Josh Bentley
Josh Bentley, Senior Production Supervisor, Olympic Steel, Winder, GA
Team builder. Hands-on, positive leader. Always looking for opportunities to learn and develop.
Before starting his career with Olympic Steel in 2004, Josh Bentley worked in maintenance at a golf course. He thought the grass was greener among the open fairways and landscape, but quickly realized the opportunities to learn and grow a career were endless at Olympic Steel.
“I was hired as a Slitter Helper and then moved up to Slitter Operator. I learned how to operate all machines in the building, absorbing everything I could. I took every opportunity to learn more, no matter the shift or the job,” says Josh, now Sr. Production Supervisor for Olympic Steel’s Winder, Georgia division.
Josh is most proud of the small accomplishments that have brought him to where he is today. He says, “Learning all the machines and understanding how they all work together has helped shape me into the Supervisor I am today. I’m more well-rounded, because I know every aspect of each job. That gives me the experience I need to be able to help and manage all of the employees on our floor.”
In addition to hands-on learning techniques, Josh credits classroom training and education for helping him throughout his career. Namely, a How to Be a Better Communicator course that taught him that “delivery of your message matters,” and the SEMS program training from our Corporate SEMS Team that taught him (and others at the division) valuable lessons on how to best utilize the program.
When asked which Core Value he best represents, Josh quickly responded with “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Then explained himself further: “I’ve learned that I can’t do everything by myself – to manage others, I need to build the team, teach the team and trust the team to get things done. If you don’t build a good, educated team, you won’t be able to accomplish all the things in front of you.”
Rodney Whidby, Operations Manager at the Winder, GA division, says, “Josh is diligently focused on safety, quality and customer service, ensuring our plant operates at its highest potential. He is a role model who is dedicated to Employee Development and Teamwork by fostering a collaborative environment that drives our team’s success. He is one of the most knowledgeable and driven employees at the division whose willingness to do any job, no matter how small, truly represents what it means to be an Olympian.”
When asked for his advice on how to be successful and build a great career with the Company, Josh said, “Never stop learning. Put yourself in situations where you can be an asset to the Company. If a shift opens up – apply for it. To be successful, you have to make yourself available.”
Working through the ups and downs of each day with his team is what makes Josh happy to come to work. He says, “Being challenged and working through those challenges to accomplish our goals is rewarding. Like what you do, like who you’re doing it with and be active in creating the atmosphere you want to be a part of.”
