ROY SWEATMAN
PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES, TAMPA
SMT employs about 100 employees, who make machine tools to make components and assemblies for the aircraft, aerospace and defense industries. The company is active in local, statewide and national manufacturing organizations, workforce boards and school advisory councils. It employs part-time college engineering students and part-time high school students teaching them about precision machining and about the careers in manufacturing.
| EDUCATION | Journeyman’s machinist certificate |
| SOMETHING SURPRISING | I am a licensed pilot and at one time flew a two-passenger, no radio or electrical system (hand prop to start it) vintage airplane from Erie, Pa., to Las Vegas and back. |
| PHILANTHROPIC PASSION | We support many organizations, including local theater and children’s organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Suncoast Voices for Children. |
| FAVORITE VACATION | Probably my many trips to Napa Valley to tour and visit wineries |