Matt Ibarguen is the General Manager in Cedar Hill, TX.
Matt’s journey to Delta started 12 years ago when he moved from Boston, MA. to Langhorne, PA. in hopes of gaining more experience in the field of 3D architectural modeling. He ended up hearing that a sister company of Delta Steel, Infra-Metals, was looking to fill an open position for inside sales and the rest is history.
Nine years in the sales seat and Matt was vying for another position with Infra-Metals, as the General Manager position was opening up in Baltimore, MD. In 2019 he accepted the role and made his way to the home of the best crab cakes and interestingly, Old Bay Seasoning. Matt joined a team of seasoned people when he assumed leadership in the Mid-Altantic division which complimented his goal in repairing the warehouse and fitting it up for additional planned output.
“Being commercially minded, I really learned a lot about operations in my time there.”
Matt’s role was very hands on with the folks in the warehouse and he worked diligently to incorporate the safety culture that has made both Infra-Metals and Delta Steel so successful. He fostered an environment of very open and honest communication with his staff and looked to them for input when consideration new operational policies.
“Your whole job as a GM is people and communicating. It’s all about building relationships and putting your team in a position to succeed.”
Career Growth
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt turned to the south for another opportunity, and warmer weather. He accepted the position of General Manager for the Delta Steel Cedar Hill, TX location. Matt sees the potential in the Texas market and looks forward to competing in the market there. Since he has overseen this facility, they have gone through many changes, both physically and culturally. The Cedar Hill facility continues to expand it’s facility, add new equipment and upgrade the office space, all of which aligns with his vision for his employees.
“I want to make it place to have a great career and raise a family no matter what your role in the company is.”
Hobbies
Matt enjoys playing fast pitch softball, golfing and fishing.
Congratulations and Thank you Matt for your contribution and leadership!
James King is the Assistant Operations Manager in Houston.
James’ career entails military experience as a Sargent where he served from 1995-2003 and an introduction into the steel business by way of a competitor for nearly 10 years. His career started with one of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Family of Companies subsidiary, Metals Supply, as a 2nd shift crane operator in 2012. In 2013, he took over the receiving role and in 2014 became a Delta employee after Delta Steel acquired Metals Supply Co. James was then promoted to the 1st shift supervisor at the Houston location.
In 2015, James responded to an opportunity back in the office for Traffic Manager. As many can attest, the traffic office essentially touches everything going in and out of the warehouse, and needless to say it’s a busy environment.
Career Growth
James continued his journey with Delta Steel and became the Safety Manager in 2015. His primary focus was clearly in safety where he would conduct near miss training, toolbox talks, monthly OSHA trainings, job safety analysis, and new hire training. James has been certified in several of the OSHA programs including the 10 and 30 hour certifications and Train-the-Trainer crane certification. Additionally, James used his previous experience in operations to handle quality control issues, inventory adjustments, billing and even mill claims.
As a well versed employee with a very diverse skill set, James decided to go after yet another role. He became the Assistant Operations Manager in 2021. James plays a critical role in inventory verification, receiving and processing. He also manages many of the consumables such as saw blades, coolant, PPE, lumber and other miscellaneous products needed for warehouse operations. James enjoys the personal relationships he’s built with the guys in the shop and notes it’s one of the benefits of his role.
“I like the interaction both personal and professional with the people I work with. I want people to feel comfortable around me and be able to approach me with anything.”
Looking to the future James envisions taking on more responsibility and maybe one day becoming an operations manager of one of the facilities.
Quotation
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney
Hobbies
James enjoys family time, baseball (little league) with his son and saltwater fishing for redfish.
Congratulations James! We are proud to have you on our team!
Veronica Torres is a Sales Representative in Houston.
Veronica has been with us for fifteen years, starting in June of 2007 as a receptionist. Veronica was working in the fledgling real estate business during the downturn and was needing a more stable work environment. She answered a “green sheet” ad in the paper and soon had an interview with the general manager at the time. Veronica spent her time fielding the inbound calls and handling administrative paperwork such as the mill test report filing and passing out the daily sales reports. Additionally she found herself checking sales tickets for accuracy, a further step in the quality control process before they get processed.
