Journey from Construction to Management in Steel Industry: A Career Evolution

My career journey took a significant shift from construction work to management positions within the steel industry. This path has been both challenging and rewarding, as I had to adapt to new roles and technologies in each new position.

Initial Management Role: Steel Fabrication Shop

My career began in the steel industry when I was hired to manage a steel fabrication shop. During my two-year tenure there, I was instrumental in developing their outside staging and loading yard, which had previously been non-existent. Additionally, I developed and trained a crew to load the steel on outgoing trailers, ensuring the smooth operation of the outgoing logistics.

Proprietary Software and Innovation

After growing within the company, I was hired by a larger steel company to work with their customer base, predominantly General Contract (GC) contractors. My role involved running proprietary design software for buildings fabricated in-house. This software allowed us to streamline the design and production processes, making us one of the largest and most innovative providers of pre-engineered steel buildings on the West Coast.

Field Experience and Software Integration

Following this, I transitioned to work in the field for one of my contractor clients. During my time in the field, there was a switch to new software and steel suppliers. I then moved back into the office to run the upgraded proprietary design software for this company for about five years. Despite the change in software, I remained involved in leading installation teams and performing on-site troubleshooting as needed.

Retirement and Plant Closure

Looking for a break, I briefly retired to Kentucky. However, the urgent need for my expertise brought me back to Washington to assist in the closure of the manufacturing plant where I had initially been employed. This lasted for a year until the plant's final day. After that, I considered a second retirement, but an unexpected opportunity arose.

Final Role and Company Development

While preparing for retirement, I was offered a position with a steel company that had recently purchased and then closed the company I had worked for earlier. Following negotiations, I accepted and moved back to California, where I was one of several administrator/project managers. Though I couldn't go on-site due to the scale and international nature of the projects, I was involved in strategic planning and management until my retirement.

Reflecting on my career, it has been a fulfilling yet challenging endeavor. Each time I changed jobs, I had to familiarize myself with new software and technologies, which required a strong learning and adaptability mindset. This journey showcases the dynamic nature of the steel industry and the importance of continuous learning and skill development.