Member Spotlight - Karla Aaron
May 2015
Each month, the PMA Member Spotlight features an outstanding member sharing his/her insights into the latest industry trends and technologies.
![](/campaign/3membership/promotion/Aaron-Spotlight.jpg)
Karla Aaron
Read about Karla’s thoughts on technology challenges facing metalformers, finding skilled workers, what’s on her wish list for her facility this year and more!
Q: Which job classifications are the most challenging to find skilled workers?
A: Finding what I call “talent” is always a challenge. This is especially true today given the double whammy of increased demand for talent combined with the reduced labor pool. I define “talent” as someone who can look at a print, know how to make the part (including tool design) and oversee the production. This individual has hands-on experience, in-depth metalforming knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Q: What is the biggest technology challenge metalformers face today?
A: Keeping ahead of the curve – knowing what’s happening now, knowing what’s coming up, knowing how to position your company to take advantage of the change.
Q: What is on your wish list for your shop in 2015 (i.e., a new piece of equipment)?
A: I’d love a 5 axis machining center; a Faro arm with laser checking; a triple action deep draw press, and more!
Q: What is the best conference or seminar you or your employees attended in the past year and why?
A: I attended PMA’s Executive Development Academy in January. This was a unique gathering of industry professionals, all committed to moving their companies forward. The combination of educational, inspirational and thought-provoking sessions along with open conversations among colleagues was unparalleled. This is a great event. (And, no, PMA did not ask me to make a plug!)
Q: What conference topic (related to the metalforming/manufacturing industry) would you be most interested in attending?
A: Anything that keeps us ahead of the curve: 3D printing, simulation software, etc.
Q: Minivan, SUV or sedan?
A: If I’m driving in town, I’ll take an SUV so that I can see out. (I’m vertically challenged.) If I’m driving through the countryside, I’d love a slick, fast, two-seater convertible with a manual shift.
Q: What are the top three songs on your play list right now?
A: I’m enjoying pop country right now: Downtown by Lady Antebellum; Mean to Me by Brett Eldridge; Whiskey on My Breath by Love and Theft.
Other Member Spotlight Articles
- Jeff Aznavorian, September 2017
- Dan Kendall, June 2017
- Mary Fitzgerald, May 2017
- Aaron Wiegel, April 2017
- Doug Johnson, March 2017
- Stephen Serling, February 2017
- Dean Phillips, December 2016
- Scott Prince, November 2016
- Erick Ajax, October 2016
- Steve Izzo, September 2016
- Carla Enzinger, August 2016
- Todd Wenzel, July 2016
- Wes Perry, June 2016
- Brian Swanson, May 2016
- Reese Fields, April 2016
- Erica Wiegel, March 2016
- Mark Kersey, February 2016
- Randy Bennett, January 2016
- Josh Hopp, December 2015
- Colleen Parrish, November 2015
- Patrick Steininger, October 2015
- Joe Hartings, September 2015
- Perry Hytken, August 2015
- Beth Weissenrieder-Bennis, July 2015
- Rich Sade, June 2015
- Julius Feitl, April 2015
- Chip Michaelsen, March 2015
- Andrew Bader, February 2015