I didn't know what I wanted to be in college. I went to a small liberal arts school in South Carolina, majored in business and minored in political science.
I looked for a job for six months after I graduated and found one with Newcomb Spring. I didn't have a manufacturing background, so I started as a sales engineer. I worked with customers on product development.
Our company makes springs that are used in all kinds of products, from cars to door handles. I helped design springs. You don't really need an engineering degree for that -- just basic knowledge of math and calculus. I did this for three years, and then I decided I didn't want to anymore. I got married and also wanted to move. So I left the company.
The company's owners talked me into coming back and eventually taking over the division. I rejoined the company in 2005 as a general manager. I have a knack for design. I enjoy my work and I want to do it as long as I can.
As a country, we have to get back to our manufacturing roots. We have to hire more in the industry especially when unemployment is so high right now, and help the economy grow
U.S. factories are creating new jobs. But owners are struggling to find skilled American workers to fill them.
