufacturing: real people, solving real problems, building things that matter.
From there, I spent 12 years as a journalist running construction, welding, and machining trade publications. I met incredible people, learned from them, and gained a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities facing industry. That experience gave me not just knowledge but perspective, and it made my transition into marketing and communications feel natural. I knew how to tell stories that resonated because I understood the people behind them.
My “why” has never been about chasing the biggest contract or the biggest name. It’s simple: I’m a servant leader. I believe if you do the right thing, the money will come. People first. Clients as family. Work rooted in values.
And yes, I care deeply about keeping manufacturing strong right here at home. Every time we help a manufacturer grow, we’re not just moving numbers on a spreadsheet; we’re supporting jobs, families, and communities. That matters.
At the end of the day, I can rest easy knowing I acted with integrity and a clear conscience. At the end of my life, I want to know I made a difference, not just for companies, but for the people who trusted me, worked with me, and taught me along the way.
That’s my why.
It’s not just marketing. It’s not just business. It’s about people, purpose, and building something that lasts.
So I’ll leave you with this: What’s your why? As leaders, it’s worth pausing to reflect. Because when we lead with purpose, we don’t just grow companies; we grow people, communities, and an industry that sustains us all.