Message from the Editor: Inspiring Young People in Heat Treat

Young people today get a bad rap. Karen Gantzer, managing editor at Heat Treat Today, disagrees! The leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2021 are truly inspiring. In the heat treat industry, it appears youth isn't such a bad thing after all. In this article, read what Karen has to say about some of the young people on the team at Heat Treat Today.

This article was originally published in Heat Treat Today's August 2021 Automotive print edition.

I find it very inspiring to work with young people in this industry. Contrary to what is sometimes heard in the world at large, many of the young people I’ve had the privilege of working with in the North American heat treat market are intelligent, conscientious, respectful, hard-working adults worth their weight in gold. They’re a real pleasure to be around. As this column is being typed, Heat Treat Today is working on selecting 40 young leaders in the North American heat treat market to be inducted into the 40 Under 40 Class of 2021, a great honor for each person, and a great honor for the 120 previous inductees, the 40 Under 40 Classes of 2018, 2019, and 2020. It’s amazing how difficult it is to pick 40 each year from those nominated. Nearly all of them are more than qualified, but only 40 can be selected. The judges invariably struggle each year. That is a GREAT problem to have, and it speaks to the quality of the young people in this industry. Although these young people will probably never make it into one of the 40 Under 40 classes, I would like to mention several under-40 individuals who contribute substantially to the North American heat treat market each and every day – the young people of Heat Treat Today – all of whom are less than 40 years old and all of whom are simply stellar people.

Bethany Funk-Leone is the Heat Treat Daily editor as well as the Heat Treat Radio editor and resident idea person along with Doug. We sometimes have to pivot at the last minute and Bethany flexes with grace, determination, and wit, as she juggles multiple responsibilities and stays ahead of the game.

Brandon Glenn is our art and web design expert. When we need a logo or image, a tweak on the website, or a last-minute edit on the Heat Treat Daily, Brandon is our man; and he always comes through with precision, kindness and often a comment that makes us laugh.

Ellen Glenn-Porter wears several hats—billing/accounting/audience development—and makes sure that important admin is completed on time. She faithfully connects with you in the industry and is always diligent to make sure the rest of the team is aware of needs, encouragement, or concerns that are sent to her.

Lauren Porter, Heat Treat Today production manager, is our newest team member. She has been Doug’s right hand person and done yeoman’s work in getting the print magazines, e-blasts, and other media out to you all as well as working with advertisers.

Alyssa Bootsma is our social media editor. She has taken excellent initiative on the various platforms and has grown our presence significantly. It has been exciting to see her grow and succeed in an area that had been unfamiliar to her, but one which she has embraced.

Jonathan Lloyd, Heat Treat Today's talented audio/podcast editor, ensures the excellence of Heat Treat Radio and other multimedia endeavors. His expertise and creativity in the audio and visual world is a huge asset as he helps us maintain a cutting edge.

The old-timers, Doug Glenn and I, couldn’t be happier to be working with this youthful group, who keeps us sharp and current! And, while they might never be in Heat Treat Today's 40 Under 40, they are our "Top 6" list of great people serving the North American heat treat market.

Thanks, team for the incredible work you do!