PREPARING THE N of Industrial Welding Academy L
10 | June 2021
By d-mars.com News Provider
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ny company that has two or more family members in leadership roles, and in which the family retains a majority of the ownership or control of the business, is classed as a family business. Family businesses are fundamental, driving local, national, and global economies. Below are some of the key statistics regarding family-owned businesses and their place in the US economy. • 60% of the US workforce is employed by a family-owned business. • Family-owned businesses are responsible for creating 78% of all new jobs in the US. • Family businesses are contributing more than half (57%) of the total US GDP. • Just under 20% (19.3%) of US firms are family-owned. • Of the family firms that reported an annual growth rate of more than 10% in the year 2018, more than 80% also reported having a clear sense of purpose and agreed on values within their business. • Almost three-quarters (74%) of family businesses report a strong sense of culture and values. Source: startupsanonymous.com
Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy. The greatest part of America’s wealth lies with family-owned businesses. According to the US Census Bureau, family firms comprise 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America. According to Family Enterprise USA, over 90 percent of family businesses feel that what sets them apart from non-family firms is a long-term investment philosophy, commitment to employees and suppliers, and contributions to their communities. Many family firms boast distinct, competitive values that result in more than just gains. What truly drives many family businesses is the sense of connection and identity the owners and their family members feel with the business. A stellar example of a long-standing, strong, family-owned enterprise is the Industrial Welding Academy (IWA), a respected establishment that continues to meet the industry’s demand for welders, providing higher education in welding. Since 2007, Andre Horn, founder and CEO and Miranda Horn, vice president, have been dedicated to teaching students the in-demand trade of welding built on their motto of “Integrity With Attitude.” Before founding IWA, Andre worked for several major industrial companies, and as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), he has more than 30 years of
training experience in the welding industry. Miranda possesses more than 2 decades of workforce development and management experience, being a valuable element to IWA’s foundation. Family businesses leaders focus on the next generation, not the next quarter. And the Horns leading this family-owned business prepares not only students, but also the next generation of IWA leadership with their children, Desiree and Dalton Horn showing passion and gaining first-hand experience to be successful in continuing the IWA legacy. “I am more than honored to continue the legacy my parents have created from the ground up. For them to even consider passing the torch to me really means a lot. I get the privilege to keep this legacy alive and impact the community the same way my parents did,” said Desiree. “IWA is the perfect place to come for those needing a second chance. Regardless of your background, welder qualifications are based on hands-on training and work ethic. Here at IWA, we focus on book knowledge and hands-on training that you will need in the field,” expressed Dalton. Though you may not realize it, welding shapes our communities and everyday lives. And IWA is proud to be instrumental in shaping the lives of the next generation working in this career. From construction to manufacturing, the demand for welders remains strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs in this arena don’t require an extensive education, with some making a six-figure income. IWA is not just about preparing students for a job, but a career and fulfilling life, conveying the great value of integrity and discipline upon its students. The nation’s aging infrastructure requires the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent statistics from Data USA show the number of people employed as welding, soldering, and brazing workers has been growing at a rate of 4.98%, from 580,520 people in 2018 to 609,457 people in 2019. Zippia’s current findings in regards to the welding profession found that the most popular places for welders are in Texas (Houston areas) and Oklahoma (Tulsa areas). Under the direction of the Horns, Desiree, Dalton, the staff, and instructors are all strategic when it comes to the day-to-day operations and curriculum so the student body feels more like part of a family, beyond the traditional teacher-student setting. This learning environment is distinct and effectual, perpetually producing graduates who are the future generation of leaders in the welding profession and in their communities. “IWA changes the lives of our students by teaching them the valuable skill of welding. And we don’t take it for granted that we are in a city with one of the highest levels of employment in the welding field in the country. Yes, our students have the advantage in that instance, but we understand that the highest level of training needs to be available in order for them to secure gainful employment. IWA is
“Miranda and I are proud of the are training our children, Desiree the foundation that we have lai what it takes to run a successful scho ty to lead IWA is what will sustain the IWA staff and instructors are dedicated ability to earn a meaningful income is b cation to learn marketable skills. This is based on our ‘Integrity With Attitude’ motto. IWA stands on that now, and with our children one day taking over the reins, I have no doubt this academy will continue to stand on that for years to come.” —Andre Horn, founder & CEO and Miranda Horn vice president, the Industrial Welding Academy
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