Age: 33
President, Marion Body Works
“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Kevin Ignacio counts this as the best advice he’s ever received, especially relevant to him as he became the third-generation leader of his family’s company, Marion Body Works, and knew he would only be successful if he shared and espoused the values of those who came before him.
At the same time, Ignacio knows the company will only survive another 127 years if it stays ahead of the curve. This includes attracting the next generation workforce to manufacturing.
“We continue to have a shortage of young people entering the trades,” he says. “Industry and education partnering is [key] … to drive interest and keep a strong workplace pipeline.”
Hidden talent: It’s hidden until the dance floor opens at weddings and even at that point, I’m not sure it’s a talent. But dancing (poorly) at weddings is a skill I absolutely have.
Surprising fact: Not many kids from Wisconsin go to the University of Georgia. So, while a student, people were surprised to find out I was born and raised in Wisconsin. Now that I moved back to the area, people are surprised to find out I graduated from the University of Georgia.
Current reading material: “A Course Called Ireland” by Tom Coyne. It’s the story of the author walking the perimeter of Ireland playing every golf course in his path.
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