As a member of NTMA for over 25 years, National Jet Company has experienced firsthand the immense value of being part of this organization. To capture the success of this partnership, we had a conversation with Sam Griffith, President of National Jet Company. Sam’s relationship with NTMA started 10 years ago when he first joined the business. Since taking over the business following his father’s retirement, Sam sees more value in his engagement with NTMA than ever.
National Jet Company’s NTMA Story
National Jet Company first became involved with NTMA when Sam’s father, Sam Griffith Sr., purchased the business in 1992. Sam Sr., a CPA by trade, understood the financial implications of running a business but was new to the nitty-gritty elements of manufacturing. For this reason, he sought out NTMA membership to gain industry expertise and guidance.
Through changes in the market, ever-changing national and regional policies, and the transfer of ownership from father to son, National Jet Company has continued to leverage its NTMA membership. Here are some of the significant value-adds they rely on:
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
One of the most significant advantages of NTMA membership involves connecting with other industry leaders. The national events National Jet Company attends feature roundtable discussions where members can openly discuss various topics, from technical issues to business strategies to HR policies. This open exchange of ideas has been instrumental in guiding National Jet Company to success.
Industry Insights and Market Trends
National Jet Company President Sam Griffith put it simply: “NTMA is a finger on the pulse for our industry.” NTMA keeps manufacturers informed about the latest developments in our sector. Through benchmarking reports and market analyses, NTMA offers crucial insights that help our members stay competitive.
Leadership Opportunities
Sam and his father have both had the privilege of serving on the NTMA Board of Trustees. This experience offered both leaders a unique perspective on NTMA’s strategic direction and emerging industry trends.
“It’s been eye-opening for me to see how NTMA operates and what they’re focused on, whether it’s online learning or AI or something else they’re looking to integrate into the organization,” Sam said.
Advocacy and Policy Updates
NTMA’s advocacy efforts, led by the OneVoice team and the lobbyists that make up the Franklin Partnership, keep Sam and his team informed about relevant manufacturing industry policies. Sam occasionally calls and emails Omar Nashashibi, one of our advocacy experts, when he has questions about specific policies. Sam added, “Omar brushes elbows with some of the most important people in the country, but he still makes the time for individual NTMA members.”
How National Jet Company Puts Their Membership into Action
Solving Business Challenges
The relationships National Jet Company has built through its connection with NTMA have been invaluable. Whether they’re sending a quick text to a friend they’ve made through NTMA participation or calling a member they’ve never met with specific expertise, the manufacturing network has always supported the business’ challenges and needs. Sam goes on to explain, “Sometimes I’ll call people out of the blue. Without a doubt, every single time, they’ll drop what they’re doing, pick up the phone, and give me their time.”
Gaining a Competitive Edge
NTMA’s benchmarking reports allow the National Jet Company team to compare their performance with similar businesses in their area. Sam appreciates this more localized perspective, as it allows “rural businesses like ours to compare apples to apples.”
Embracing the National Events
Being located in Cumberland, Maryland, National Jet Company doesn’t have a local NTMA chapter nearby. Instead, they’ve fully embraced the national events, which offer invaluable networking opportunities and a high-level perspective on industry trends.
While many of our members benefit from participation in local chapters, National Jet Company finds that involvement at a national level fits their needs. They see the advantages of assessing a big-picture view of the industry while continuing to monitor trends on a local level via NTMA’s regional benchmarking reports.
Join NTMA
In Sam’s words, “If you’re in manufacturing, you need to be in NTMA.” National Jet Company’s NTMA membership has been a crucial factor in its long-term success. It has helped them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and succeed after over 85 years in business.
Whether you’re new to the industry like Sam Griffith Sr. was when he first joined or an experienced manufacturer looking to evolve your business, join NTMA to leverage our rich manufacturing network.
