CHAMPIONing the Future – Transforming Manufacturing One Student at a Time!

In a riveting episode of The Gunn Show Podcast: Unplugged, host Tony Gunn sat down with Terry Iverson, a luminary in the manufacturing sector and the visionary founder of CHAMPION Now!®. With a career spanning over four decades, Iverson has been a steadfast advocate for reshaping the perception of manufacturing in America. His mission is encapsulated in the acronym CHAMPION: Change How American Manufacturing’s Perceived In Our Nation. Terry Iverson’s journey began in 1980 when he joined Iverson & Company, a family-owned machine tool distributorship and rebuilder based in Illinois. Under his leadership, the company flourished, becoming a cornerstone in the manufacturing community. Iverson’s deep-rooted passion for the industry propelled him to address a pressing concern: the declining interest and misconceptions surrounding manufacturing careers among the younger generation. In 2012, Iverson founded CHAMPION Now!®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the outdated image of manufacturing. He emphasizes that modern manufacturing is a hub of innovation, technology, and opportunity. Through CHAMPION Now!®, Iverson seeks to bridge the gap between industry needs and educational outreach, ensuring that students, parents, and educators recognize the vast potential within the manufacturing sector. Iverson’s message is clear: to secure the future of American manufacturing, it is imperative to cultivate interest and skills from a young age. By changing perceptions and providing accessible education, we can empower the next generation to become innovators and leaders in the manufacturing realm.