Sand in the Gears

"Sand in the Gears brilliantly captures how government policies have been destroying manufacturing jobs for more than three decades and makes a clear case for what people really need from their elected leaders. Andrew O. Smith’s proposals for a 'New Social Compact' are sweeping, audacious, and smart. This book should set the terms of debate for how to put America back to work."—Frank I. Luntz, political strategist and author of Win: The Key Principles to Take Your Business from Ordinary to Extraordinary

"Andrew O. Smith provides an interesting new perspective on the decline of American manufacturing with compelling arguments and powerful suggestions for how to fix this important segment of our economy. A must read for anyone working to make our manufacturing sector stronger again and all who care about our great country."—Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO, Sherwin-Williams

"Sand in the Gears clearly explains the public policy challenges facing manufacturers—and how these challenges have held back manufacturing job growth over the past few decades. In this thought-provoking analysis, Andrew O. Smith underscores the critical need for policies that will help manufacturers create high-paying jobs and drive economic growth."—Jay Timmons, president and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers

"Tackling the timely and important question of how America can improve manufacturing competitiveness, Andrew O. Smith persuasively demonstrates that government policies have driven the decline in U.S. manufacturing. Sand in the Gears is not a diatribe against government regulations or welfare policy, but a thoughtful critique with creative proposals to energize manufacturing and achieve social policy objectives without strangling businesses or thwarting innovation."—Donald Sull, professor of management practice in strategy and entrepreneurship, London Business School, and author of The Upside of Turbulence: Seizing Opportunity in an Uncertain World