Bridging Manufacturing's Talent Gap with America's Untapped Workforce 

From teen father and two-time felon to MIT graduate and manufacturing leader—Drew 'The MFG' Crowe proves second chances create first-class talent.

The manufacturing talent shortage isn't a pipeline problem—it's a perception problem. While companies struggle to fill 500,000+ open positions, millions of justice-involved workers, urban youth, and underserved communities remain overlooked. I've spent 10+ years building the bridge between these two worlds, transforming "unemployable" individuals into manufacturing's most loyal, skilled workforce.

Results speak louder than credentials:
• 85% of participants transition to manufacturing careers
• Featured in Forbes Magazine, USA Today, White House, Pentagon
• 3,500+ lives impacted through The Manufacturing Renaissance Tour
• Aerospace & Aviation Man of the Year (twice)

MEET

Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders

Often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he prefers, strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to this industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow.

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Drew 'The MFG' Crowe

Drew "The MFG" Crowe and his mission

As the preeminent voice of the manufacturing industry's future, Drew The MFG Crowe provides unparalleled vision and authority. His against-the-odds personal journey gives him a unique ability to inspire both youth and executives. Drew's magnetic persona and insightful perspectives make him the undisputed choice to elevate your manufacturing brand.

With an audience split between the next generation workforce and c-suite leaders, Drew delivers targeted access. His social following and world-class speaking engagements provide direct pipelines to key demographics. Backed by tangible metrics and analytics, Drew's collaborations deliver measurable impact across multimedia formats and experiential activations.

Simply put, no one else combines prestige, influence, and inspirational storytelling like Drew. Let him apply his strategic expertise to take your manufacturing brand to the next level.

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Manufacturing Workforce Development for Industry Leaders

I work with three types of game-changers: Manufacturing Companies & Employers Solve your talent shortage with proven second-chance hiring strategies. Build diverse, loyal teams that reduce turnover by 40% and increase retention through inclusive workforce development. Technical Colleges & Training Centers Transform your curriculum to attract and retain non-traditional students. Bridge the gap between street smarts and manufacturing skills with culturally relevant training programs. Workforce Development Organizations Scale your impact with frameworks that work. From TikTok to Toolbox, Culture to CNC Shop Pipeline—proven systems that create measurable career outcomes for justice-involved workers and underserved youth.

Discover how Drew is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and empowering the workforce of tomorrow.

The Manufacturing Talent Crisis Has a Solution You're Ignoring

Your competitors are fishing in the same empty pond while an ocean of untapped talent waits on the shore. The Real Numbers: • 500,000+ unfilled manufacturing jobs in America • 70 million Americans with criminal records (1 in 3 adults) • 95% of incarcerated individuals will return to society • Only 12% find stable employment within one year The Street Smart Advantage: Justice-involved workers and urban/Rural youth bring grit, loyalty, and hunger that traditional pipelines can't match. They don't job-hop—they build careers. They don't need "culture fit"—they transform culture. I've proven it works. 85% success rate. Lower turnover. Higher retention. Better ROI.

  • Drew "The MFG" Crowe speaking at the National Science Foundation Funded Next Gen Manufacturing Conference at Fanuc America Headquarters in Michigan

    85% of participants transition to manufacturing careers

  • Featured in Forbes, USA Today, White House & Pentagon

  • Solving the manufacturing talent shortage with fair-chance hiring

  • From teen father and felon to MIT graduate and manufacturing leader

From Streets to C-Suite: The Journey That Changed Manufacturing

I became a father and A two-time felon by 18. Society wrote me off. But manufacturing gave me a second chance—and I turned it into a mission. The Transformation: • Teenage father and felon → MIT graduate • Lead Professor, Advanced Manufacturing Technology (Ranken Technical College) • Aerospace & Aviation Man of the Year (twice) • Forbes Magazine feature (April 2022) • USA Today feature (July 2025) • White House and Pentagon speaker The Mission: I don't just talk about second chances—I am one. Every workshop, keynote, and training program is built on lived experience, not theory. I know what it takes to go from the streets to the C-suite because I walked that path in steel-toed boots.

Drew giving a presentation in front of a large screen with the text: 'Champion of Champions: Re-igniting the flame of the Backbone of America.' He is holding a microphone and gesturing with one hand. The overlay text says: 'Book a Keynote/Workshop'.

Book a spEAKING eNGAGEMENT

  • Got a conference, expo, or webinar coming up and need a dynamic expert to speak on workforce? This one is for YOU

  • The MFG can meet your needs whatever they may be. Book a consult for your next In person or digital event NOW!

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Custom Collaborations

  • Pre-Made and Custom Collaborations with your company and The MFG! Leverage his cross-over ability to get your brand in front of industry leaders, OEMs, and job seekers. Over 30K followers

MFG Merch. The hottest clothing for machinists, welders, engineers

Merch and Digital Courses

  • "Show your support for the manufacturing renaissance with stylish and functional gear designed by Drew himself…All proceeds go to furthering the mission!

