As
I pause to think of the significance of our 65th Anniversary, there
is a lot to think about considering that I have been associated with Metalcraft
for 31 years!
First
of all as in generations of families, the current generation lays the
foundation for future generations with the goal of making it better for the
succeeding generation. The same has occurred at Metalcraft and I immediately
think of our former owner and President, Wally Smeby who started his career in
1959 as company Controller. He became majority owner in 1993 and led the
company until 2006 when he sold to an inside group of investors led by Doug
Peterson, our present COB, and me. It is great that Wally continues to hold a
Board seat; he has been associated with Metalcraft for 56 years! Without his
leadership in the early 80’s driving us into a different ID technology called
bar code we may not be in existence or if we were, we would be a very small
enterprise. He then subsequently latched on to another ID technology in 2000,
RFID, and although he was selling the company, approved a significant
investment for us to manufacture RFID Labels. We owe a lot to Wally, his
excellent leadership and for also transitioning the ownership to a couple of
his long-time Managers.
Soon
after Doug and I bought out Wally in 2006, we transitioned to an ESOP. We
wanted to provide a greater stake for all employees, so we blended the ESOP
with investors and this has worked wonderfully with the value of the company
increasing significantly. Doug led us as CEO; providing leadership through some
unusual times including a major flood in 2008 and economic downturn a few
months following our flood. We prevailed and with continued growth in bar code
and RFID technologies, grew right out of our 4th St. SW building,
one that we had been in for 49 years, into breaking ground for our new facility
on 9th St. SW in 2012. While a short leadership tenure, we made
tremendous strides and Doug retired as CEO October 1, 2012, leaving Metalcraft
better than when Wally left in 2006…a goal of each ownership generation.
As
the current President and CEO, it is truly a blessing to lead such a talented
group of member-owners. Whether it is committing to our three promises of
taking care of customers (Keep it Simple, Deliver as Promised, or Show a Better
Way); developing new products and the next technology; witnessing a team triple
sales in a few years and another have 100% on-time shipments for two
consecutive quarters; living our Values and Compass - seemingly nothing is out
of our Team’s reach! It is great to be in a new facility which allows us to
better serve our customers.
Metalcraft
has thrived for 65 years and this is not only due to the leadership but a lot
of talented members who over 65 years have made tremendous contributions. So
one day when I decide to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership
the company will be stronger than when Doug left in 2012! Thanks to all our
stakeholders; shareholders, member-owners, suppliers, community and especially
our customers for making us successful for 65 years!
