Shows
Zen SuccessInspiring Champions in Manufacturing with Terry IversonInterview with author Terry Iverson. Terry Iverson is a manufacturing leader, author, and keynote speaker dedicated to reshaping America's perception of skilled trades. As founder of CHAMPION Now!, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champion and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing, Terry brings over 45 years of experience mentoring and inspiring the next generation of makers. He is the author of: "Inspiring Champions in Manufacturing" and "Finding America's Greatest Champion". https://championnow.org/inspiringchampionsinmanufacturing/
2026-01-2455 minZen SuccessInspiring Champions in Manufacturing with Terry IversonInterview with author Terry Iverson. Terry Iverson is a manufacturing leader, author, and keynote speaker dedicated to reshaping America's perception of skilled trades. As founder of CHAMPION Now!, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champion and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing, Terry brings over 45 years of experience mentoring and inspiring the next generation of makers. He is the author of: "Inspiring Champions in Manufacturing" and "Finding America's Greatest Champion". https://championnow.org/inspiringchampionsinmanufacturing/
2026-01-2455 min
Let's Be Real: Mama JourneysLet's Be Real - Mama Journeys - Episode 180 W/Terry IversonTerry Iverson is a dad of 3 who has worked in the manufacturing sector for over 45 years. His career has focused on mentoring younger people. In 2012 he started a new organization called ChampionNow. This organization is meant to teach kids and parents that the perception of manufacturing in our country has become very skewed and is very important in our country. Going into student debt can really derail and delay success for a young person. He believes that moms have a phenomenal influence on their children and knowing the other options that are out there, can help steer their children in d...
2026-01-1934 min
No sitting on the sideline DadThe Future of Work: Trades, Mentors, and the Skills We NeedTerry 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. terry2 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...
2025-11-3041 min
Productivity SmartsEpisode 128 - Finding America's Greatest Champion with Terry IversonWhat if the path to a stable, meaningful, and lucrative career wasn't found in a four year university, but in a hands on craft that's been powering America for more than a century? And what if the biggest productivity hack you're missing is actually mentorship, not better software? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of ChampionNow, lifelong manufacturing leader, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing. With his family marking 100 years in manufacturing, Terry brings a refreshing and deeply...
2025-11-2539 min
Small Biz FloridaEp. 389 | Championing the Trades: Terry Iverson on Fixing the Public Perception of ManufacturingIn this powerful episode from the 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, host Tom Kindred sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of CHAMPIONNow, a nonprofit organization on a mission to reshape Americans' views of careers in manufacturing. Drawing on 45 years of experience in machine tool distribution and a deep involvement in technical education, Iverson shares why outdated and negative perceptions of manufacturing are hurting our workforce, and what we can do to change it. From dispelling myths about the industry to challenging the “college for all” mindset, Iverson lays out a compelling case for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a high-value path...
2025-11-0118 min
The Midwest FlourishMaking Manufacturing Cool Again: Terry M. Iverson on the Future of U.S. Industry | EP. 5Can we really bring manufacturing back to America and make it exciting for the next generation? In this episode of The Midwest Flourish Podcast, host Rick Farrant sits down with Terry M. Iverson, longtime machine tool executive, author, and founder of ChampionNow.org. Terry shares his vision for reshaping how Americans view careers in manufacturing.
Highlighted Topics:
- How ChampionNow and its “Camp CHAMP” model are inspiring students nationwide
- Why CNC machining is the next frontier for digital natives and gamers
- The case for debt-free education and lifelong learning in a...
2025-07-3031 min
Optimistic OutlookBusting Myths About Manufacturing CareersMore than 500,000 American manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. Are negative perceptions and myths about manufacturing holding young people and career seekers back from pursuing these high-paying jobs now attainable to people of all backgrounds?
Terry Iverson, former owner of Iverson & Company and founder of CHAMPION Now!, an organization dedicated to improving the image of manufacturing among students, parents, and educators, joins Barbara to discuss:
The roots of the worker shortage problem
Common myths and misconceptions
Inspiring career success stories
Why newcomers are advancing quickly
The case for ANYONE interested in manufacturing applying for open roles
Show no...
