Jerry began his career after graduating in 1987 with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Dayton. He started as a Seat Systems Engineer at General Motors, gaining experience in materials and component assembly, while also becoming familiar with corporate cost and pricing dynamics. He later transitioned to Delco Products as a Suspension Design Engineer, where he led design and validation efforts for suspension systems and deepened his knowledge of manufacturing and lean practices. His career took an international turn when he became project manager of a major project in Brazil for Delphi. This role introduced him to business case management and cost analysis.

Following his success in Brazil, Jerry joined Delphi’s newly formed Cost Management Department, where he helped develop tools for pre-negotiation cost analysis and led global training initiatives in cost management methodologies. Jerry transitioned to BWI, negotiating global contracts for electronic components and assemblies for the brake division. Ultimately, he returned to his passion for cost engineering by founding a department at a large medical company, where he shaped policy and training around cost modelling. His commitment to the field led him to co-found the Society of Cost Engineers, a professional organization aimed at formalizing standards, certification, and collaboration across industries.