A Great Man with a Great Bow Tie

AMT–The Association For Manufacturing Technology presented the Albert W. Moore AMT Leadership Award to Marcus B. Crotts at its Annual Business Meeting March 5 in Palm Desert, California. The award recognized Mr. Crotts, founder of Crotts & Saunders LLC, a machine tool distributor, for his outstanding support of the manufacturing technology industry. His distinctive bow tie was also honored!

“Why are so many people wearing bowties to this business meeting?” I thought. AMT’s business meeting (which took place during the MFG Meeting, the conference for machine builders, distributors and end users) is a no-nonsense event, with important announcements and ceremony. I discovered the reason when Mr. Crotts’ award was given. In addition to his distinguished career (one marked by strong personal beliefs and strength of individual character), Mr. Crotts is well-known for his trademark—bold and colorful bowties. Hence, the wearing of bowties by leaders of the meeting. It was another way to honor the recipient.   

As Douglas Woods, AMT President said, “The Albert W. Moore AMT Leadership Award honors those individuals from our industry who have gone above and beyond by carrying out the mission of the association, and who have had a dramatic impact on our industry. Marcus has distinguished himself as an outstanding innovator, leader and advocate for the manufacturing technology and engineering industry.” (Doug was wearing a bow tie, too, by the way.)

The award cited Mr. Crotts for the leadership that garnered his company national recognition for its impact on manufacturing processes through improved basic design methodologies. It was also noted that, as Board Chair of the American Machine Tool Distributors Association in the 1980s, Mr. Crotts skillfully guided the association during the introduction of CNC technology.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Crotts said, “My father’s work as a machinist and his drive to be accurate inspired me to learn more about machining and engineering. For almost 60 years, I have been saying manufacturing creates wealth and this concept is not well understood by those outside the industry.” He encouraged members to promote manufacturing. However, he did not tell anyone to start wearing bow ties!