2024-09-2523 min
My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and LeadershipBonus: Terry Iverson's Update, Author of "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing"Welcome to a special bonus episode of "My Favorite Mistake" with your host, Mark Graban! In this episode, we're thrilled to reconnect with Terry Iverson, who has just released his second book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing."
Terry joined us previously in Episode 74, and today he's back to share insights from his new book and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation in manufacturing. We delve into the details of his innovative two-sided book and his exciting initiatives for middle schoolers.
Tune in to hear about:
Terry's new book, "Inspiring Champions in Advanced...
2024-07-1811 min
The TechEd PodcastIs a College Degree Worth It? Career Conversations Parents Should Have With Their Students - Terry Iverson, Founder of CHAMPION NowLet's face it: college isn't for everyone. Especially with the amount of student debt being carried by individuals long into their career; oftentimes, for degrees that don't even get used.We need to inform and inspire students towards careers they're passionate about and wired for, and help them find the right education option that will get them to that goal. Parents, educators, mentors in the workforce - we all have a role in making sure the next generation workforce has the right set of skills for their profession, especially in manufacturing.In this episode, we...
2023-09-1240 min
Manufacturing TalksIt's a CALL TO ACTION for manufacturing leaders and execs to develop our workforce of the future!Send us a textTerry Iverson joins us for Episode 58. He was the third generation leader at his family's machine tool business, Iverson & Company, for most of his career. Then he took a challenge to connect with young people and help sell manufacturing as a great career path, and he was off to the races!He founded CHAMPION Now, an advocacy to reach out to America's youth. Its focus? Here it is in Terry's own words, from the CHAMPION Now website: "CHAMPION Now® exists to change the image of manufacturing from the unrealistic, stereotypical 'dark a...
2023-08-2935 min
The Kickback FCMichael Parkhurst talks about the growth of soccer in America, Winning the MLS Cup and MORE!Starting off season 3 with a bang! We had the pleasure in speaking with former USMNT player, Olympian, MLS ROTY, MLS Cup and Danish Cup winner Michael Parkhurst. One of the true pioneers of the MLS and USA soccer, Michael graciously walks us through his journey as professional and how much the game of soccer (football) has grown in the United States. A few of his accolades include,MLS Rookie Of The YearMLS Cup Champion6x MLS All-StarDanish Superliga 2X Danish Cup winner2x Gold Cup ChampionNow retired, Parkhurst is still involved in the game as he looks to bring Rhode...
2023-08-0747 min
Manufacturing Talk RadioIt's About Manufacturing - Not College!Terry Iverson, CEO of Iverson and Company, and Founder of ChampionNOW discusses the great career opportunities in manufacturing, and the potential to get college paid for by your employer so you can graduate with a career and no student loan debt - what could be better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2022-05-2439 min
My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and LeadershipThe Cost of Not Owning Your Mistakes — and the Power of Telling the Truth (Terry Iverson)President & CEO at Iverson & Company
Show notes: https://www.markgraban.com/mistake74
My guest for Episode #74 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Terry Iverson, the President & CEO at Iverson & Company, a third-generation family-owned company that produces machine tooling.
Terry is the author of Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting (2018).
He is also founder of the ChampionNow! Foundation, formed in 2012.
Questions and topics include:
What lesson did Terry learn about responsibility, in the realm of high school academics and...
2021-06-0728 min
Careers by Jenn Podcast: Get the Job, Love Your Work, Advance Your CareerSuccess Without College with Terry IversonCollege and university are wonderful options for some, and others find amazingly successful and satisfying careers in work that doesn't involve degrees. Today my guest and author Terry Iverson shares his thoughts on work in the trades, in manufacturing and in how to decide for yourself what work you would like to do, in our conversation. To learn about Terry: https://championnow.org/ For coaching, courses, and more content: https://www.careersbyjenn.com/ Thanks for listening! Jenn
2021-01-2142 min
The Job Shop ShowEpisode 39: Terry Iverson of ChampionNow!Jay interviews a true Champion of U.S. Manufacturing; Terry Iverson. While Terry’s day job is running Iverson & Co a seller of new and used machine tools; Terry’s true passion is to educate our country on the importance of Manufacturing in the USA. Terry founded ChampionNow with the goal of moving manufacturing forward, erasing old stigmas, and educating and mentoring the younger generations on the exciting opportunities that exist within Manufacturing. Terry is also author of “Finding America’s Greatest Champion” - a resource for students, parents, educators and industry leaders to understand what is possible for our young...
