Why-Axis

“My journey into manufacturing started when I became a career counselor and worked with job seekers to find a career. With a background in education and teaching, I did not know much about the manufacturing industry. Why would I? I began visiting businesses to do tours of manufacturing to learn about available jobs. I remember being captivated by the variety of manufacturing occupations, unique products being made and the skills required. When the consortium was formed to cre

“Having worked for a growing aerospace manufacturer, I was fortunate to experience the unbelievable challenges of unprecedented growth linked to new engine programs. We planned and prepared extensively, developing new technologies and processes to incorporate in a new plant, while acutely being aware that one of the greatest obstacles to overcome would be linked to talent development and acquisition. Green field events can prepare you to deliver long-term competitive advantag

“Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy. It provides jobs, fosters technological advancements and ensures the stability of countless supply chains. When asked to give my story regarding my career decision to work in manufacturing, I did what any normal person living in the 21st century would do, I asked Google for help. The above words were Google’s explanation of what manufacturing is. However, manufacturing is that and so much more. I’ve worked in various secto

“ Hi. My name is Kelly Jorgenson, and I am the Director of Human Resources at Jessup Manufacturing Company in McHenry, IL. I joined Jessup 9 years ago after leaving another McHenry County manufacturing company where I worked for 17 years. When I received my BS in Business/HR Management many moons ago, I started out my career in the hospitality industry. I loved it and thought I would stay in that industry my entire career. However, fast forward to the year 2000 when I moved t

“ Growing up in McHenry County, I have consistently witnessed the incredible connection and collaboration among so many great organizations. The people working together to build a sustainable and successful community inspired me to get involved. My career has taken some twists and turns, spanning both the private and public sectors, but one thing has always remained consistent: my drive to serve people. Whether it's serving on the Woodstock School District 200 Board of Educ

“ Manufacturing has always represented something deeper to me than simply producing goods. It’s a space where ideas become real—where design, skill, collaboration, and persistence come together to create something tangible. Being a woman in this field, I’ve often found myself reflecting on what it means to contribute to an industry that is constantly evolving, yet still rooted in craft, discipline, and innovation. Within the Manufacturing Pathways consortium, my motivation co

“ For me, manufacturing has always been more than an industry or a job — it’s a living ecosystem where curiosity, discipline, and creativity meet every single day. What drives my passion is the constant challenge of transforming complexity into progress: managing people, optimizing processes, and ensuring that every product reflects our commitment to quality and innovation, adding value to the lives of our Customers. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across mu

“ I work in manufacturing because it allows me to help others by contributing to products that people rely on every day. Whether it's building essential equipment or creating parts for everyday goods, I know my work has a real impact. Manufacturing also offers great opportunities for growth, learning new skills, and advancing in my career. It's a hands-on industry that constantly evolves, and being part of that progress is both rewarding and exciting. I ended up working in ma

“I believe manufacturing is vital to our community because it fuels our local economy, provides stable, well-paying jobs, and drives innovation right here at home. In McHenry County, it’s not just about production—it’s about opportunity. For our educational system, manufacturing provides a real-world pathway for students to apply the knowledge they gain in math, science, and technology. It provides schools with an opportunity to connect their curriculum to careers, whether th

“When I graduated from high school, I was set on becoming a nurse. I took all the necessary classes to help me achieve this goal. I chose the college I would attend based on its nursing program. I signed up for all the right courses for that program in my first year. I did all the prep I thought I could to help me achieve my dream. And then, I took college-level chemistry, and my dreams came crashing down. I failed. I never failed any class up to that point. I was devastated

“Coming out of high school I really had no idea what I wanted to do for my future. Almost everyone I knew was going to college as that was the expected norm. I had my doubts but also knew I did not want to stock shelves at the local grocery store for the rest of my life. There was very little guidance available at my high school. I finished very near the top of my class, and it was just assumed my next step was off to college. I reluctantly decided to attend MSOE with me

“Manufacturing requires the bright minds of our talented young people. Manufacturers are primary employers creating jobs in the larger economy. Manufacturing hasn’t always received the respect it deserves. The progressive story of today’s manufacturer needs to be told and retold, particularly to our youth, and in many cases their parents. High school internships, apprenticeships and numerous on-the-job training programs exist to pursue a career in this worthwhile industry

“I had the amazing opportunity to grow up in a machine shop and be around manufacturing my whole life. Yet, I wanted nothing to do with it. I thought, “That’s not for me.” Right out of high school, I decided to pursue a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design. I was determined to go in a different direction. But while helping out at the family shop, BTM Industries, with marketing and in the quality department, something shifted. I fell in love with what we do. I left college,

“Manufacturing is a vital component of McHenry County’s economy. When it prospers, it propels the entire county’s economy forward. Manufacturing growth means more well-paying jobs and more opportunities for people to enter the trades and make a great living with in-demand skill sets, without accumulating student loan debt. McHenry County Government has shown its commitment to local manufacturing through its Advance McHenry County grant program. These grants helped the MPC and