Every month, we’ve been catching up with NTMA members, discussing the value they’ve gained since beginning their NTMA journey. This time, we sat down with Shannon Sweatman, CTO of Southern Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (SMT for short), and talked through her experience with NTMA.
SMT has something in common with many other NTMA members: It’s a family business with multiple generations of engagement in our trade organization. Exposed to NTMA early on in her career, Shannon attended her first conference in 2007 and hasn’t looked back.
The Early Years
Southern Manufacturing Technologies officially became an NTMA member in 1984, just a year after the shop opened its doors. Shannon’s father, Roy Sweatman, immediately found value in the organization. While he had almost two decades of experience in manufacturing and precision machining, Roy gained value from learning about the evolving technologies and equipment that could expand his business.
Shannon started working part-time for the company as a teenager before joining the team full-time in adulthood. “Growing up, I remember my dad scheduling his calendar year around NTMA events because they were so important to him,” Shannon recalled. When she attended her first NTMA conference at 27 years old, she immediately understood what he meant.
Shannon’s Introduction to Her National Manufacturing Community
Roy became an NTMA chairman in 2008 and encouraged his daughter to attend conferences with him a year prior. “Part of me thought he liked going to the conferences so much because they allowed him to hang out with his friends!” Shannon admitted.
While it was indeed a great time, she realized how much value could be gained by attending these national events. Shannon’s first NTMA conference was “a breath of fresh air.” She felt inspired by being around like-minded people who were intelligent, experienced, humble, and willing to share their expertise. She met industry peers from across the country, expanding her manufacturing network far outside the central Florida collective she had become acquainted with. Almost 20 years later, Shannon remains connected with many individuals she met at her first conference.
Expanding Her Peer Network
Shannon appreciates having trusted resources to reach out to when questions come up in her daily work—such as troubleshooting problems with complicated materials, encouraging staff to work the second shift, and so on. “It’s so helpful having a network of people to turn to throughout the year, so you don’t have to wait until the next conference or event to reach out.”
She regularly checks NTMA Connect, our online community platform, to see what issues fellow manufacturers are facing and what topics are top-of-mind on a national scale. “It’s a great resource for people who haven’t attended conferences yet and don’t know who to turn to. Any NTMA member can reach out and get feedback from another member in real time,” Shannon explained.
Learning the Tricks of the Trade
Shannon learned a great deal directly from her father and by putting in hours at the shop. However, she cites conferences and participation in peer teams as formative to her personal and career development. At the many conferences and events she has attended since first engaging with NTMA, Shannon has gained the following insight:
- High-level business acumen: NTMA has hosted a number of roundtables and panels on best business practices. One ongoing topic of discussion involves passing the torch on to the next generation of manufacturers, namely family members. “Connecting with other family businesses and hearing about their succession planning or other challenges with working in a family business has been helpful,” she elaborates.
- Industry-specific expertise: NTMA also offers deep dives into subjects unique to the manufacturing field, from tooling advice to Lean manufacturing strategies. Shannon still thinks about a tidbit she learned at one of her first NTMA events about demand charges on electricity bills. It was a piece of information that industry insiders – like Roy – would have known, but as a newcomer to manufacturing, the information completely opened Shannon’s mind.
Advocating for Change
As Shannon currently participates on the government affairs team, she is very passionate about NTMA’s advocacy program. Shannon has attended a number of legislative fly-ins since 2007, sharing perspectives and helping to influence the legislation that gets passed relating directly to our industry.
In addition, NTMA has individuals operating year-round to act and speak on their behalf before Capitol Hill. “NTMA has an outstanding lobbying firm, The Franklin Partnership. They do a great job working hard throughout the year to benefit the association,” Shannon added.
Connecting with Associate Members
Shannon feels that NTMA’s associate members are often the unsung heroes of our organization. They are instrumental not only in teaching members about new technologies, but they also offer direct contacts to help with any questions members may have.
Reap the Benefits of Community and Collaboration
NTMA offers a range of benefits for all types of members, from seasoned professionals to those newer to the industry. Shannon offered advice for those considering joining NTMA (but unsure if they’re ready to commit): “If there’s a local chapter nearby, reach out to see if you can attend a meeting.” She adds, “Just give it a try.”
Are you interested in expanding your manufacturing network and gaining a wealth of knowledge of all sides of the industry? Join the National Tooling & Machining Association today!
