Andy Blanchard
Andy Blanchard, West Point, Class of 1981, Company A‑3, is a business leader whose life was profoundly changed after surviving a major cardiac event. Grateful for a second chance, he shares his story to reflect on faith, family, and the love that carries us through life’s greatest challenges.
After serving on active duty in the U.S. Army for 5.5 years, Andy embarked on a career in industry. He is honored to have served as President and CEO of five industrial manufacturing companies, partnered with several private equity firms, and led a company startup. Andy currently serves as Material Handling Sector Vice President at Kadant Inc. Andy also served 5 years in the Army Reserves while living in South Carolina. He continued his formal education by earning an MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Michigan State University.
Andy met the love of his life, Terri Schwartz Blanchard, on the stairs of Ike Hall in 1979, and they were married in the Cadet Chapel on June 20, 1982. They have three children—Christopher, Lauren, and Matthew—and eight grandchildren. Andy and Terri spent 47 years raising their family and traveling throughout North America and the world. Countries they visited include China, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, France, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Canada.
Recently widowed, Andy resides in Traverse City, Michigan, and Pinehurst, North Carolina. Andy enjoys mentoring junior leaders and sharing his business and life experiences. His interests include spending time with family, boating, sailing, golfing, and fly fishing.
After serving on active duty in the U.S. Army for 5.5 years, Andy embarked on a career in industry. He is honored to have served as President and CEO of five industrial manufacturing companies, partnered with several private equity firms, and led a company startup. Andy currently serves as Material Handling Sector Vice President at Kadant Inc. Andy also served 5 years in the Army Reserves while living in South Carolina. He continued his formal education by earning an MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Michigan State University.
Andy met the love of his life, Terri Schwartz Blanchard, on the stairs of Ike Hall in 1979, and they were married in the Cadet Chapel on June 20, 1982. They have three children—Christopher, Lauren, and Matthew—and eight grandchildren. Andy and Terri spent 47 years raising their family and traveling throughout North America and the world. Countries they visited include China, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, France, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Canada.
Recently widowed, Andy resides in Traverse City, Michigan, and Pinehurst, North Carolina. Andy enjoys mentoring junior leaders and sharing his business and life experiences. His interests include spending time with family, boating, sailing, golfing, and fly fishing.