Career Growth
Veronica continued her journey when she became the Credit Assistant in 2008. She would send out and process credit applications, follow up on references and pull Dun & Bradstreet reports to assist in setting up accounts. Ultimately she would take on many of the tasks of a credit manager. This would include setting up small credit line accounts, send out invoices and handle collections as needed. Veronica brought a very personal touch to the role and that didn’t go unnoticed. After spending 3 years in the credit seat she found herself facing another career move.
In 2011, Veronica was offered a position in Sales. She trained on the system and within a few short weeks was working the phones and taking orders. “Back in those days Delta used a different system but now we have a much more streamlined one that requires less paperwork and more visibility. At Delta Steel, we grant our Sales Representatives a lot of latitude in how they conduct their relationships with their customers as well as allowing them to place purchase orders for material. Veronica is not only in sales but she is also the mini mill product manager. She handles the forecasting, price negotiation and deliveries from the mills to the Houston warehouse.
“Being in sales is like running a business, where you are running your own little company and everyone must contribute to make the whole thing successful.”
Veronica notes that this enables a fun and competitive environment amongst her peers. The sales opportunity fostered growth, continuing education and professionalism, all characteristics Delta Steel is looking to achieve for it’s employees. “Delta has been the place that helped me raise my family, and that is how I feel about my colleagues. They’re family.”
Quotation
“Get it together”
Hobbies
Veronica is a member of a competitive pool team in a league known as Billiards Congress of America. Her all ladies team competes annually in a Las Vegas tournament they recently placed 19th out of 45 teams. Additionally Veronica enjoys riding the family Harley with her husband and being outdoors.
Congratulations Veronica! We are proud to have you on our team!
Bob Kester is the General Manager for San Antonio, TX.
Bob’s career with Delta Steel spans six decades and eight U.S. Presidents. Bob has held many positions, all at the San Antonio facility. Starting in 1979 , Bob took a summer job with Delta Steel as a loader for a summer job and he forgot to leave. To say he has seen it all would be an understatement. Back in those days the location was known as MetalSales, which was owned by Delta Steel – Houston. At the time there were already 2 Roberts employed so his supervisor nicknamed him Bob, which has endured as long as his summer job – 45 years. Steel runs in the family with his father working for a fabricator and his mother as HR Manager for what is now known as CMC Steel Seguin.
Career Growth
As Bob was looking to head back to college at the end of summer of 1979, the general manager made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. In 1980, he moved into the office performing inventory duties, trucking and some purchasing, Bob was promoted to Sales Representative where he would stay for the next 16 years. Orders in the 80’s were sent via fax or over the phone, handwritten and hard copies for work orders sent to the shop. In 1996, Bob was promoted to assistant general manager. Bob’s new role made him responsible for watching the inventory, proofing all the sales orders before they went to the shop, overseeing invoicing and even purchasing office supplies. Eventually he also began forecasting and purchasing inventory.
Current Day-to-day as General Manager
Being the general manager gives Bob the ability to contribute to the overall team goals. He likes working with the folks in San Antonio that are career employees, meaning those that truly enjoy the business. His focus has been evaluating his team and ensuring that he has the right people in the right positions to ensure success. Bob and his operations manager have been on the same team for most of their careers. “I’ll walk away satisfied that I did my best.”
Delta Steel has gone through many changes over the years. From new computer systems and automation, to employees, safety programs, capital investments and even ownership, he still enjoys the art of the sale and continues to manage some key accounts. His career has allowed him to meet and work with some outstanding folks in the industry and build life-long friendships, “I’m truly blessed!”
Quotation
“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” – Winston Churchill
Hobbies
Bob enjoys deer hunting and saltwater wade fishing. Just ask to see his office… “I give a Big Shoutout to my wife of almost 38 years for putting up with the long hours and the many days and nights I was away from home working.”
Thank you Bob for a long and storied career with Delta Steel!
Tony Rodriguez is the Assistant Operations Manager for Fort Worth, TX.
Tony arrived at Delta Steel – Forth Worth soon after High School graduation in 2007. Having been with us for 15 years now, he has accumulated a lot of experience and is the right hand man for the Operations Manager. Tony’s career with the company began in the warehouse when he worked as a parts cleaner for the processing department. Soon after in 2008 Tony began running the cranes on second shift.
