Service Centers
Management Transitions to Next Generation at Lapham-Hickey
Written by Tim Triplett
January 23, 2018
Bill Hickey is taking a step back from his day-to-day duties at Lapham-Hickey Steel and handing over the reins to the fourth generation of family management. Hickey retains the title of company chairman as his two sons step up to more senior management positions.
“The next generation is taking over operation of the business, and as chairman I get an opportunity to tackle some other projects,” Hickey told Steel Market Update. “As I have watched the evolution of the technology and the digital reality of what we are going to have to do, these folks are much better prepared than I will ever be.”
On Jan. 1, son Brian Hickey took over as Lapham-Hickey president after 15 years in various roles with the company, most recently as vice president of operations and general manager of the Chicago facility. Brother Will Hickey, formerly vice president of marketing and sales manager of the Minnesota location, assumed the title of chief commercial officer after 18 years with the company. Steve Ford, a 40-year veteran of Lapham-Hickey, moved from chief commercial officer to executive vice president.
Under Bill Hickey’s 40 years of leadership, Lapham-Hickey Steel has grown to become the 35th largest service center company in North America with seven locations and $280 million in annual revenues. But he is also widely recognized for his advocacy on behalf of the metals distribution industry. He has become something of an expert on government policy and is an outspoken proponent of free and fair trade. He intends to keep an eye on the political landscape. “I think having the government try to level the playing field for the industrial economy of the United States is critically important for our economy and wealth creation,” he said.
The timing was right to begin the transition toward retirement, he added. “It’s a good time to make the change. Business is good, activity is strong, and the industrial economy seems very vibrant right now.”
Tim Triplett
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