Kevin Eldridge
Corporate Controller, Bedford Heights, OH
Manager and mentor. Enjoys being part of the process. Values education as a key component to success.
In 2011, Kevin Eldridge started his career with Olympic Steel at the Corporate office in Bedford Heights, OH as a Staff Accountant. During the past 11 years, he’s absorbed as much information as he could to help him understand the business and how the accounting function fits in – gaining knowledge, increasing efficiency (his own and the department’s) and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn more and do more to develop his skillset.
“Kevin’s dedicated work ethic, along with his desire to learn and develop new skills, makes him a valuable member of our team,” says Lisa Christen, Vice President and Treasurer. While Kevin increased his knowledge and experience, he also increased his responsibilities with three promotions since 2011 – first to Accounting, Sr, then to Corporate Accounting Manager and, most recently, to Corporate Controller.
In just over ten years, Kevin has learned so much and has a lot to be proud of. When asked for his proudest moment, he says, “Receiving my first Fe Award as the Project Manager during the conversion to a new cash system. I managed the project and participants with no issues. It was nice to make a name for myself with a group of people I had never worked with before, and it felt great to achieve something good. And we even came in under budget!”
He adds, “As a manager, I’m always proud of my team – proud to help them develop their skills and their career with Olympic Steel. It’s a good thing when they are able to use their talents to positively contribute to other departments.”
Whether it’s a member of his team or someone from a different department asking questions, Kevin enjoys the opportunity to mentor others. He explains, “I’ve become the go-to person for how to do something within the department. It gives me great joy to help people learn something that will help them do their job better.”
Much of Kevin’s own education comes from diving right into the challenges he and his team face. Digging into the details and analyzing the problem is something he really enjoys. Kevin says, “That’s how you can figure out if something is working or not working – taking it apart and putting it back together, reading and research.” It’s all part of the process and Kevin likes being part of the process.
When asked for his advice to others on how to be successful and build a great career, this is what Kevin said: “First, come to work on time – it shows you’re reliable and engaged. Second, be presentable – make a good impression. And, third, ask a lot of questions – this will help you learn more and it shows you’re interested in gaining the knowledge you need to build a strong foundation that will aid in your success.”
