Economy

ASD Announces 2013 Steel Man of the Year: James Barnett

January 7, 2014

ASD Press Release: CHICAGO — The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) announces that James (Jim) Barnett, president of Grand Steel Products in Wixom, Mich., is the recipient of the industry’s highest honor, the Steel Man of the Year Award. This annual ASD award honors one individual who embodies leadership, dedication, service and excellence in the steel industry. Barnett will be officially recognized at a black-tie event taking place at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Fla., during the ASD Annual Convention held March 20-22.

“I am humbled and honored by receiving this award. It is so meaningful to me, being second-generation steel,” Barnett said. “Because of the high regard I have for both past and current members, as well as the accomplishments of the organization, I am especially honored to join the previous recipients of this award. As manufacturing in this country continues its comeback, I am proud to be involved in the distribution chain of the American-made product that has never gone away — U.S.-made steel and the products now made from it.”

Barnett began his career more than 45 years ago as a shop worker at Republic Steel Corporation. He worked summers interning for an import and export company in Belgium and Germany. After graduating from college, he worked in sales for several flat-rolled steel distributors in Detroit before starting a distributorship in partnership with his brother, Stuart. That company was sold to a large steel group after 20 years of steady growth. Jim then started Grand Steel Products in 1995 and has grown the company into a mid-sized steel distributor specializing in hot, cold, coated and flat-rolled steel products. Jim is the immediate past president of the ASD and is frequently quoted by national trade publications. He also serves on the board of his temple and various other charitable organizations.

ASD President Lisa Goldenberg said, “Jim Barnett has been a loyal supporter, friend, mentor, and advisor to not only me, and my career, but countless others in the steel industry. Those that are fortunate enough to interact with Jim learn more about themselves, their career, and most importantly, the level of leadership he possesses.”

Rudy Taylor, CEO of Detroit Steel Processing, was quoted as saying, “From Jim’s multigenerational involvement in the industry — from his father and now his son — his great service to and participation in ASD and his meticulous approach to satisfying customer requirements, make him a great choice for Steel Man of the Year.” (Source: ASD press release)