Building lives through mentorship and skilled trades, with Dave Hataj of Edgerton Gear, Inc.

Dave Hataj, owner and president of Edgerton Gear, joins The Manufacturing Employer to discuss how mentorship and character-building can transform lives through the skilled trades. Drawing on his experience and his work founding the "Craftsman with Character" program, Dave shares why manufacturing is about much more than technical skills—it’s about instilling responsibility, dignity and purpose in the next generation. The conversation explores overcoming negative perceptions of blue-collar work, the critical role of mentorship, and how manufacturers can build a sustainable talent pipeline by investing in both character and community.