Career Growth at Delta Steel
In 2008 Tony began running the plasma and oxy fuel burning machines on first shift. Learning the new machinery required him to spend nights with another operator and then ultimately moved to training with a supervisor on first shift. Eventually he mastered the job and stayed in the processing department for the next ten years, also adding leadman to his resume. Leadman added the responsibility of doing the majority of the burning for his shift and worked close with the following shift. Additionally he was required to train other operators and ensure that the shift’s processing goals were on task for the day. In 2018 he became the burn supervisor for Fort Worth where Tony would turn his eye to more quality control efforts after processing was completed. He would inspect work and finalize loads to ensure the highest level of workmanship by his department.
Current Day-to-day as Assistant Operations Manager
Tony handles many of the same task as ops manager and many times leads the safety toolbox talk, an all important step in preserving the culture which has made our Delta Steel facilities so successful in their safety program. Additionally he takes on the responsibilities for the shop personnel, including hiring, house cleaning initiatives and communication with shift supervisors. He works hard to engage the shift supervisors and staff to participate in the discussions by asking them to bring topics to talk about.
“The safety of my people is priority number one. I don’t ever want to have to make a phone call to someone’s family.”
The mission for the operations of the facility is to foster an environment of trust where the employees feel safe to talk openly about safety issues and create an atmosphere where they want to come to work and work safely. The safety talks conducted are also meant to bring up the near misses so all the shifts can learn from them.
Hobbies
Tony enjoys 12″ slow-pitch softball and old cars. He is currently restoring a 78′ C10 pickup by doing all the engine and brakes himself. His goal is to create something he can drive on Sundays. He also loves spending time with his four children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Tony eyes the future with Delta Steel and one day would like to become Operations Manager.
Congratulations Tony! We look forward to a long and storied career with you!
Ray Hayward is the Operations Manager for Cedar Hill, TX.
Ray is no stranger to steel, having worked for another Reliance Family Company for several years prior to coming over to Delta. His experience also spans into the flat rolled side of the business driving yard trucks, operating overhead cranes, running saws and fulfilling orders. Ray was looking for something more stable and that could offer him piece of mind and longevity as a career choice. Ray began his career with Delta Steel in September of 2019 as a Lead man on 3rd shift which quickly turned into Shift Supervisor only a month later.
Career Growth at Delta Steel
Delta Steel – Cedar Hill and Ray have grown side-by-side over the last few years. The facility has enjoyed a new office renovation and new equipment additions. “Cedar Hill has the newest and most advanced cutting laser out of all of the Delta locations and our maintenance crew has done and outstanding job keeping us running smoothly” The safety program at Delta has enjoyed a lot of success as well. With daily meetings with the shift supervisors and other department managers, Cedar Hill is safe environment for everyone that walks through our doors.
“I want to be as safe as possible and you to go home the same way you showed up for work that day!”
Current Day-to-day as Operations Manager
When asked what his aspirations and goals are Ray responds that he wants “us to be more profitable and do it safely.” Ray is invested in the success of not only Cedar Hill but also the people that work for him at the facility. He looks to cultivate a professional workplace where he can facilitate the advancement of his staff. Ray wants an environment that creates an open and collaborative dialog between all departments for the betterment of everyone in Cedar Hill. “I want to be the guy that makes Cedar Hill the place that people want to work at.”
He notes that being the Operations Manager allows him to think creatively, be tempered, calculate his moves and accomplish his goals. He has learned how to work in a collaborative environment that isn’t stagnant and always offers challenges. “Everyday is different and I like that!”
Hobbies
Ray is a movie fan and enjoys watching the Marvel and DC Comic flicks with his family in his spare time. He also loves being able to put extra time into his home and schedule trips with his family.
Quotation
“Communication is Key”
Congratulations Ray! We look forward to all the amazing things you will do in your role and look forward to a future with you at Delta Steel, Inc!
Jerry Dunson of Delta Steel – Cedar Hill, TX has been nominated for the International Drivers Excellence Award (IDEA).
A life of Driving
From 2007 – 2012 Jerry was a field supervisor in the oil fields before coming to Cedar Hill in September of 2015. He is no stranger to the big rig life as he has been driving for a total of 44 years. His training experience was very hands on and thorough. He rode along and shadowed for 3 weeks while his driver qualification file was being completed.
For the Long Haul
Jerry is a long haul and overnight driver. He stays out about 3-4 nights a week and travels to states ranging from Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma plus more. The main thing Jerry appreciates is consistency in his schedule and knowing what days he will be off for personal time and Delta Steel can offer him that.
