On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort visited NASCO Industries, Inc., in Washington, Indiana, for an inside look at American manufacturing, business operations, and workforce development. Lauren Wilson, Zach Smith, and Jordan Sherman welcomed the students and provided an informative tour that quickly sparked curiosity and generated plenty of questions.
NASCO has a long history in the Daviess County community. The company was established in 1979 when Neil A. Smith acquired the former Uniroyal plant in Washington, helping preserve local jobs and maintain an important manufacturing presence in the area. In December 2025, NASCO joined National Safety Apparel (NSA), a company with more than 90 years of experience designing and manufacturing specialized personal protective equipment for industrial workers.
The tour offered students an opportunity to see how manufacturing principles translate into everyday business decisions. One important topic was workforce development. NASCO cross-trains employees in multiple positions throughout the plant, helping create a more flexible workforce and allowing the company to adapt to changing production needs.
Jordan discussed the strategic decision to protect certain company processes and innovations as trade secrets rather than pursue patents. This conversation introduced students to the importance of intellectual property and the decisions businesses must make to protect their competitive advantages.
The group also explored several financial and operational concepts, including return on investment (ROI), cost and managerial accounting, and the importance of management being visible and involved on the production floor. Students saw how business leaders must balance production efficiency, product quality, employee performance, and financial responsibility to keep an operation successful.
Quality control was another key topic. Maintaining consistent standards is essential when manufacturing protective equipment that workers depend on to perform their jobs safely. The discussion also touched on human resources, the value of cross-training, and the importance of employees being dependable, arriving on time, and consistently showing up ready to work.
Beyond manufacturing, the conversations covered a variety of challenges and decisions business owners face. Students discussed the potential impact of tariffs, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and the importance of maintaining access to financing. Lines of credit, for example, can provide businesses with flexibility during difficult periods, making it essential to plan ahead and maintain open communication with bankers.
The speakers also encouraged students to take an active role in their own careers and personal development. Success requires more than having a good idea or technical ability; it also involves asking questions, communicating openly, taking responsibility, and having the courage to address difficult situations.
One particularly meaningful theme was the importance of being brave enough to face challenges head-on. Sometimes, moving forward requires having an uncomfortable conversation, making a difficult decision, or, as the familiar expression suggests, “ripping the band-aid off.” Students were reminded that avoiding problems rarely makes them disappear, while addressing them directly can create opportunities for growth.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort sincerely thanks Lauren, Zach, and Jordan for their hospitality, time, and willingness to share their knowledge. The visit provided a valuable look at one of Daviess County’s established manufacturing businesses and demonstrated how quality, innovation, financial planning, teamwork, and strong leadership contribute to long-term success. Students left with new perspectives on American manufacturing and practical lessons they can carry into their own entrepreneurial journeys.
