According to a 1996 study by Bowling Green University, the percentage of children following in their parent’s or grandparent’s footsteps and choosing similar fields to make their living in the 1990s was nearly 40 percent. In the 1980s it was 48 percent. In the ‘70s it was 51 percent. Going back to the 1940s and ‘50s, that percentage was upwards of 60 percent.
The influencers, and motivating factors that steer a young person towards their career choices are many, and as society changes, those influences change with it. Children begin shaping their societal and economic world view based on influence and interpretation of their parents or grandparents. As society evolves, and information becomes more available through electronic and social media, that parental guidance is shared with guidance from other sources.
If the number of children choosing similar career paths as their parent’s continues to decline, the percentage may be as low as 20 percent by 2025. In the business world of today, there are still a few shining examples of entrepreneurs who chose their fields based on the passion their parents or grandparents had. The phrase “Chip off the old block” is still alive and well in some parts of America, particularly the rural west.“My Grandpa was a big influence in my life” said Bret Agee, owner of Agee Ironworks in Prineville. “He was born in 1899, and he had the reputation as the best blacksmith around.
He was able to build or fabricate anything a client asked for. He really inspired me to choose my career in metal work and manufacturing. I have all of his tools, even his anvil that I still use.”Bret and Jenny Agee started Agee Ironworks in 2001. The business started out as more of a hobby. They would make things for friends and family. They had such a passion for using their imaginations, and creating works of art out of metal, that in 2001 they made the decision to turn it into a full time business. They have manufactured everything from plant stands, coat racks, and beds, to custom ADA approved hand railing and giant entry gates and systems for high end subdivisions.
They also have a CNC plasma cutter. They are able to create intricate works of art that can be incorporated into large building projects or a one of a kind wall decoration.“We really enjoy bringing ideas to life for our clients. Especially the ones with big imaginations,” Agee said. “If you can think it, we can build it.”The evidence of being able to make anything out of metal with just an idea is found throughout their shop. At least 90 percent of their tools were made by Bret for specific applications.“Most people would have no idea what each tool is for. They are one of a kind,” said Agee.
Not only is Agee’s client base, and list of projects impressive, but their civic mindedness, and integrity is also stellar. They have donated projects to “The Crook County Garden Club” “Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation” and various other programs, including breast cancer awareness programs.“We do quite a bit of donation work” said Agee “Probably more than we can afford, but sometimes it’s hard to say no. Everything we do, we try to do with the utmost integrity.
We don’t just answer to our customers, but we also have to answer to God, and our business practices must glorify him. If we quote a price for a job, we will stand by that price, regardless of problems that may arise.”In addition to their donations of products, they also donate time to Crook County High School students in the form of an internship program. Students who participate gain valuable on the job training in welding, fabricating and machining.
Agee Ironworks Prineville
541-788-3179
CEO: Bret Agee
Employees: 3
Year established: 2001
Products: Complete metal fabrication, custom gates and entry systems, metal art, signs, monuments, railings.
