Fireside Chat with Mike Barnett, President and COO of Grand Steel Products

6880 High Street,Worthington OH 43085

13 October, 2022

Description

Mike Barnett is President and COO of Grand Steel Products. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 2003 with a degree in Finance and Economics, Mike started his professional career in the finance world. After a few years on the sales side of the business, he was fast-tracked into a management program where he learned many valuable management skills. Mike had always had an interest in the steel business, and in early 2006 Mike joined Grand Steel Products as the 3rd employee, responsible for new sales and marketing efforts. A career in STEEL had begun. Mike has overseen the growth of Grand Steel Products, including the purchase of a 30,000 sq/ft operations building in 2008, purchase and installation of a slitting line in 2011, a 15,000 sq/ft office/building addition in 2014, and the acquisition of an accredited laboratory in 2017 (Steel Testing Lab). In 2019, GSP kicked off their largest project to date with a 45,000 sq/ft expansion of the plant, a 2 story office addition, installation of a new 36″ slitting line, a new packaging line, and a head injection piece for the existing 72″ slitter. Mike also assisted in the formation of Barnett Industrial Properties, Grand Steel Transport, and Steel Testing Laboratory. Outside of the office, Mike has a wife and 3 small children. He was a four-year collegiate boxer with a record of 12-0, but now prefers non-contact sports including golf, squash, and paddle, competing in all 3. He is very active with The Friendship Circle of Michigan (frienshipcircle.org), a non-profit organization which supports individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational, social, educational and vocational programming. Other charitable organizations which Mike is currently involved with include The Children’s Tumor Foundation (ctf.org), with a mission to end Neurofibromatosis (NF), and LUNGevity (longevity.org), the nation’s largest lung cancer-focused non-profit. Mike is a champion for a strong domestic steel industry and the growth of domestic manufacturing, working hard every day to promote the strength, growth, and change needed. Adam Babbert, Senior Regional Sales Manager for Worthington Industries, will be moderating this event. Adam has over 18 years experience in the metals industry with demonstrated success in developing and leading sales and purchasing teams. Email your questions for Mike Barnett to Alison Smith by Friday, October 7th. [email protected] We look forward to seeing you!