Terry Loveland, founder and president of B&B Energy Services of Chester, offered advice to students at Utica Shale Academy’s Career Day recently and was one of many industry officials to meet with the teens. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Students at Utica Shale Academy were encouraged to pursue the skills and knowledge required of the fields that interest them during the second annual Career Day event on April 9.

Mark Lamoncha, president and chief executive officer of Humtown Products of Columbiana; Terry Loveland, founder and owner of B&B Energy Services of Chester; and former Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards (R-94th District) spoke to students during the activity, for which several area businesses also sent representatives to meet with the teens one to one.

Lamoncha’s visit came soon after the announcement that he has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Owner of the Year, an honor for which business owners throughout the U.S. and its territories are considered. In addressing the students, he noted his father started Humtown more than 60 years ago, producing patterns for the foundry industry. Under Mark’s leadership, it has branched out to 3D printing, with the largest number of 3D sand printers under one roof in North America and possibly the world.

Lamoncha said Humtown has facilities in Columbiana, Boardman, Los Angeles and Germany, with the latter providing parts for American manufacturers of electric vehicles.

“My advice (to teens) is to read about four or five careers that are really interesting to them and call someone in that field and ask to talk to them,” he said.

He noted the practice of seeking a mentor for advice and instruction in one’s career goes back thousands of years. Aided by his wife, Sheri, a teacher who also has served as sales coordinator for Humtown; and staff member Zach Johnson, he showed students the traditional approach to producing molds for parts using heated sand. Johnson said as coach of new products for the company, he’s working with others to explore materials other than plastic that may be used in 3D printing.

A former member of the Ohio board of education, Lamoncha said he would like to see students exposed to potential careers at an early age, noting he has welcomed youth as young as second-graders to tour his company’s facilities.

Loveland said after working as a welder and in other positions for a number of years, he started his business in a garage behind his home in 2008. With the exception of his wife, who helped him prepare bid proposals, he worked alone initially, serving primarily dumpster companies and scrapyards. Today, it has about 100 employees, a fleet of 70 trucks and other equipment providing major companies in the oil and gas industry with various types of fabricated pipe, hydraulic torquing, hot tap welding, concrete piers and foundations and excavation, coating and painting and other services.

“We’re pushing $50 million in business each year,” he said, adding that he employs people with welding and many other skills.

Loveland said as a teen, he didn’t expect to one day oversee his own company, and he offered the USA students before him encouragement.

“You can do it. I did it. You just have to push yourself,” he advised, adding, “Learn as much as you can. You’ll get a good job if you push yourself.”

As students entered a classroom to hear one of the speakers, instructor Dennis Bowers encouraged them to meet with each company’s representative because they may find themselves applying for a job there one day. Filling two rooms at the school were officials and staff from various companies, trade organizations and other groups.

Among them was Mandolyn Newell, education and workforce development specialist for the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, who also shared information about free workshops for teachers in which participants can earn continuing education credits while touring industrial sites and engaging in hands-on activities tied to STEM and geology principles. Rounding out the day was a visit from Jay Edwards, a former state representative and candidate for state treasurer.

Utica Shale Academy Superintendent Bill Watson introduced Edwards, saying he had played a key role, as chairman of the House finance committee, in securing more than $2 million for the school.

Edwards told the students, “You guys are the future. You shouldn’t undersell yourself. Everywhere I go right now, people are looking for you.”

He explained many Ohio employers are seeking people with education and work-related training and he encouraged the teens to “Learn as many skills as you possibly can.”

Ashley Canann, transition specialist for Utica Shale Academy and coordinator of the career day, said she appreciated the many businesses and organizations that attended the event.

“It means so much for our students to make that connection with local businesses. For them to take time from their busy days to meet with them means so much.”

Watson agreed, saying, “It’s great to see such a fantastic turnout. Not enough is done to bridge education and the workforce, and when we do, we support economic development.”