"Volunteer. Raise your hand. Even if you don't know much."

Frank Elkins, VP of operations at Gartland Foundry, shared with CEO students that willingness to learn and to take on new challenges opens doors and may change the direction you go. Elkins was a pre-medical student at Indiana State and worked evenings at Gartland while studying in college. His passion and curiosity turned his interest toward industry and manufacturing where he has been for 16 years.

Ken Stanton, director of customer service and sales at Gartland, agreed that any opportunity you have to step forward, learn from mentors or gain a new skill, you should do it. He himself began in auto manufacturing and now works with customer sales and service at the metal castings factory.

Thomas Smith, financial officer at Gartland, learned early that he didn't want to own his own business. He enjoys being part of a team and an intrapreneur. He joined Gartland not long ago.

Finally, CEO and president of Gartland Foundry, Brandon Henman, came from the banking industry. His management skills and financial experience made him valuable on the Gartland board until he was finally offered the position he has now at Gartland, overseeing all.

Gartland opened in 1902 and has a rich history in Terre Haute. However, as Brandon shared, the company is focused on the future. Gartland has hosted tours with CEO several times, and this year offered to match the first $100 each student earned in this year's $1 to $100 Challenge. Each student was given a $100 bill and a lapel pin for being a Gartland Goal Setter. All funds given to students are seed money towards their individual businesses started in CEO this year.

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