Mitchell Patterson
General Manager, Chicago Tube & Iron, St. Paul, MN
Eager and optimistic leader. Focuses on what CAN be done. Dedicated to the success of the team and the Company.
In 2004, Mitch Patterson inquired about a sales job posted in the newspaper. Chicago Tube and Iron (CTI) took a chance on an applicant with no experience in the industry and Mitch’s career in steel began.
He started as an Inside Sales Assistant, learning as much as he could. In 2006, he was promoted to Inside Sales, then five years later – Outside Sales for the Southern Minnesota Territory. In 2016, he was promoted to Sales Manager and, in 2021, promoted to General Manager at the St. Paul, MN branch.
Mitch is most proud of the career he’s built with CTI – from the ground up – and the successes along the way that have helped define his journey. From participating in the new software launch team during COVID to receiving (this) recognition as an “I AM Olympic Steel” Brand Ambassador. He says, “I don’t have one specific moment I’m especially proud of because it’s all the opportunities to work hard, grow and develop over the years that have helped to get me where I am now.”
The team Mitch works with is a big part of why he’s happy to come to work each day. “I have a great team – from the warehouse to operations to management! Our good attitudes and focus on teamwork make any challenges we face easier to handle,” says Mitch.
No matter the challenge, Mitch relies on input from his team. “When we need to get through anything, we focus on the positives. What we do well, what we have already accomplished and in what ways we know we’ll succeed – this can-do attitude keeps us from getting down in the dumps and helps us focus on making the progress we need to overcome any obstacle.”
Mitch is the kind of leader who helps the team maintain focus. Robert Harville, Vice President for the Western Region, says, “Mitch has leveraged his hard work and perseverance to prove his worth in each position he’s been in. His combination of infectious energy, work ethic and lead-by-example approach is an extremely effective leadership style, and he’s played an invaluable role throughout our company’s journey as a leader and team player.”
As the Company continues its journey, Mitch is excited to be part of it and gives this advice to others who want to take a chance (or continue their own journey) in the steel industry: “As long as you’re willing to work hard and be committed, you’ll go far.”
