“The leaders of tomorrow are already here. We just need to identify them, encourage them, and give them the tools to lead.”
— Brian Adams, PMPA President – Lincolnwood, Illinois
What does PMPA leadership in modern manufacturing really look like?
In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks, we sit down with Brian Adams, President of the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA), for a candid and wide-ranging conversation, recorded live at Datanomix HQ in Nashua, NH.
Brian shares his personal journey from sweeping the shop floor at his family business to eventually leading PMPA at the national level. One handwritten letter to his uncle set the course for a lifelong career in precision manufacturing, and Brian has carried that legacy forward with humility, heart, and a focus on people.
We dive into the industry’s evolution, the pressing need for skilled talent, and how PMPA’s “Better Together” mission continues to shape shop culture across the country. As Brian puts it, true PMPA leadership in modern manufacturing means investing in relationships, education, and the next generation of craftsmen and women.
“We need to inspire and engage with young people… it’s no longer the three D’s: dirty, dark, and dangerous.”
— Brian Adams, PMPA President – Lincolnwood, Illinois
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- (01:27) – Starting on the Shop Floor
- (04:23) – The Classic Broom & The Bridgeport
- (14:08) – Succession and Second-Generation Leadership
- (15:46) – Why PMPA Matters
- (17:20) – Adopting Technology to Stay Competitive
- (19:45) – Advice for the Next Generation
Links Referenced:
- PMPA: Precision Machined Products Association
- Datanomix: https://datanomix.io/
- mfgmavericks.com: https://mfgmavericks.com