From Teen Father to Manufacturing Titan: Drew Crowe’s Journey

In the world of manufacturing, stories of resilience and transformation are not uncommon, but few are as compelling as that of Drew Crowe, featured on the minicast “Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow,” hosted by Toni Neary. Drew shared his remarkable journey from being a teenage father and twice-convicted felon to becoming a titan in the American manufacturing industry. His story is one of advocacy, opportunity, and a deep commitment to helping others who, like him, have faced immense personal challenges. 

From Incarceration to Advocacy 

Drew’s journey after incarceration was far from easy. As a justice-impacted individual, he quickly realized that reentering society came with a series of hurdles. Like many who have served time, Drew faced a system that required more than just serving a sentence. After his release, he was faced with probation fees, mandatory appointments with parole officers, and, on top of it all, restitution payments. These financial obligations often add up to thousands of dollars, creating an enormous burden for those trying to rebuild their lives. 

“Imagine walking out of prison and immediately owing $1,800 a month, with no job prospects and no one willing to hire you,” Drew explained. This reality, he stressed, is not unique to him—it is something that many justice-impacted individuals face. 

The Workforce Challenge 

One of the most significant challenges for individuals reentering society is finding employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record, and even when they do, the flexibility required to attend regular parole meetings is often non-existent. For Drew, his early days in the workforce required commuting an hour and a half by public transportation—because he didn’t have a driver’s license. Despite the challenges, Drew’s determination shone through. His commitment to being on time, working hard, and proving his worth earned him recognition from his employers. 

Drew advocates for both employers and justice-impacted individuals—showing that understanding and education on both ends can transform the workforce. He emphasized the importance of advocacy, not just for oneself, but for others in similar situations. “We’re not just building things in manufacturing. We’re building people. We’re building communities. We’re building whole countries.” 

The Untapped Potential of Justice-Impacted Individuals 

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), expanding employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records could boost the U.S. GDP by $78 billion to $87 billion annually. Drew passionately believes in this untapped potential, citing the manufacturing industry as a vital sector that could not only benefit from this workforce but also provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 

For Drew, manufacturing was the key to breaking a generational cycle. After years of struggle, he was able to move from being a machinist to a programmer, and then running shifts and teaching others. His children, who could have easily followed a different path, now have opportunities that Drew never dreamed of when he was their age. His oldest son is studying engineering, a clear testament to the impact that stability and opportunity can provide. 

A Message to Employers: Hiring for Loyalty and Dedication 

Drew’s message to employers is clear—justice-impacted individuals are some of the most loyal, dedicated workers you will ever find. He believes that when someone is given a chance, they are more likely to be committed to making it work. His own story is proof of that. Starting with no experience in manufacturing, Drew’s hunger to learn and his eagerness for overtime quickly made him a standout employee. His employers saw this and gave him clear pathways for growth, allowing him to thrive. 

“This isn’t charity,” Drew explained. “This is something that both parties benefit from when done right. You’re getting someone who will work harder than anyone because they appreciate the opportunity. And in return, you’re not just changing one person’s life—you’re changing a whole community.” 

Breaking the Cycle, Creating a New Narrative 

For Drew, the most important part of his story is how his journey has impacted his family. His transformation from a “teenage dad” and “Dope Boy Drewski” to a respected leader in the manufacturing industry has given his children a different future. “My kids can now say, ‘My dad is someone I’m proud of.’ That’s not something that’s common in the neighborhoods I grew up in.” 

Drew’s work is now focused on helping others find similar opportunities. He partners with employers to educate them on the benefits of hiring people from diverse backgrounds and helps individuals learn how to advocate for themselves. 

The Bigger Picture: Manufacturing Builds More Than Products 

Drew Crowe’s story is more than just one of personal transformation; it’s a powerful reminder that manufacturing isn’t just about making products—it’s about building people and communities. As Drew puts it, “We’re building whole countries.” By giving all individuals a chance to work and thrive, our industry has the potential to play a key role in creating a more just and equitable society. 

For employers, the message is clear: hire for potential, not just for a clean record. Drew’s success is a testament to what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to prove themselves, and he’s determined to make sure that more people get that same chance. 

Listen to the full episode here. 

Check out the workbooks Drew mentions here.