All You Ever Really Need to Know.

For those of you who haven't already been subjected to the wallet photos, my wife and I had our first child (a son, Drew) in June. Among the many changes in our lives so far is the time we spend wondering what kind of man he'll grow to be and what we can pass on to him along the way. (We've also pondered how we're going to come up with the projected $160,000 for a 4-year degree in 2018--as college education rises at 8% per year--but that's another story.)

It'll be a whole new world for his generation, and the paths he will have to choose from are unimaginable. He could become a third-generation editor/publisher or follow the footsteps of his other grand- and great-grandfathers to become a draftsman, farmer, cabinetmaker or professor. While I'm banking that he'll be blessed with more smarts (thanks to Mom) than his old man, I've realized that the industry in which I've now spent more than one-fourth of my life has exposed me to some vital lessons.

Speaking broadly, what strikes me most about today's manufacturing is its determination and work ethic (unfortunately, a quality increasingly being viewed by some as a "sucker trait"), inherent business and regulatory challenges and most importantly, its people--a class of individuals I'd be proud for my son to learn from.

Most of what follows has been accumulated over 9 years of covering the industry and from conversations with foundry officials at industry meetings, during plant visits, and the occasional on-the-floor working assignment. So here goes, Drew--a few pieces of advice that manufacturing has taught me:

* Don't stand still. There's always a better way of doing something. If you don't actively seek out those opportunities to improve, you'll get knocked down.

* Take calculated risks. When you fail, chalk it up to your apprenticeship.

* Study the past and those who've gone before you. At the same time, don't be held hostage to history if a worthwhile endeavor failed in another era or with other people.

* Be straight with others, and they'll bestraight with you. You'll get your chops busted occasionally, but you'll come out of those times with even better relationships because you dealt with them head-on.

* Align yourself with those whose mission matches your own idea of what's important. Take pride in your contribution to the cause, and never forget the root reason for your effort.

* Never pass an opportunity to learn something new. Harness that newfound knowledge to tackle current and on-the-horizon problems. In doing so, you'll control your own destiny.

* Share what you know, particularly with those who haven't been afforded the same opportunities.

* Breaking a sweat and working hard is good for the soul. Knowledge unaccompanied by work ethic is wasted talent.

* Behind even the most dire problem is an equal, if not greater, opportunity in hiding--given that your eyes are open to see it.

* Get your hands dirty. Understanding the basics of any process will open your eyes to new possibilities and make decisions all the less frightening.

* Never think you know it all. Leverage every type of skill set you can. The team will take you where you're going quicker and with greater success.

* No matter how bad things might seem, it's always relative. Among other examples, recalling your grandfather's (Vietnam) and great-grandfather's (World War II) generation and the 450,000 U.S. veterans--who never benefited from a bad day at "work"--will help put things in the proper perspective.

* Have at least a little bit of fun every day. If you can't, make a change.

Most Americans fail to realize that the very root of our nation's rise as a world power can be traced to its early manufacturing ability. This truth, along with manufacturing's continued advance through the industrial revolution, the war years and the current wave of technological application are good enough reasons why everyone should experience a day's work in a manufacturing facility, almost as a rite of passage. A lot more would be known about U.S. business and our nation's history by doing so. Further, the smell of iron and the sight of steam from stacks would be more appropriately recognized as the very symbols of wealth being created.

Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, "I know what happiness is, for I have done good work." While not without serious challenge today, the foundry industry has much reason to be proud of its contribution to its customers, the nation and the hundreds of thousands of men and women who've punched a time card...not to mention some important impressions for the next generation.

Editor/Publisher

Michael J. Lessiter