Top of the Chain

with Barry Zekelman EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ZEKELMAN INDUSTRIES

The companies of Zekelman Industries, headquartered in Illinois, manufacture distinct tube, pipe and modular building innovations to help designers, developers and builders work with greater efficiency. Within the family are Atlas Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma, Western Tube, Z Modular and Hayes Modular.

Barry Zekelman leads the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America with sales in excess of $5 billion. He began his career working at the company his father founded, which was struggling to survive at the time.

YOUR FATHER, HARRY, FOUNDED ATLAS TUBE, IN 1984. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

My father owned a mobile home manufacturing business in the 60’s and sold it to Beatrice Foods in the early 70’s. He used tubing for the base frames and axles. He liked the product and had always wanted to manufacture it. Thus, Atlas Tube was born.

WHAT WERE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU BEGAN WORKING AT ATLAS TUBE?

I started in 1986 at age 19, shortly after my father passed away. I guess you could say my role was everything. We only had five employees and we all did whatever it took to survive. I helped slit steel, run the mill, load trucks, do all the paperwork; whatever was needed.

WHAT BUSINESS PRACTICES DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR FATHER?

I didn’t get to spend any time in the business with my father. I was focused on my first year of school. We always talked about business and I had a decent understanding of how the product was made, but really nothing else.

We were a small company, $2 million in sales and losing $60,000 a month; the business was about to go bankrupt.

One thing I remember was a version of the golden rule, “He who has the gold, rules!” Another principle was we don’t ever say “I can’t.” We will find a way.

ATLAS ACHIEVED INCREDIBLE GROWTH WITH YOU AS CEO. HOW DID YOU ACCOMPLISH THIS?

We concentrated on getting productive, we stuck to our core, and engaged our teammates. I realized early on the most valuable asset you have are your people. If you engage and empower them, they are unstoppable. If you give people the ability to control their own destiny, provide them the tools to work and decision-making power, they will literally push you out of the way and make it happen. It’s incredible. We also listened to our customers, gave them what they wanted, not what we thought they wanted. We were laser focused on what we did, committed to service and speed, and we were always willing to listen and learn.

Be humble, never arrogant, that will kill you! We grew fast, $2 million then $7 million then $19 million then $24 million then $40 million and beyond. Every year was growth. We didn’t listen to “That’s the way it’s done in the industry”. We did what we needed to do for us, our team, and our customers.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR BUSINESS?

Make sure the business has all the needed tools to take care of our customers, teammates, suppliers, and our communities. To continue our search for excellence, growth when appropriate, and maintain financial strength and discipline.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOUR 2,300 EMPLOYEES TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY AND INNOVATION ZEKELMAN INDUSTRIES IS KNOWN FOR?

Keep showing them the energy, love, and commitment we have for the business and their future. They want to know you care, that you are engaged, and always striving for better. We always put health and safety first. I think that’s a huge part of them knowing we appreciate our team and they are the most important part of our success.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I love what I do. I don’t think I have worked a day in my life in the tube business. It is my existence. I have zero issues with motivation.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING CEO OF ZEKELMAN?

Watching the success of our team, seeing them achieve their goals and beyond, and having second and third generations of families come join our team. I love building a better mousetrap, and seeing the communities prosper from our success. It’s just fun to make stuff.

WHAT NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS HAS ZEKELMAN HANDLED RECENTLY?

Facebook data centers, Vanderbilt One in New York City, JP Morgan Chase Headquarters in New York City, Atlanta Hartsfield airport and departure terminal, and the Space X launch tower.

WHAT BUSINESS ADVICE HAVE YOU RECEIVED OVER THE YEARS THAT RESONATES WITH YOU?

Always do the right thing. Don’t ever be arrogant. Remember where you started from.