Tracy DeLathouwer
Safety & Training Manager, Bettendorf, IA
Embodies Safety First. Focuses on the big picture. Believes an open mind and a willingness to learn is the key to success.
Over 30 years ago, Tracy started her career in the metals industry as a Production Control Manager at a foundry. After 23 years in that business, she was ready to learn more about metals and accepted a Scheduler position at Olympic Steel’s Bettendorf, Iowa division. Her contributions were immediately recognized, and she was promoted within a month to Scheduling and Service Supervisor. She continued learning about our operations through her roles of Production Supervisor, Operations Manager and, now, Safety and Training Manager.
Tracy is most proud of her involvement with Safety. “It can be challenging,” she says. “But when you keep employees safe, it feels good.”
She works each day to help keep her coworkers safe. Sometimes she looks to other members of the Safety Team, a group of Safety professionals who represent each of Olympic Steel’s divisions and brands. “We work closely together and get a lot accomplished,” Tracy explains. “What we do day in and day out has an impact on every employee – every day.”
The guidance from the Safety Team has provided the most support to Tracy during her Olympic Steel career. “If there’s a problem, everyone reaches out and tries to help,” she says. “Having different divisions to rely on is amazing. There has yet to be an issue that the team hasn’t been able to help me resolve.”
Early in Tracy’s Olympic Steel career, she attended Olympic Steel University (OSU). She recalls this experience fondly, saying “OSU gave me an overall look at what Olympic Steel is striving for, with a full review of our business, our industry and how we all fit into the bigger picture.”
“Tracy is passionate about her job, often takes the lead and is always looking out for others,” says Jeff Carson, General Manager of the Bettendorf division. “She’s involved, cost-conscious and focused on the wellbeing of the team.”
Working with her teams is what makes Tracy happy to come to work each day. She says, “We’re not just one person – it’s listening to everyone, working together to make us better.” With the help of her teams, taking their advice and hearing different points of view, Tracy tackles the challenges that come her way. She explains, “Especially in Safety, you must look at all angles and understand each perspective before making a decision.”
Tracy credits her hardworking parents for developing her strong work ethic. She’s embraced this mentality and offers this advice: “Listen. Pay attention. Learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. And, actively contribute to your team’s success.”
