ASDA announces 2013 Steel Man of the Year
The Association of Steel Distributors announced that Mr 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 during the ASD Annual Convention held March 20 to 22.
Mr Barnett said that “I am humbled and honored by receiving this award. It is so meaningful to me, being second-generation steel. 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 US 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.
ASD President Lisa Goldenberg said that “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.”
Source – Strategic Research Institute