Employee Referral Program: Real Stories, Real Impact

One LinkedIn tag and a solid employee referral brought two trusted workers back together and gave Olympic Steel a new team member who’s making a real impact.

At Olympic Steel, our employees are the driving force behind our culture and the foundation of our success. One of the most powerful ways they contribute is through our Employee Referral Program, which brings in top talent who align with our mission and Core Values.

But referrals are more than just a hiring strategy. They’re built on genuine relationships, trust, and the chance to help someone find the right opportunity. When employees refer someone, they’re not just passing along a name – they’re vouching for someone they believe in. And more often than not, it pays off.

We’ve seen the impact firsthand, so we wanted to share some of those success stories – real examples of how a simple referral can lead to new opportunities for everyone involved.

Let’s kick off this series with a story that began more than 20 years ago, featuring Caroline Shiner and Julie Yeiter.

Caroline & Julie’s Story

When Julie saw a LinkedIn post about a job opportunity at Olympic Steel, she immediately thought to reach out to Caroline, a former colleague who had been tagged in the post. “The post included a combination that I personally relate to – creative and tech-savvy,” Julie recalled. “Joining a ‘small but mighty’ team with the possibility of working with Caroline again was a huge plus!”

Caroline was excited to hear from Julie. “With Julie’s experience in manufacturing and graphic design, I knew she’d contribute to the team right away,” she said. The two had worked together earlier in their careers, and that experience left a lasting impression. “We worked together at my first job out of college and Julie taught me so much about marketing, the printing process, and writing,” Caroline shared. “Her expertise in graphic design was exactly what we needed.”

After talking with Caroline, Olympic Steel felt like the right fit for Julie. “I trusted Caroline’s view of the job, the company, and the culture,” she said. “I was looking for the right fit for my skills – an employer who appreciates their employees and stands by their values. Olympic Steel checked all those boxes.”

When Caroline found out that Julie had been hired, she was thrilled. “I was so happy to have her on our team and to work with her again,” she shared. And Julie wasted no time making an impact. “From branded templates to line cards and print work, she’s streamlined our external branding efforts,” Caroline said.

Julie’s glad she made the move. “I’m grateful for the LinkedIn tag that led me to Olympic Steel,” she said. “It’s been an amazing journey. We have a great team that works really well together. Being able to use both my technical and creative sides while learning new skills has been fulfilling.”

Caroline encourages employees to refer people they believe in. “Think about how they’ll fit at Olympic Steel. Be honest with them about what you love about the Company and where there’s room for improvement – then let them decide. If they apply, follow up with HR on their behalf – make sure the hiring manager knows they’re a referral, and share why you think they’re a great fit.”

On the other side of the process, Julie says applying through a referral is a no-brainer. “If you’re considering applying through a referral, do it!” she said. “You’ll both benefit – and there’s a chance you could end up in a job you love.”

For Caroline, it’s about more than just the monetary reward. “The referral bonus is great, but the real prize is working with someone you know will contribute to the team’s success.” With a background in HR, she knows firsthand just how valuable referrals can be. “I could talk all day about why it’s important to fill open positions - they put a strain on the workforce and filling them with people who will contribute long-term is essential to our success. We want people who want to be here to build a career.”

And for Julie, the referral meant more than just landing a job – it was also a chance to reconnect with a trusted colleague and step into a new opportunity. “I’ve learned so much since joining Olympic Steel,” she said. “Even outside of my role, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for metals and processing – including where different materials are used in everyday life. It’s been a rewarding experience.”

The Impact of Employee Referrals

At Olympic Steel, we know that great people know great people – and that’s exactly why we trust our employees to help us build the best teams. Our Employee Referral Program isn’t just about filling open positions; it’s about creating opportunities, bringing in talented people who share our values, and recognizing the employees who help make it happen.

Caroline and Julie’s story is a perfect example of the power of referrals. From this one referral, coworkers were reunited, Julie landed a job she loves, and Caroline regained a teammate she knew she could count on. As for the Company – we gained a skilled, engaged employee who is making a lasting impact and strengthening our future.

Be Part of the Story!

Do you know someone who would be a great fit for Olympic Steel? Help them take the next step in their career and make a difference in yours by encouraging them to apply at https://www.olysteel.com/employment

To learn more about the Employee Referral Program, visit https://www.iamolympicsteel.com/refer-a-friend