September 2025
Eight years ago, a new Training Manager (me, Brian Paterniti) began at The Manufacturers’ Association (MA), ready to help MA become the go-to manufacturing training provider in the state. One of the first interactions that the new Training Manager had was with the CEO of an amazing automation and grinding machine builder member company that may or may not rhyme with “Shmeldon Solutions.” The CEO said, “You have to fix the supervisor program, and yesterday.”
The training utilized technology that was available when MA was created back in 1906. Walking into the office and seeing that overhead projector still makes me and Crystal Huseman (MA Training Coordinator) cringe. Later that week, on Friday, June 17, 2017, to be exact, the younger new manager (me) met a contracted trainer teaching at another member company. The class was a supervisor training. The trainer had a computer and, gasp, PowerPoint!
Tom Blaisse had spent several years helping MA train on an as-needed basis before that fateful Friday, while he traveled the country training The Oz Principles, Covey, and Franklin Quest programs as his full-time gig. Blaisse was (and is) a dynamic, inspirational trainer in the classroom. He captured the attention of MA’s new young Training Manager on that Friday many years ago so much that Blassie would end up becoming MA’s new Senior Leadership Trainer. He slowed down from traveling the country and helped build the program that exists today.
Last year, over 1,000 supervisors throughout South Central PA were trained by MA. We’re well on our way to surpassing that number this year. One of Blassie’s common sayings is that he “helps turn on lights so people can shine.” He’s helped our program shine so much that we had to hire a full-time trainer to help lessen his load. Now, Blassie’s next adventure is finishing one of his many dreams by becoming a published author.
The Accountable Leader, a business parable authored by Blaisse (or as we call him around the office: The Blaze), introduces the concept of “positive accountability.” Blassie’s training message has impacted thousands of lives across the country. Don’t miss this opportunity to support someone who has supported MA and helped this now older Director of Workforce Development grow. Blassie’s book is a fun, easy read that shouldn’t be missed if you’re into accountable leadership (and who isn’t?).
Tom Blassie, thank you for all you’ve done for MA over the years. I’m proud of what our team does every day, and without your help and the PERFORM model you created, I’m not certain the program would be where it is today.
At The Manufacturers’ Association, we believe great supervisors build great teams. Our supervisory training courses are designed to equip frontline leaders with the skills they need to communicate effectively, manage performance, and lead with accountability. Whether you’re new to leadership or looking to sharpen your skills, our hands-on, engaging sessions will help you grow and succeed.
Feel free to reach out to our Supervisory Training Coordinator, Amy Johnston at ajohnston@mascpa.org to learn more about what we have to offer, or check out our course calendar for some up coming courses we are hosting.
Brian Paterniti
Director of Workforce Development