At Premier Metal Buyers (PMB), we pride ourselves on operating at the highest corporate level while maintaining the heart and soul of a small-town family business. Our success is driven not just by our business strategies but by the dedicated individuals who lead our team with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Today, we spotlight two of these key leaders: Mike Susaneck, our Vice President, and Chad Wiesepape, our Vice President of Operations. Their unique journeys and wisdom offer invaluable insights into what makes PMB a thriving and respected company.
Mike Susaneck: Leading with Vision and Integrity
Mike’s journey with Premier Metal Buyers began in the early days when the company was just starting to make its mark in the metal recycling industry on 8/10ths of an acre in the shadows of Blue Bell Creameries. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Mike’s work ethic and self-starter mentality were instilled in him from a young age. This drive, coupled with a Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, made him a perfect fit for Premier's fast-paced environment.
He initially focused on building a robust back-office support system to handle the company's anticipated growth. This involved replacing outdated manual receipts and checkbooks with an electronic point-of-sale system to streamline customer processing. Mike’s responsibilities expanded to include negotiating insurance renewals, tracking inventory, and producing financial statements and reviews. He attacked and tackled any task that could improve and optimize the business, allowing the rest of the team to focus on building external operations and the customer base. Through these diverse experiences, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the ins and outs of the entire operation. He was relentless in his pursuit of improving efficiencies, reducing costs, and increasing the overall effectiveness of the operations.
Advice for Industry Newcomers
Mike emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn for anyone embarking on a career in the metals industry. "This industry is constantly evolving," he says, "so a commitment to continuous learning is essential." He encourages newcomers not to shy away from asking questions, as the industry is filled with experienced professionals eager to help the next generation succeed. Building strong relationships through networking is also crucial, as it opens doors and creates opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Mike’s professional journey has been shaped by a piece of advice that continues to resonate with him: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." For Mike, building trust is paramount. "In this business, honesty and transparency are key," he notes. "Always be upfront with your customers and go the extra mile for them. Their satisfaction is the foundation of any successful business." This focus on integrity and customer satisfaction has been a cornerstone of Mike's leadership style.
Superpower Wish
If superpowers were on the menu, Mike chose the ability to streamline any process instantly. "Imagine tackling a complex recycling challenge and then bam! The perfect solution, saving time, resources, and maybe even a few headaches," he muses. This wish reflects Mike's commitment to efficiency and his forward-thinking approach to problem-solving.
Chad Wiesepape: From Construction Dreams to Operational Excellence
Chad Wiesepape's journey into the metal industry is a testament to the power of adaptability and the pursuit of passion. Initially aspiring to become a contractor or custom home builder, Chad earned a degree in construction management. However, Chad's desire to be hands-on and work outdoors led him to seek new opportunities. His innate problem-solving ability and knack for repairing and fixing things made him a perfect fit for the dynamic environment at Premier Metal Buyers. His background in construction management has equipped him with a unique perspective on operational processes and efficiency, which he applies daily in his role as Vice President of Operations.
Advice for Industry Newcomers
Chad offers invaluable advice to those starting their careers in the metal industry:
Embrace Challenges "Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone."
Develop Soft Skills "In addition to technical skills, employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Cultivate these skills as they are often crucial for success in any industry."
Superpower Wish
If Chad could choose any superpower to aid in his role at Premier Metal Buyers, it would be the ability to be in 20 places at once. This desire highlights his commitment to being hands-on and involved in every aspect of operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Both Mike Susaneck and Chad Wiesepape exemplify the leadership qualities that drive Premier Metal Buyers. Their backgrounds, coupled with their innovative and ethical approaches, serve as an inspiration to their teams and set the standard for excellence in the industry.
At Premier Metal Buyers, we are proud to have leaders like Mike and Chad, who not only steer the company toward success but also foster a culture of growth, integrity, and continuous improvement. Their leadership is a cornerstone of our success and a testament to the power of visionary thinking and hands-on problem-solving.
Comentários