Piselli Enterprises Celebrates “Give Back” Program for AGMA Foundation Scholarship Fund
During Rich Piselli’s tenure with the AGMA Foundation, the president of Piselli Enterprises, Inc. dedicated his efforts to enhancing the scholarship program. “I wanted to give back to the gear industry because there weren’t many young people entering it, and I understood the financial burden of college. Our aim was to support the next generation of gear engineers and keep them on track,” he explained.
Years later, Piselli continues to support the AGMA Foundation Student Scholarship Fund through his company’s own “Give Back” initiative program. As of 2025, “Give Back” contributes two percent of every qualifying in-stock gear equipment purchase to the scholarship fund. To date, over $855,000 in eligible gear machine sales has resulted in more than $21,000 in scholarship money. The initiative applies exclusively to qualifying in-stock machines that are wholly owned by Piselli Enterprises and sold to AGMA members.
“My objective this year is to reach $50,000 and encourage other stakeholders in the gear community to participate as well,” Piselli stated. “Every contribution aids these students, as their financial situations can vary greatly. Ultimately, we aim to generate greater interest in the scholarship fund—perhaps reaching $200,000 annually in the future,” he added.
Piselli Enterprises, Inc. ranks among the largest dealers of used gear cutting equipment. Based in Statesville, NC, the company provides high-quality gear equipment and industry-wide support for gear, spline and gearbox projects. As the founder of multiple manufacturing firms, Piselli has built a significant presence in machinery sales, becoming one of the largest dealers globally.
He's also a strong advocate for involvement in AGMA programs and contributions to the AGMA Foundation. “Whether at the Annual Meeting or the Strategic Networking and Leadership Forum, there are always opportunities to engage more deeply in the gear industry and help prepare the next generation of skilled workers,” he emphasized.
The emergence of AI has introduced a complex dynamic in society. “The world is evolving,” Piselli said. “Fewer individuals are engaging in manufacturing; many believe they can rely solely on a few clicks to find solutions. We aim to demonstrate the significant value a career in gear manufacturing offers to high school and college students.”
For decades, the challenge of filling new positions in gear manufacturing has affected the industry. The focus must shift to authentic, real-world problem-solving and illustrating how these students can make an immediate difference in their communities.
“You need to motivate the next generation. It’s essential to spark their interest in manufacturing and engineering,” Piselli asserted. “We need to advocate that these are prestigious careers. Although they are often viewed as less desirable compared to banking or investment roles, these positions will be crucial moving forward—things must be built, produced, used and repaired. This is the essence of our industry.”
To stay updated on the “Give Back” program and view the latest donation figures along with the gear companies supporting Piselli’s scholarship initiatives, visit pisellient.com/give-back-scholarship-drive.
