Introducing Mack Boring Parts & Company – A Think Big Partner Company

In 2022 when Patrick McGovern, President of Mack Boring Parts & Company, was approached by a colleague involved with Think Big New Jersey, he was drawn to the mission of “breaking the cycle of poverty among teens and young adults by preparing them to excel in today’s workforce.”  From then on, Mack Boring has been an active Think Big supporter and partner company, drawing on its deep expertise in producing sailboat, power boat and commercial marine engines, industrial diesel engines and generators as well as smaller engines for appliances and more.

Nicole Hahn, SHRM-CP/Human Resource Generalist at Mack Boring, is charged with organizing and managing the company’s Think Big career showcases. She sets the date and then recruit company employees across diverse departments to attend the showcases. While there, they share information about job opportunities at Mack Boring as well as across the industry. In addition, staff members share information about their own job descriptions and responsibilities. As the employees speak to the kids at the showcase, they can see the interest they are generating and the contagious excitement that results when they describe all the future possibilities.

It’s fun to float your own boat!

Recognizing that just talking about engines and careers in engineering might not be very inspirational, the team brings along toy model engines for the kids to work on. Older kids are tasked with finishing a model engine which, when properly assembled, lights up and the gears actually move. Younger participants may work on an engine designed for a sailboat which they then paint and decorate. Other engines that are included have two gears, with motors that run once correctly assembled. Of course there are always snacks served as well!

Engines that Power Good Works

For everyone at Mack Boring & Parts – from the top down – engagement with Think Big is part of their dedication to give back to the community. “Once you have attended a workshop, and you see the kids’ faces light up as the engine comes to life, you are hooked! The reward is so great – our employees eagerly line up to attend whenever they can,” notes Nicole.

There is something uniquely fulfilling about the hands-on approach to career showcases that reinforces corporate commitment as they interact on such a personal level with Think Big students. They are proud to help change lives and have a positive impact on so many.