Here at Leading Edge Industrial, two things we value most are our country and manufacturing. Manufacturing in the United States is a strong source of jobs, money, and pride and, therefore, is worthy of celebration and recognition. This week we would like to highlight a few individuals who have made waves in promoting manufacturing and “Made in America” production over the years.
Mike Rowe
A familiar name in the manufacturing world is Mike Rowe, well known for his work on television as a host and narrator. His commendable devotion to bringing attention to declining blue collar jobs and the skills gap has been influential. He and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers started the campaign, “I Make America,” focused on raising awareness to how the manufacturing industry supports jobs and the economy. His other campaign, “Profoundly Disconnected” challenges the ideology that a four-year degree is the only way to make a decent living and brings awareness to the very real danger of the looming Skills Gap that must be decreased.
John Ratzenberger
John Ratzenberger has led a very diverse and fascinating life in the entertainment world. From being a Pixar Voice actor to a regular on the show, “Cheers,” where everybody knows his name…to be Cliff Clavin, John Ratzenberger has made his mark on the industry. The work closest to his heart has been a bit different, however. John Ratzenberger produced and hosted the show, “Made in America,” where he traveled around the United States highlighting and celebrating American manufacturing by visiting many factories, including those of Crayola and Yankee Candle. He would take viewers on tours of the places he visited and give them a look at item production. He is currently in the process of trying to bring back the show, now called John Ratzenberger’s American Made.
Larry the Cable Guy
Daniel Whitney got his start appearing on radio shows and doing stand-up comedy, but he didn’t launch into stardom until he created the comedic character, “Larry the Cable Guy.” Larry became his stage-name and ever-since, he’s grown more and more popular. One project of his, like the gentlemen above, was a testament to his love of the U.S.A. Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy was a television show that ran from 2011 to 2013. The point of the show? To travel around the country observing lifestyles, people, traditions, and more, that would only occur in the great U.S. of A.
Why Are These People Important?
Success occurs when those of like minds come together and build each other up. Whether you’re talking about manufacturing, STEM careers in general, this country, or anything else, finding reasons to celebrate and promote what you care about is important. Stars, like Larry the Cable Guy, Mike Rowe, and John Ratzenberger have fame and fortune, yet they put time and effort into promoting and bringing awareness to the importance of the manufacturing industry, and blue collar jobs.
Made in America
At Leading Edge Industrial, we want to do our part to support the economy and our country. Therefore, our products are made in the U.S.A. Check out our HX Series products and more on our website.
Manufacturing has a huge impact on the United States economy and our everyday lives. 9% of the U.S. workforce is in manufacturing and for every dollar spent in manufacturing, $1.81 is put into the economy. That is no small number; it happens to be the highest return of all sectors. It is extremely important to be conscious of manufacturing’s impact on our country, like the amazing individuals highlighted above have.