Editor's Note: Throughout October in celebration of Manufacturing Day/Month, IndustryWeek's Faces of Manufacturing will share the stories of people with a passion for manufacturing. 

Jacob Cartee

City/State of Residence: Chicago

Job Title: Sales Manager

Company: Fotofab LLC, a TPC company

Years with Company: 3

Industry of Your Company: Photochemical manufacturing for aerospace, defense, electronics and medical industries

Training/Education: Bachelor of science in chemical manufacturing from North Carolina State University

What made you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?

I got my degree in chemical engineering because I was always interested in how processes functioned and on how I could improve upon them. I love being able to walk the floor and see physical parts being worked on and made, and how the human element plays a part even if it's just controlling a machine.

What does your job entail?

My job is to grow partnerships with our customers and expand our business into any new and/or existing technologies. A lot of what we do is educational because often customers are not familiar with the manufacturing process of photochemical etching.

What is the most interesting part of your job? Your proudest moment? 

What I find most interesting is where all of the components that we make end up going. From medical devices to planes and satellites, and even to quantum computers, we see a bit of everything. My proudest moment is when I get to have a customer visit on site and show off what we can do. There's always a bit of a wow factor when they see etching in person.

What do you love about manufacturing? 

I love the fast-paced environment and high demand it carries with it. Sure, it can be stressful at times, but that is where I operate best.

See more coverage of Manufacturing Day and Month at IndustryWeek.com.

What advice would you give to kids considering a job in manufacturing? 

Manufacturing isn't always getting your hands dirty. There's several sides to the industry for a variety of different mindsets. Even though most manufacturing is science-based in its concepts, there really is an art to getting things to run smoothly.

What advice would you give to manufacturers to help increase kids' interest in manufacturing as a career choice?

If you're able to show physical parts or products from your manufacturing process, those can be the difference maker in why a kid would want to be involved in manufacturing. Seeing is believing, and seeing something really unique looking, even if its actual use isn't "cool," will leave a lasting impression!