In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, finding skilled workers is only half the battle. Equally important is fostering a culture of character, purpose, and continuous learning. Dave Hataj, second-generation president of Edgerton Gear, has made it his mission to not only transform his own business but also inspire a new generation of craftsmen through his innovative program, Craftsman with Character.
As a young man, Dave initially resisted joining the family business, opting instead to pursue an education and gain experience elsewhere. However, upon returning to Edgerton Gear, he recognized the need for a cultural shift. By prioritizing character over mere skillsets in the hiring process, Dave witnessed a remarkable transformation in his company’s atmosphere and performance.
“I flipped it and I said I can teach skills,” Dave explains. “I really believe that you find the right people that have an apparent aptitude for mechanical things, we can teach that. But the character part of it, I just realized if we don’t have people with character, people we can trust, it’s just a constant uphill battle.”
Inspired by the untapped potential of local high school students, Dave launched Craftsman with Character, a pre-apprenticeship program designed to expose students to the exciting world of manufacturing and the trades while nurturing their personal development. By connecting students with experienced mentors, the program ignites a passion for craftsmanship and provides them with the tools to succeed both professionally and personally.
The impact on participants has been nothing short of remarkable.
From the very get-go, we’ve had students who were D students in high school, maybe even flunking, within one semester of taking our course, they’re on the dean’s list.
Beyond academic achievement, the program instills a sense of purpose and belonging, helping students develop the character traits essential for long-term success.
Recognizing the program’s transformative power, the US Navy recently partnered with Dave to expand Craftsman with Character nationwide. As the manufacturing sector grapples with an aging workforce and a growing skills gap, initiatives like this are crucial to ensuring the industry’s vitality and meeting critical needs, such as submarine construction.
Looking to the future, Dave envisions scaling the program to reach hundreds of thousands of students and assist thousands of manufacturing businesses in embracing a mentoring culture. By actively engaging with the next generation through school and community outreach, manufacturers can play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
“I’m more optimistic now about my business and about this next generation than I have been in 30 plus years,” Dave enthuses. “I’m so excited about giving these kids opportunities and just seeing the transformation in them and the staff at my own company as well.”
For manufacturing leaders seeking to make a difference, Dave’s advice is simple: get involved in your local schools and communities. Programs like Craftsman with Character offer a roadmap for creating meaningful connections, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and securing the future of the manufacturing industry.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, it is the visionaries like Dave Hataj who remind us that investing in people is the key to unlocking the sector’s true potential. By embracing mentorship, character development, and community engagement, we can cultivate a new generation of craftsmen ready to lead the industry forward.
