Ladies Who Lead from Behind the Scenes
Recognizing three women who work diligently behind the scenes and play a big part in our success.
There are people who keep us organized, handle contracts and vendors and always know what’s what and who’s who. We all know someone who falls into this group of doers, and this month, we’re singing their praises and recognizing three women who Lead from Behind the Scenes.
Teresa Creegan, Executive Assistant, Bedford Heights, OH
In 1994, Teresa started her career at Olympic Steel’s Corporate office in the Payroll/HR Department. After four years, she moved to the Cleveland division’s Sales Department as a Sales Associate, then Inside Sales. Years later, she shifted to administrative work and assisted the division’s General Manager. She moved back to the Corporate office when the Cleveland GM was promoted. Teresa is currently the Executive Assistant to John Mooney, Managing Director – Commercial, works in the Credit Department, and assists the Accounts Payable Department, too.
“When I was the Assistant to the General Manager, I learned so much about how a division is run – assisting Production, Purchasing, Certifications, Accounting and more,” recalls Teresa. “We are continually growing as a Company, and so am I with each role I’ve had.”
Teresa deals with something different each day. Whether she’s managing costs for the company-wide office supplies account, scheduling travel, projects or meetings for John Mooney, or organizing meetings, luncheons and events for the Corporate office, Teresa loves working with others to make it all happen.
She enjoys the relationships she’s developed over the years, through her job and her interactions on the Corporate Make-A-Wish Committee (for seven years) and on the Board of Directors for the AWMI Cleveland Chapter as Programs Co-Chair.
“I enjoy networking with other women in the metals industry, and planning networking/educational events for AWMI members in the Cleveland area,” Teresa explains. “But what I like most about my job is the variety of work and the people I’ve interacted with over the past 27 years. I’m happy to know I’ve helped so many wonderful people, and I’m grateful for those who have mentored me along the way.”
Dusti Kaufman, Inside Sales Supervisor, Schaumburg, IL
Dusti’s career in the metals industry began 22 years ago at Reynolds Aluminum. She started as a Receptionist, then moved into Accounting and Inside Sales. In 2005, Dusti left Reynolds Aluminum for an Inside Sales position at Olympic Steel. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Inside Sales Representative. Early in 2021, Dusti was promoted to Sales Supervisor.
As a Supervisor, Dusti guides her team to meet and exceed their sales goals while providing excellent customer service. Behind the scenes, Dusti and her team make sure everything’s in order prior to, during and after production. It’s a demanding job, and critical to our success.
“I enjoy selling steel,” Dusti says, “especially the complex orders that require more of our attention – locating the product and working with the customer from start to finish.”
Understanding the intricacies each customer and order requires to get the job done well and paying close attention to these details is what separates Dusti and her team from their competition.
Deb McMillan, Executive Assistant, Highland Hills, OH
Deb started her career in May 1996 as a Receptionist at the Corporate office. About 16 months later, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant for the Treasurer & Director of Taxes, Rich Manson. Two years later, she became a Business Systems Trainer and traveled to the divisions to train employees on the StelPlan system. After a couple years, she moved to a Corporate administrative position and in 2003, Deb was promoted to Executive Assistant. She’s currently the Executive Assistant to Andrew Greiff, President & COO; David Wolfort, Senior Managing Director; and Frank Ruane, VP – Supply Chain.
“I assist anyone who needs help, manage the Executive Office in Highland Hills, OH and try to make the Executives’ lives easier,” Deb says. “Every day brings a new challenge. I never know how each day will go, but I work great under pressure, so that’s a plus in this job!”
Deb says talking about her everyday job can seem mundane, but it’s nothing of the sort. She’s a problem solver who handles issues with the confidence that comes from 25 years in the industry. Sometimes the issues are challenging, but they don’t take away from the aspects she really enjoys about her job – helping others, planning events and interacting with people at all the divisions.
“It’s a pleasure to work with people from across the Company,” Deb says. “Ultimately, we’re all doing the best we can to make things go as smoothly as possible for everyone. I get to see it all come together, and that’s so rewarding.”
Teresa, Dusti and Deb enjoy working with others across the Company – planning, scheduling, selling and keeping us connected. Since they’re usually operating behind the scenes, we’re happy they accepted this acknowledgement of their contributions and took a moment to step into the spotlight to share what makes them a special part of Olympic Steel.
The Leading Ladies feature kicked-off in December 2020 with Ladies Who Lead in Our Industry. That month, and each month since, we’ve featured employees who local leaders have identified as positive examples of the talented team members we have building strong careers at Olympic Steel. In a male-dominated industry, it’s important to share stories that inspire other women to reach their goals and bring fresh perspective to their teams.
Know a leading lady who has an inspiring story to tell? Send your referral to CompanyCommunications@olysteel.com.