Jerry has been a part of many changes during his time with Delta Steel but overall he has experienced growth and progress within the company. “I’m very satisfied with where we are heading as a company.” Jerry believes we have a great group of drivers and leadership in the traffic department which attributes to his positive work environment and he plan to retire from Delta Steel and ride off into the sunset when he is ready. Until that day comes, we need Jerry and his years of experience and look forward to the many more he can give us.
Favorite Quotation?
“Keep looking up and always have faith and God will take care of you.”
On behalf of the Delta Steel, Inc. Management Team, Congratulations Jerry Dunson on your nomination for the International Driver Excellence Award!
Henry Jackson of Delta Steel – Cedar Hill, TX has been nominated for the International Drivers Excellence Award (IDEA).
Henry started with Delta Steel in the Ft. Worth location in 2008 and has been a driver ever since. Out of a total 32 years as a commercially licensed driver, he has spent 14 with us, becoming the most experienced in the Cedar Hill fleet of drivers. Henry learned the ropes as he progressed in his role after getting acclimated to the Delta Steel culture.
“It’s been a long journey and certainly a learning experience.”
Daily Driving Perspectives
Being a commercial driver requires attention and knowing where you are with your vehicle and load at all times. Working with the customers has afforded Henry the opportunity to meet a lot of people and network throughout his years delivering loads for Delta Steel. Henry is responsible for his rig and load and both need to be inspected for safety before departing the warehouse.
“It’s challenging and you always have to be alert.”
Henry has said many times than he is very happy working for Delta Steel and plans to retire from here when the time is right.
The leadership and compensation is what has kept him around and we appreciate his loyalty. Without hard-working people like Henry, Delta Steel would find it hard to be as competitive in the marketplace as we are. Throughout his tenure with Delta Steel, he noted the growth and interdepartmental cooperation has matured very nicely. “We are a lot busier now than before!”
His mentality is to get the job done safely and always service the customer’s needs. When asked, “what are your aspirations and goals in the future with Infra-Metals?”, Henry responds, “To make the company better in any way I can and keep growing.”
Favorite Quotation
“At the end of the day get the job done!”
On behalf of the Delta Steel, Inc. Management Team, Congratulations Henry Jackson on your nomination for the International Driver Excellence Award!
Michael Guillory of Delta Steel – Houston, TX has been nominated for the International Drivers Excellence Award (IDEA).
A Career In Driving
Michael has spent the last 18 of his total 33 years driving trucks in several different roles with both Metal Supply Company and Delta Steel Inc. He has held positions such as crew leader, lead man, project manager, truck driver and driver trainer. When he started in his career in August of 2004 at MSC, he had already been working for another carrier partner, thus was aware of their routes and operating procedures. Additionally, he gained further training by completing a course in Superior Training and Truck Driving.
His journey to and through Delta Steel started with MSC which eventually became what is now Delta Steel, Inc. Both companies are very similar in that they all hold a standard of excellence in service and safety, while demonstrating the importance and value of a family culture. Both MSC and Delta Steel are service centers and supplied various metals the marketplace which made the transition between the two seamless for Michael.
Day-to-Day
Michaels day to day role as a truck driver includes not only delivering materials to the customer on-time but to do it in a safe, professional, smart, and highly productive manner. Hauling loads of steel on 53′ foot trailers weighing in at 45,000 lbs requires awareness of the road and his surroundings to ensure he arrives at each destination safely and without incident.
“I love driving and listening to gospel music and being able to praise God as I go about my work day. I also love it when I’m challenged with a difficult task.”
Over Michaels career with the Delta Steel, he notes that management has become more involved and supportive of it’s employees and truly enjoys the camaraderie established with his colleagues. His goal is to one day become a supervisor or lead driver before he retires.
Favorite Quotation
“All things happen for a reason.”
On behalf of the Delta Steel, Inc. Management Team, Congratulations Michael Guillory on your nomination for the International Driver Excellence Award!
Tony arrived at Delta Steel – Forth Worth soon after High School graduation in 2007. Having been with us for 15 years now, he has accumulated a lot of experience and is the right hand man for the Operations Manager. Tony’s career with the company began in the warehouse when he worked as a parts cleaner for the processing department. Soon after in 2008 Tony began running the cranes on second shift.
Ray Hayward is the Operations Manager for Cedar Hill, TX.
Henry Jackson of Delta Steel – Cedar Hill, TX has been nominated for the International Drivers Excellence Award (IDEA).
A Career In Driving