Nov. 30, 2025

The Future of Work: Trades, Mentors, and the Skills We Need

Terry Iverson has spent more than 40 years in manufacturing, carrying on a family legacy built on precision, craftsmanship, and mentoring. In this conversation, Terry talks about the future of skilled work, why trades matter, and how young people can build meaningful careers without drowning in debt.

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We cover the shift away from hands-on skills, the importance of soft skills and critical thinking, and how mentorship shapes confidence and opportunity. Terry also shares why manufacturing is still a strong path, how AI is changing work, and how parents can help their kids explore real-world skills early.

This episode is about purpose, opportunity, and the power of showing someone what they’re capable of.

What We Cover

Terry’s path into a 100-year family manufacturing legacy
The truth about work ethic, balance, and younger generations
Why trades and manufacturing still create strong careers
How AI and automation are shaping the future of work
The value of soft skills and critical thinking
How mentorship changes lives
Why college isn’t the only path to a great career
Terry’s “Camp Champ” program and how it inspires students
How parents can guide kids toward purpose, skills, and confidence

Connect with Terry

ChampionNow.org
YouTube: Champion Now
Books: Finding America’s Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing

Connect with Joe

nosittingonthesideline.com

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Terry M. M Iverson

Terry M. Iverson Iverson & Company ChampionNow!
77 S. Evergreen Avenue Unit 207 441 N. Third Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Des Plaines, IL 60016 Des Plaines, IL 60016
iversonandco@aol.com www.iversonandco.com www.championnow.org
847-812-8238

EDUCATION
The Bolles School Jacksonville, FL
1972-1977 Prep School w/ AP classes in Physics & Calculus
1977 -1979 Florida State University General Studies 2-year AA degree
Tallahassee Florida
1980- 1983 Marquette University Mechanical Engineering Studies
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 3 years night school
EMPLOYMENT
7/1980-12/1980 Custom Products Milwaukee, Wisconsin Material Buyer
12/1980 Iverson & Company Outside Sales Engineer -Wisconsin Territory
8/1985 Iverson & Company Outside Sales Engineer - Illinois Territory
10/85 Iverson & Company "Acting" General Manager
(Father went in for cancer surgery and was not sure he would come out)
1989 Iverson & Company Sales Manager
1997 Iverson & Company Vice President
1999 Iverson & Company President
2001 - Present Iverson & Company President/CEO
2023 Sold the company and now have Iverson Consulting, Inc.