Why "I AM Olympic Steel"?
Read about the origins of IamOlympicSteel.com and our “I AM Brand Ambassadors”.
To kick off the new year, we’re taking a peek “behind the curtain” to learn about the origins of “I AM Olympic Steel” and the many talented members of our team who share their stories on the IamOlympicSteel.com website as one of our “I AM Olympic Steel Brand Ambassadors.”
To tell the story, we’ve gotten some help from our Vice President of Corporate Communications & Marketing, Michelle Pearson-Casey. Michelle was an integral part of the team that brought the “I AM Olympic Steel” employee brand and web platform to life. In 2023, Michelle was also nominated to represent the I AM Olympic Steel brand with her own unique story.
In 2019, Rick Marabito became Olympic Steel’s Chief Executive Officer. One of his strategic priorities was to create consistent, informative Company communications. Rick reached out to me for help, but at the time, I was not working at Olympic Steel. I actually left the organization in 2015, which probably warrants a little sidebar…
I began my career with the Company in 1999 – right out of high school, as the receptionist in the newly built Chambersburg, PA location (the original 1599 building). I held a few different roles in the Chambersburg Office – working in Stelplan, the business system at the time, and as part of the CAD and Estimating Team. I also helped with communications at the facility, including starting a “Weekly Update” local employee newsletter. My skills in this area set me up for an opportunity to begin helping the Investor Relations department at the Corporate Office with the Odyssey newsletter. From there, I was able to grow into the role of Internal Communications Specialist, and later, Corporate Communications Manager – working remotely from the Chambersburg facility. During this time period, I also completed my Bachelor of Arts degree with some help from Olympic Steel’s Tuition Assistance Program. As a small Communications department of one (eventually two), I worked closely with the HR department on employee communications. In 2012, I officially joined the HR Team as Corporate HR Manager, relocated to Cleveland and completed my Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to lead the HR Team as Director – Human Resources. I enjoyed the challenges of being in the HR department, but the communications work was what I truly loved. In 2015, I made the tough decision to leave Olympic Steel after 16 years. For the next almost five years – a time I often refer to as my “study abroad program,” I expanded my communications skills and experienced other industries, including Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and several different global organizations as part of a creative agency. Fast forward to 2019, when Rick reached out.
Rick was looking for a way to help employees see the many different opportunities available to build a career with Olympic Steel and the characteristics of successful members of the team – the “Attitude of an Olympian.” I was with the creative agency at the time, and working with a fantastic team, we developed the “I AM Olympic Steel” concept. The unique stories, skills, career paths and contributions of our employees are what have built Olympic Steel. We launched IamOlympicSteel.com to showcase them, beginning in July of 2019 with Jerry Kowalzek.
Since the launch, we have shared the stories of more than 73 “I AM Olympic Steel Brand Ambassadors” - with many more to come! Brand Ambassadors are nominated by General Managers and Vice Presidents across the Company and because they…
- Demonstrate commitment to Olympic Steel’s Core Values,
- Exhibit the Attitude of an Olympian,
- And have an impeccable record with Olympic Steel.
The platform allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding members of the team and share inspiration and advice from colleagues who are building rewarding careers across the enterprise.
One of the things that I have always loved about the Company – in fact, one of the many things that brought me back, is the entrepreneurial spirit at Olympic Steel. I’ve experienced it throughout my career. If you’re willing to raise a hand, share your skills and ideas, help those around you, bring solutions, challenge yourself and never stop learning, the sky is the limit. When I started my career as a Receptionist in Chambersburg, now more than 25 years ago, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to relocate (twice, in fact) and build the Corporate Communications & Marketing department we have today. I feel like I have left a personal and professional imprint on the Company and am helping shape our future, and I sincerely believe that every person who works here can do the same.
Not convinced? Just check out the stories shared on IamOlympicSteel.com!