Manufacturing Workforce Solutions That Drive Results

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Transform Your Team's Perspective on Talent

Keynotes and workshops that challenge assumptions and inspire action. From boardrooms to factory floors, I deliver high-energy, interactive sessions that shift culture and open minds to second-chance hiring. Formats: • Keynote presentations (1 hour + Q&A) • Half-day workshops (4 hours) • Full-day immersive training (8 hours) • Virtual sessions (1-4 hours) Topics: • The Street Smart Advantage: Why Second-Chance Hiring Wins • Culture to CNC Shop Pipeline: Building Inclusive Manufacturing Teams • TikTok to Toolbox: Recruiting the Next Generation • The Three P's: Purpose, Preparation, Persistence Investment: $5,000 - $25,000+ (custom packages available)

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Custom PArtnerships

Every company faces unique talent gaps. I work with you to design custom programs that address your specific needs:

• Workforce assessments and talent audits
• Apprenticeship program development
• Community partnership building
• Policy advocacy and government collaboration
• VR training integration
• Manufacturing culture transformation

Let's build something together. Contact me to discuss your vision.
A man with a beard wearing a black cap and black shirt speaking in front of a camera, with colorful handwritten-style overlays including 'sneaks' and 'leaders' with an upward arrow, the hashtag '#THEMFG', and a yellow box with the name 'Andrew Crowe' and the phrase 'Manufacturing Spokesperson'.

Proven Frameworks for Manufacturing Talent Pipeline Success

Six core modules designed to transform your hiring, training, and retention strategies: 1. Culture to CNC Shop Pipeline - Build inclusive pathways from community to career 2. TikTok to Toolbox - Recruit urban youth and justice-involved workers effectively 3. Retention Revolution - Keep your best talent through cultural transformation 4. The Inclusive Remix - Diversity strategies that actually work in manufacturing 5. Hustle & Grow Mindset - Develop grit and loyalty in your workforce 6. The Magnetism Blueprint - Become the employer of choice for second-chance talent Pricing Tiers: • Foundation Workshop: $2,500 (4 hours, 10 participants) • Comprehensive Training: $5,000 (6 hours, 12 participants) • Premium Bootcamp: $25,000+ (multi-day, custom curriculum)

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Tailored Solutions for Your Manufacturing Workforce Challenges

Every company faces unique talent gaps. I work with you to design custom programs that address your specific needs: • Workforce assessments and talent audits • Apprenticeship program development • Community partnership building • Policy advocacy and government collaboration • VR training integration • Manufacturing culture transformation Let's build something together. Contact me to discuss your vision.

Two adults and a child gathered around a computer monitor in a room with yellow walls and a large TV screen, discussing a 3D design of a sneaker.

Self-Paced Training for Job Seekers & Students

Micro-credentials and real certifications (NIMS, SME, AWS, Mastercam) delivered through engaging video content and interactive assessments. Features: • 16-week suggested timeline (self-paced) • Freemium model with premium upgrades • Gamification and real-world projects • Industry-recognized credentials Target Audience: Job seekers, high school students, career changers, justice-involved individuals

Discover how Drew is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and empowering the workforce of tomorrow.

Manufacturing Workforce Development Results That Matter

Manufacturing Workforce Development Results That Matter

A man standing on stage at the Midwest Manufacturer Trade Show & Conference, holding a microphone near his mouth. He is wearing glasses, a blue blazer, and green pants. Behind him, the American flag and a banner displaying event details are visible. 
• 85% of participants transition to manufacturing careers
• 3,500+ lives impacted through national tours
• 1,800+ job placements from 2022 Manufacturing Renaissance Tour
• 40% reduction in turnover for companies using second-chance hiring
• 12,000+ LinkedIn followers (19% convert to paid engagements)
• 1,040+ YouTube subscribers

Featured In:
Forbes Magazine (April 2022) | USA Today (July 2025) | White House Speaker | Pentagon Presenter | Aerospace & Aviation Man of the Year (twice)

Frequently Asked Questions

“How do I hire justice-involved workers in manufacturing?.”

Start with mindset shift, not policy change. My workshops teach you how to assess transferable skills, build inclusive interview processes, and create retention strategies that work. Most companies see 40% lower turnover with second-chance hires.

“How long does it take to see results from second-chance hiring?”

Most companies see measurable retention improvements within 90 days. Long-term career transitions average 85% success rate within 6-12 months.

“What is the ROI of diversity in manufacturing workforce development?”

Lower turnover (40% reduction), higher loyalty, reduced recruiting costs, and access to 70 million overlooked Americans. Plus, diverse teams innovate better and solve problems faster.

“Do you work with small manufacturers or only large corporations?”

I work with everyone from 10-person shops to Fortune 500 companies. Pricing scales based on scope and impact.