Jon Ulbrich Shares What Keeps Ulbrich "Young" on “Made in America” Podcast
On August 16, 2022, Jon Ulbrich, Vice President of Distribution Group and Director of Corporate Purchasing at Ulbrich Steel, was ecstatic to appear on the “Made in America” podcast with host Ari Santiago. During the nearly 40-minute-long interview, Jon proudly shared how Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., a fourth-generation 98-year-old family business, is able to continually evolve to meet talent and market demands.
Throughout the podcast, Jon acknowledges that the key to Ulbrich’s longevity and success is its ability to continue growing and innovating; it's a never-ending process of generating fresh ideas, succession planning to maintain knowledge and expertise, and thinking green regarding material selection as well as corporate responsibility.
Ari and Jon also discuss the current state of the supply chain and how Ulbrich Steel works with and around it. Ulbrich understands that product innovation is essential for most manufacturers so its team never stops asking customers important questions to get a head start on what's coming down the pipeline next.
As the next generation leader, Jon stays humble as he shares stories of working alongside his father and mentor, current CEO Chris Ulbrich, and his late grandfather, Fred Ulbrich, Jr. Additionally, Jon reveals how he got started with the company and sheds light on his day to day, working under a respectful hierarchy and always striving for accountability.
The people working at Ulbrich truly make a difference in how the company has stayed so successful over its 98 years in business. Jon shares insights on Ulbrich’s hiring practices, expressing that it is much more about personality and cultural fit than what’s on the resume.
Ulbrich is always looking for talented individuals who can be coached to advance into leadership roles. If you’re interested in joining the Ulbrich team, check out the company’s current job opportunities scattered throughout the world!
Successful family businesses have generational members who have passion for what they do. You can’t just slide into a role; you have to learn, train, be flexible and adaptive… so you can constantly evolve to be a better leader and manager.
– Jon Ulbrich
Each week, Ari Santiago interviews a thriving manufacturing leader to share the positive messages around the industry with two goals:
1) To share best practices amongst manufacturing business leaders to help each other to grow and succeed.
2) To spread the word that manufacturing is a growing part of our economy and offers exciting opportunities for incredible, well-paying careers.
Our CEO Chris Ulbrich previously appeared, so Ulbrich Steel was honored to have another featured speaker on the “Made in America” podcast!
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOOtflG7iuo to hear Jon Ulbrich’s full interview!
To catch up on other great Made in America episodes, listen/watch here: https://madeinamericawithari.com/
