Many River Valley stories are manufacturing stories.
Here are a few of our favorite.
A career for creatives
Myla Petree, Head of U.S. Manufacturing, ABB NEMA Motors Division
Myla's manufacturing story began with inspiration from her mother's experience solving problems in a manufacturing environment. Initially pursuing mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Myla discovered her passion for advanced manufacturing during her early career in the automotive industry. Today she oversees eight plants and 3,500 team members. She emphasizes the importance of strategic career planning, continuous learning, and building relationships to achieve professional growth.
Crafting a meaningful future
Daejion Minor, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Student, Northside High School Graduate
Daejion’s journey into manufacturing began with training at WATC, where he discovered his passion for hands-on work, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Encouraged by mentors and equipped with skills like earning his OSHA card and mastering electronics technology, he secured a valuable internship on a maintenance team. Through determination and support, Daejion found a clear path to a fulfilling career that aligns with his goals of growth, innovation, and creating a meaningful future.
Inspiring the next generation
Adriana Munoz, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Student, Future School of Fort Smith Graduate
Through a WATC Apprenticeship, Adriana secured a position at Gerber Nestle, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in her field while earning real wages. Despite initial fears as the only female in her Electronic Engineering Technology classes, she found encouragement, support, and inspiration from her peers and professors. Her success in the program has fueled her dream of pursuing a PhD in Electronic Engineering Technology and becoming a college professor, where she hopes to inspire others just as her mentors inspired her.
Rooted in family and tradition
Anthony Toth, SPF America
Anthony grew up surrounded by conversations about the business his father and grandfather built. Although he once thought he might take a different path, Anthony realized his early experiences laid the foundation for a successful career in manufacturing. Now leading SPF America, a precision metal manufacturer specializing in copper bus bars, Anthony is passionate about partnerships that provide skilled, eager talent and support the local community while fueling innovation in manufacturing.
Aspiring cybersecurity expert
Daniel Hernandez Denato, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Student, Southside High School Graduate
While still in high school, Daniel joined WATC to study Network Engineering Technology at the Peak Innovation Center. He gained hands-on experience with real-world equipment like Cisco routers and switches there. This training prepared him for a future in cybersecurity and aligned with his military career in the 188th Wing. Inspired by his experiences, Daniel aspires to one day own a cybersecurity firm.
Finding my passion in high school
Christian Muck, Lavaca High School
As a WATC apprentice with ABB, he gained foundational skills in manual machining before advancing to CNC programming and machining. This hands-on experience has taught him to solve problems independently and confidently work with metals and machinery. What began as uncertainty about his future has turned into a passion and clear career path in manufacturing, where he envisions building a life he enjoys while providing for his family. Christian’s journey shows how apprenticeships can open doors to a fulfilling and sustainable future.
Growing success at home
Stephanie Tindall, International Paper
Stephanie uses 10 years of manufacturing experience every day as an HR business partner for International Paper. As a talent recruiter, she understands the value of programs that allow students to earn college credits and advanced skill sets while in high school. She believes growing essential skills and industry knowledge locally helps boost the River Valley manufacturing industry as a whole.
Manufacturing change
Kendall Ross, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Center for Economic Development
With a background in mechanical engineering and years of experience designing air conditioners, Kendall discovered his true strength in leadership and change management. Now serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Kendall is dedicated to empowering individuals at any stage of life. Through the Center for Economic Development, he supports entrepreneurs, startups, and those looking to upskill, offering customized training and resources to help people achieve their goals.
