Leadership Exchange Panel: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: How to Attract, Train, and Keep Next‑Gen Employees

Scott is the President/Owner of Ferret, Inc., a 45-year-old custom roll forming company located in Elkhart, Indiana. Scott has 3 years’ experience as a setup man/operator, 10 years in purchasing and finance, and 25 years in sales and executive ownership. He is active in the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council of Elkhart County, a past chair and current member of the FMA’s Roll Forming Council, and an investor in local restaurants. He is a current member and Past Chair of Fabricators and Manufacturers Association’s Roll Forming Technology Council. Scott is married with three children and three grandchildren, and enjoys traveling to unique locations, singing and playing the drums.

Thomas McMeekan is the Quality Manager at Ferret Inc., a steel roll forming manufacturer in Elkhart, Indiana, where he works alongside his father. He graduated from Purdue University in 2021 with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Engineering Sales Technology and previously worked as a Supply Chain Analyst at Lippert Components. Thomas focuses on quality systems and continuous improvement and is married, bringing both a personal and practical perspective to his work in manufacturing.

Erika Melander is the Manufacturing Industry Leader at Nationwide and is passionate about helping protect manufacturers from unintended risk. After over 20 years in various underwriting and manufacturing-specific capacities, Erika is a recognized leader in providing protection solutions for manufacturers. At Nationwide, Erika works diligently to help ensure manufacturers are best prepared to prevent and mitigate their exposure to disruptive losses and keep their people safe. 

Shanna Sigerson is a fabricator, welder, and manager at a woman-owned fabrication shop, leading operations and workforce development. Starting as a single mother, she built a thriving career in skilled trades and actively promotes the trades to the next generation. Shanna shares her expertise through marketing, public speaking, and community events, advocating for workforce growth, inclusion, and the trades as a path to personal and professional freedom.