Ladies Who Lead in Commitment to the Company
Recognizing some of the many smart, talented ladies who have made the commitment to building a career with Olympic Steel.
Olympic Steel is proud to have some incredibly committed ladies on our team who have chosen to share their skills by building long-tenured careers with Olympic Steel.
As part of our ongoing “Leading Ladies” series, we’re highlighting “Ladies Who Lead in Their Commitment to the Company” – recognizing some outstanding women who have each spent more than three decades with Olympic Steel. Please join us in applauding their years of contributions and the expertise they bring to our teams, and see what keeps them loving what they do.
Suzanne Dudzinski, Accounting Manager, Olympic Steel – Milford, CT
In her 42 years in the industry, Suzanne has learned a little bit of everything and established herself as a valuable resource in the Milford facility. She began working in the steel industry in 1972 at the former Eastern Steel & Metal. In 1990, she started working in the Production Control Department, then was asked to assist in the Plate Department. She taught herself Computer Aided Design (CAD) and programmed the burning machines. In 2019, she was promoted to Accounting Manager.
Each day is different in the Accounting Department and Suzanne enjoys that. Along with the challenges that may come her way, Suzanne enjoys the people and the opportunities to learn something new each day.
In addition to her primary roles, Suzanne has assumed the Corporate liaison roles of Business Systems Manager (BSM), Communications Contact and Corporate Citizenship Chairperson – a regular “Jill of all trades!”.
What has Suzanne loved about her time with Olympic Steel? Her most memorable moments are when she’s raising awareness and donations each year for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and her nephew’s school, Milestones Behavioral Services, a school for children with developmental disabilities.
Sharon Winkler, Business Systems Specialist, Olympic Steel – Minneapolis, MN
From Whittaker Metals to Juster Steel to Olympic Steel, Sharon Winkler has spent her entire 42-year career at the same location, watching, learning and teaching as big changes unfolded. First as a Billing Clerk, then into the computer room as computers began to be used in the early eighties. She became the go-to person for computer issues and problem solving. She moved into the Business System Specialist position and now handles A/X inventory adjustments, system transactions, reviewing customer returns, month end close and training personnel in accounting functions when needed.
As the business adjusted and changed with the technology, so did Sharon. She enjoys researching issues, finding a root cause and identifying resolutions to prevent a problem from occurring again. Using these strategies, she created opportunities to expand her knowledge and her career.
Two colleagues, KW Sams and Sheldon Fossum, also had a big impact on her career. KW Sams was her mentor and showed her how to work with pride, honesty and integrity. Sheldon Fossum, a consultant, taught her everything she knows about computers and the system her facility used for many years (CDS). He helped bring Sharon into the computer age and always had time for an explanation when the concept was over her head.
When asked about her 42-year career in the steel industry, Sharon reflects on the years and shared how she’s achieved success – “I did not get my degree from any college or university, but from the Universities of Honesty, Integrity and Dedication.”
Janet Kilgore, Office Manager, CTI – Indianapolis, IN
Janet, known to most as Jan, started her career at Chicago, Tube & Iron 37 years ago in the Inside Sales Department in Indianapolis, IN. She moved into the Office Credit Manager position before taking the role she has today, Office Manager. Interacting with others – coworkers, customers and vendors – is what brings her joy each day. Two coworkers, Jerry Fox and Gene Ambler, had a big impact on her career by keeping her informed and involved.
Two major career milestones for Jan include participating in CTI’s 75th and 100th Anniversary celebrations. At each of these events, employees, customers and business partners were invited to attend an Open House at the Corporate Headquarters in Romeoville, IL. Jan recalls how exciting the events were, saying, “it was so nice to finally meet people I’d worked with for so long!”
It’s people that make Jan love what she does. In fact, Jan drives 50 miles one way to work each day. She doesn’t mind it one bit, though. She says she loves working for a fantastic Company, led by equally fantastic people who truly care about their employees.
Cathy Rogers, Office Manager, McCullough Industries
Cathy can truly say she came in on the ground floor – and helped build the business that grew as she grew herself! Thirty-seven years ago, in 1984, Cathy Rogers began working at McCullough Industries in Kenton, OH. As the only employee in the office, her responsibilities included whatever needed to be done – shipping, payroll, customer service, reception, purchasing and accounting. In the late eighties, McCullough Industries produced 8 hoppers per day. Today, they produce nearly 70 per day! As the business grew, so did the office staff. Cathy now manages a team, and she handles mainly payables/receivables while taking the lead in customer service.
Communicating with customers is what she likes most about her job, and she shares this advice about customer service: “Providing excellent customer service has tremendous rewards. Not only will our customers continue to do business with us, but you will be satisfied in your work knowing you have done your best to make them happy.”
In her nearly four decades of employment, Cathy says Steve McCullough had the biggest impact on her. He taught her about the business and that no matter your age, you’re never too old to learn something new! It’s advice Cathy is embracing today as the McCullough team begins the implementation of SEMS at their location.
