Get to Know the Caster Concepts' Production Specialist Andrew Crowe

Drew Crowe joins the Caster Concepts team as a Production Specialist. Learn more about his career experiences and get to know him below ??

Q: What is your background in manufacturing?

A: Manufacturing changed the trajectory of my life. As a teenage father and two-time felon, I thought my options were limited. But then I discovered this incredible industry that valued my potential and gave me a chance to rebuild. I started on the shop floor as a material handler, running the saw and delivering raw materials to the machinists. It was humbling work, but it opened my eyes to a world of opportunity I never knew existed.

From there, I worked my way up, learning manual machining, then CNC operation and programming. I took on leadership roles, becoming a shop lead and sharing my knowledge with others. Along the way, I gained experience in sales for a live tooling company and as a lead instructor at a technical college, where I could give back and inspire the next generation.

Now, as the face of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance Tour for the past three years, I've seen firsthand how exposure and education can transform lives and communities. I'm driven to help companies build innovative solutions to attract, develop, and empower the workforce of tomorrow. Because I know that manufacturing doesn't just build products - it builds people and it built me.

Q: Why is it important for manufacturers to have optimized casters and equipment?

A: In manufacturing, efficiency is everything. When you're moving millions of dollars in materials and machines daily, every second counts. Optimized casters and equipment are the unsung heroes of the shop floor. They ensure a smooth, seamless flow of raw goods in and finished products out.

Think about it - if your casters are slowing you down or failing under the load, that's eating into your productivity and profitability with every delayed minute. But when you invest in high-quality, purpose-built casters, you're maximizing your output and your margins. You're making sure your process flows like a well-oiled machine, from receiving to shipping.

It's about more than the bottom line though. Proper casters also protect your team by reducing physical strain and minimizing the risk of injuries. They protect your products and equipment from damage. And they demonstrate a commitment to quality that resonates with your customers.

So while casters might seem like a small detail, they have a massive impact. Optimizing them is really about optimizing your entire operation, from safety to efficiency to reputation. And in an increasingly competitive landscape, those advantages can make all the difference.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about your new role with Caster Concepts?

A: Joining Caster Concepts feels like coming home. I admire their commitment to innovation, quality, and community. Now I get to be part of that mission, and I couldn't be more excited.

On a technical level, I'm fascinated by the design and manufacturing of custom casters. There's a unique challenge and creativity in developing application-specific solutions. I'm looking forward to working closely with our talented team to learn how they quite literally reinvent the wheel for clients with custom needs.

I'm also thrilled to be involved with Caster Cares, the community outreach program. Giving back is deeply important to me, especially when it comes to expanding opportunities in manufacturing. To be part of a company that shares those values and invests in making a real difference - that's extraordinary. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping forge partnerships that will empower the next generation of makers and leaders in the local community.

At the end of the day, this role brings together everything I stand for: innovation, education, and elevation. I couldn't have dreamed up a better fit, and I'm just so grateful and ready to get to work.

Q: What improvements have you seen in the manufacturing industry recently?

A: The manufacturing landscape today is exhilarating. We're in the midst of a technological revolution known as Industry 4.0, and it's transforming every facet of how we work.

At the heart of this shift is the integration of advanced technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Machines are becoming smarter, more connected, and more capable than ever before. They're taking on tasks that were once thought impossible to automate, freeing up human workers to focus on higher-level strategy and problem-solving.

We're seeing AI-powered quality control systems that can detect the tiniest defects, collaborative robots that work safely alongside people, and smart sensors that predict maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. These tools aren't replacing jobs - they're making them more engaging, more impactful, and more valuable.

But Industry 4.0 isn't just about the tech itself. It's about the doors it opens. As manufacturing becomes more digitized, it's also becoming more accessible. The skills needed are evolving, with a greater emphasis on digital fluency, creative thinking, and adaptability. That means a more diverse talent pool can now thrive in this field, from coders to creatives to change-makers.

I'm especially energized by the potential for these advancements to revitalize underserved communities. As manufacturing becomes more tech-forward, it's creating pathways for people who may have faced barriers in the past. With the right training and support, these individuals can leapfrog into rewarding, resilient careers, regardless of their background.

So while the changes are dizzying, they're also incredibly promising. Manufacturing is becoming faster, smarter, and more inclusive. It's an industry that's not just embracing the future, but actively shaping it. And for someone who's dedicated to empowering the next generation of makers, that's thrilling to witness and be part of.

Q: What do you think the future of the manufacturing industry looks like?

A: When I look ahead, I see a manufacturing industry that's almost unrecognizable from its past. The rapid acceleration of Industry 4.0 is ushering us into a new era of innovation and inclusion, and the possibilities are boundless.

On the technology front, I believe we'll continue to integrate AI, automation, and data analytics in ways we've only begun to imagine. Our machines will become increasingly intelligent and interconnected, optimizing production in real-time based on a constant stream of data. We'll see more lights-out manufacturing, with robots operating autonomously 24/7. And we'll harness the power of digital twins and simulations to test and refine designs before ever building a physical prototype.

But even more exciting to me is the human side of this equation. As manufacturing becomes more high-tech, it's also becoming more high-touch. The jobs of the future will blend technical skills with uniquely human traits like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. And that means a more diverse, dynamic workforce than ever before.

I envision a future where manufacturing is a vibrant tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Where people from all backgrounds - urban, rural, Indigenous, immigrant - can access the training and opportunities to build meaningful careers. Where neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities can harness assistive tech to unleash their full potential. And where historically underrepresented groups, like women and people of color, are not just welcomed but elevated into leadership roles.

As we break down barriers and stereotypes, I believe manufacturing will become a powerful engine for socioeconomic mobility. The "New Collar" jobs created by Industry 4.0 have the potential to rebuild the middle class and revitalize communities that have been left behind. By investing in education, retraining, and apprenticeships, we can ensure that the benefits of this high-tech boom are shared equitably.

So when I look to the future, I don't just see smart factories and shiny robots. I see a renaissance of ingenuity and inclusion. I see a resurgence of pride in "Made in America," powered by a workforce as diverse as it is skilled. And I see a new generation of makers, from all walks of life, leading us into a brighter, bolder era of manufacturing.

That's the future I'm fighting for every day and I believe it's well within our reach.

Andrew's Favorites:

Song: Million Dollar Baby - Ava Max

Food: Italian

Sports Team:?St. Louis Cardinals

Hobby or activity:?Fishing

How would you describe yourself in three words??“M. F. G.”