Steel Products
NexGen Award Recipient: Stephen Serling, Quality Metal Stamping
Written by Sandy Williams
August 27, 2020
Congratulations are in order to a rising star in the steel industry. Steel Market Update is pleased to announce that Stephen Serling, Vice President at Quality Metal Stamping, is the recipient of the 2nd annual SMU NexGen Leadership Award. Serling was selected from a slate of 24 nominees and will receive a mentorship day with Chuck Schmitt, President of SSAB Americas, complimentary attendance at an SMU Steel Workshop and at next year’s SMU Steel Summit, as well as a commemorative plaque. The NexGen Award is sponsored by the Steel Manufacturers Association.
Serling joined the industry right after earning his undergraduate degree at Lafayette College in 2010. Learning the business from the ground up, he delved into the financial aspects while earning his Master’s in Finance at Hofstra University. After moving from New York to Tennessee, Serling became more active in the operational side of the Quality Metal Stamping. His strong work ethic and commitment to the business soon became a major influence on the culture of the plant. Instrumental in enhancing and expanding the company’s core stamping business, Serling studied and brought in cutting-edge technology, increasing value for customers and winning new business. A just-in-time steel purchasing policy allowed the company to be leaner and more efficient.
Understanding the need to attract new talent to the company and industry, Serling worked with local colleges to educate students about opportunities in manufacturing and developed an internship program with a local technical school.
He also expanded Quality Metal Stamping’s presence in the community through implementing charitable and volunteer programs including the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides for a Cure,” Relay for Life, Treasures Love Bears, and Carl Perkin’s Center for Child Abuse.
Serling is a member of the Precision Metalforming Association and was recently nominated to be a Director of the National Board of Next Gen, focused on engaging the future generation of manufacturing in the United States.
Serling was chosen from a final list of five nominees from the slate of 24. The judging panel responsible for the selection of an award winner from the outstanding group of nominees included Mark Millett, Steel Dynamics; Chuck Schmidt, SSAB Americas; Lenore Trammel, Big River Steel; and Philip Bell, Steel Manufacturers Association. Last year’s award was presented to Meredith Meade, Tempel Steel Company.
Congratulations to the five finalists and all 24 nominees for being selected as outstanding leaders at their companies:
Finalists:
- Stephen Serling, Quality Metal Stamping
- Lance Zeller, OWC
- Eric Daniel, Metalwest
- Kevin Udolph, Great Dane
- Amy Craychee Leeco Steel
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
CRU: Excessive global supply could hit rebar mill investments in US
Following the onset of the war in Ukraine in March 2022, concerns about import availability and expectations of rising demand from President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill pushed US rebar prices to record highs. In response, a flurry of new mills and capacity expansions were announced to meet the rise in demand from growth in the construction […]
Steel buyer spirits tempered by soft spot market conditions
Steel sheet buyers report feeling bogged down by the ongoing stresses of stagnant demand, news fatigue, tariff negotiations or implementation timelines, and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty.
CRU: US stainless prices to rise on expanded S232 tariffs
Stainless prices in the US market will rise, following price increases by major US producers. Our base case scenario incorporates higher US prices in the near term, despite the initial negative reaction by the market. US stainless prices will go up in 2025 H2 and will stay elevated in 2026 as tariffs on stainless […]
Galvanized steel demand unsteady amid lingering buyer fatigue: HARDI
Uneven demand for galvanized steel in June reflects a market that remains mired in uncertainty, according to industry sources.
OCTG industry salutes Customs for catching trade crooks
The US OCTG Manufacturers Association is commending US Customs for intercepting another Thai company's attempt to illegally transship Chinese oil pipe to the US.