2020-08-281h 04
Manufacturing Greatness18 The Human Interface with Terry IversonMindfulness Manufacturing is pleased to have Terry Iverson as a guest on our podcast today. Terry is a 3rd generation President and CEO of a family built CNC distribution business. He is also the founder of an Organization called "Champion Now and its sole purpose is to change people's perception of manufacturing for the better. Listen as Terry shares his passion and years of experience on Mindfulness Manufacturing. 2:56 The human interface. Terry discusses the human element and how this has always been a constant. The human interface in buying and selling components is still consistent today, 40 years later since Terry h...
2020-07-2929 min
Blueprint Your Career Podcast with Angela Hemans"Championing For The Manufacturing Community"Today I am speaking with the owner of Iverson & Company, starting his 40th year with an 89-year-old third-generation Des Plaines machine tool distributorship & re-builder. He's author of "Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting." and my career conversation guest Terry M. Iverson Website: www.championnow.org Connect with Terry Iverson: On Twitter @championnow @terrymiverson
2020-07-0243 min
Born 2 WinBORN 2 WIN PODCAST|#8 w/Vondale Singleton| Special Guest Terry Iverson #chicago #born2win #podcast #manufacturingOur special guest Terry M. Iverson is a third generation President & CEO of Iverson & Company, an 86 year-old CNC machine tool distributorship located in Des Plaines, IL. The Iverson brand has become synonymous with “precision & service”, and cutting edge in the industry and service, rebuilding, financing, training and turnkeys throughout portions of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and UP Michigan. Terry started in the industry in 1980 based out of Wisconsin, for the first 5 years of his career. During his career Terry has found it important to develop relationships with Technical Colleges in the area that Iverson & Company serves. Some of the technical/comm...
2020-06-1038 min
Empowering Industry Podcast - A Production of Empowering Pumps & EquipmentFinding America's Greatest ChampionThis week Charli and Bethany talk with Empowering team member Bekah all about advocacy marketing - what it is, what the benefits are, and how to implement it. Then Charli interviews Terry Iverson, CEO of Iverson & Company, Founder of a 501(C3) CHAMPIONNow!, and author of Finding America’s Greatest Champion.Terry’s Bio & Links:In 1980 I started working for my family’s machine tool distributorship. I have the awesome opportunity to work with and sell machine tool solutions to some of the most advanced manufacturers in the country. Over the last 40 years I have le...
2020-05-2538 min
Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting TeenagersEp 83: The Future of JobsTerry Iverson, founder of the non-profit Champion Now and author of Finding America’s Greatest Champion, talks about the future of the job market--where are the gaps now and what might young people do to best prepare themselves for the world of work? Find out in this week’s episode!Full show notesAll parents want their teenagers to be happy and successful in their personal and professional lives, but now more than ever, there’s a lot at stake. The future of our political landscape seems to be changing every day, and there’s no telli...
2020-05-0328 min
The Listening ChairA Machinist with an Assist-Terry Iverson“America’s manufacturing economy, if it was measured by itself when compared to other country’s entire economies, our manufacturing economy alone would rank #8 in the world. Manufacturing is way more significant than we realize and our culture needs to make a shift to realize this.”
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Machinist, author, 501c3 founder, and owner of Iverson & Co., a Des Plaines machine tool distributorship & rebuilder, Terry brings the heat in this episode as he shares the best kept secret in manufacturing today is the abundance of opportunities that await a new generation. He also shares the most helpful thing tha...
2020-01-1836 min