Flying High Women Leaders | Peak Manufacturing
In the quiet town of Pleasant Lake, Michigan, amidst the hum of machinery and the buzz of diligent workers, a quietly revolutionary figure is leading a manufacturing business with an entirely unique approach. Amanda Hutchings, the President of Peak Manufacturing, is reshaping not only her company but the broader landscape of manufacturing, especially when it comes to workforce development and community engagement. Though her path into manufacturing was far from traditional, Amanda’s leadership is an inspiring story of resilience, action, and a commitment to both business excellence and giving back.
From Artist to Manufacturer
Amanda’s journey into the manufacturing world wasn’t a linear one, nor was the career she had originally envisioned. “I grew up in a very artistic family,” she recalls. “I thought I was going to art school, but through a more practical sense, I ended up getting a degree in marketing.” For someone who had dreamed of becoming an artist, the switch to the manufacturing industry could have seemed like a detour, but as she would come to discover, it was precisely what she was meant to do.
Amanda’s first exposure to the manufacturing sector came through an unexpected opportunity with the Shop Rat Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at inspiring middle school students to explore careers in manufacturing. She was tasked with developing and securing funding for the organization, which introduced her to the world of machinery, tools, and mechanical design. The irony wasn’t lost on Amanda—her start was as an administrative assistant for a manufacturing company owned by the same founder who started the Shop Rat Foundation. “I started answering phones, and slowly, my role grew,” she says, with a smile. “What began as a simple job evolved into something much larger, and before I even turned 30, I was running Peak Manufacturing.”
Today, Peak Manufacturing employs 35 people and generates $13 million in annual sales, a testament to her leadership and vision. What sets Peak Manufacturing apart in the highly competitive heavy truck industry is its unique approach to high-volume secondary machining and cold forming products. Specializing in bearing spacers used in semi-truck hub assemblies, the company is dedicated to combining the old with the new. Peak Manufacturing operates its own shearing, pressing, machining, and heat-treating processes all in-house, leveraging machines from the early 1900s with the help of modern automation to achieve extraordinary efficiency. This in-house capability, coupled with customized machinery, is a core part of Peak Manufacturing’s value proposition.
Leading with Integrity, Action, and Empathy
Peak Manufacturing’s tagline, “Quality. Community. Integrity,” doesn’t just sound good—it’s the philosophy that drives Amanda’s leadership. She is quick to point out that success isn’t merely about growing sales or expanding the company’s footprint; true success, for her, is about the community impact and the people she leads. “We measure success by how we help others,” she explains. “Whether it’s giving back to employees, supporting the community, or fostering an environment where people can thrive, that’s what success looks like.”
Her leadership style is characterized by three key traits: emotional intelligence, action, and work ethic. Amanda admits that emotional intelligence—being able to navigate her emotions and manage difficult conversations—was a trait she had to develop over time. “It’s about making decisions based on information, not emotion,” she explains. “And as a woman in a male-dominated industry, it’s even more important to stay composed and decisive.” Amanda is also known for her action-oriented leadership. “I’m very much a ‘move quickly’ type of leader,” she says. “I don’t waste time with long meetings or endless planning sessions. I like to take action, and if it doesn’t work out, at least we’ve learned something.” This willingness to experiment has been crucial in helping Peak Manufacturing stay competitive in an industry marked by tight margins and rapid technological change.
However, Amanda’s leadership isn’t just about business acumen; it’s also deeply personal. One of the most striking aspects of her management style is her ability to build deep connections with her team. Whether it’s hopping around the office in bunny ears during Easter, making homemade meals for her staff, or fostering puppies that roam the office, Amanda leads with a sense of family and care that is rare in the corporate world. “I want my employees to feel appreciated, and I do that by showing them they matter,” she says.
The Hardest Lesson: Betrayal and Forgiveness
Perhaps one of the most defining moments in Amanda’s leadership journey came when she faced a devastating betrayal. A trusted office manager—who was also a close friend—embezzled significant sums from the company. “She stood next to me at my wedding,” Amanda reflects, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion. “To say I felt betrayed would be an understatement.” The situation forced Amanda to make difficult decisions, including whether to pursue legal action. But it also shaped her leadership philosophy in profound ways. “It taught me about humility, forgiveness, and the importance of setting systems in place to ensure it never happens again,” she says. “I didn’t let it harden me, and I didn’t let it change who I am as a leader.”
"The real success comes when we can create a culture that supports everyone, from the factory floor to the community at large."
Empowering the Next Generation of Manufacturers
Amanda’s commitment to manufacturing extends beyond Peak Manufacturing. As the board chair of the Shop Rat Foundation and treasurer of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA), she is at the forefront of efforts to address the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. “We need to inspire the next generation of workers,” she says. “And that means not only bringing more youth into the field but also encouraging more women to consider careers in manufacturing.” Through Shop Rat, Amanda has helped thousands of young people gain hands-on experience and exposure to the trades. She also played a key role in the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, a collaborative effort to prepare the workforce for the demands of modern manufacturing. “The future of manufacturing will be shaped by advancements in AI, automation, and robotics,” she says. “It’s essential that our workforce development programs evolve to meet these challenges.”
In addition to workforce development, Peak Manufacturing is deeply involved in community outreach. Whether through donations to animal shelters, supporting nature conservation, aiding faith-based initiatives, sponsoring youth programs, or adopting families during the holiday season, Amanda believes in the power of giving back. “We don’t just build products; we build people and communities,” she says.
A New Model for Manufacturing Leadership
Amanda’s path to success in the manufacturing industry may not have been the one she initially imagined, but her unconventional journey has reshaped what it means to be a leader in this space. Through a combination of emotional intelligence, action-oriented decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to her employees and community, she has built not just a thriving business but a model for a new kind of leadership—one that balances profit with purpose.
As Amanda looks ahead, she is focused on the future of manufacturing, and particularly on creating opportunities for the next generation. “It’s not just about what we build, but who we build,” she says. “The real success comes when we can create a culture that supports everyone, from the factory floor to the community at large.”
For aspiring leaders, especially women, her advice is simple: “Expect the unexpected. Put in the work. And find a company that feels like family.” Her story is a powerful reminder that the most rewarding paths are often the ones we never planned to take—and that leadership, at its core, is about lifting others up.
