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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1071224
S P E C I A L F E A T U R E L M S R E I N F O R C I N G S T E E L G R O U P A ll 750 team members at LMS Reinforcing Steel Group make a significant contribution to our business; at the heart of LMS' ability to serve clients are Stan Rutledge and Robert James. Both have been with LMS since 1998; the work they perform in their respective roles has touched every single one of LMS' clients and projects. We can say with confidence that over the past 20 years, their hard work and dedication has positively impacted the construction industry in Western Canada. LMS' Titans of Steel Stan Rutledge, LMS Sales Manager Stan takes pride in being the resident troublemaker at LMS. Not only is he responsible for identifying all the key jobs that LMS bids, but he also ensures there is a fun work environment at the office. He heckles team members to encourage them to go the gym, brings out their personality when they are really shy and makes everyone laugh on a daily basis. These same qualities are the reason our clients love working with him. He has spent a lifetime working in the construction industry in the Lower Mainland. In 1998, he was a senior representative at Davis Wire Industries Ltd. His friendship with Wally McNeil, a vice-president at Lafarge Canada, was the perfect conduit to meeting Ron McNeil and Ivan Harmatny when they acquired Lower Mainland Steel, which at the time was a failing rebar fabrication yard. Through this introduction and acquisition of the company, Stan joined what is now one of the leading rebar and post-tensioning fabricators and installers in Western Canada and California. He is a significant piece of LMS' history. When you ask Stan what some of the hardships were in those early days, he says: "Nothing. I already knew the game and all the customers before they got here. I provided personal guarantees as a vote of confidence for these boys to secure jobs." Stan still comes to work every day ready with a smart quip—and a smile on his face. ■ Robert has 46 years of experience in the steel trading industry. Since 1998, he has worked tirelessly to ensure LMS has the best sources of steel available for all projects. Since the outset of our business, we have experienced shrinking trading margins, which meant steel traders worldwide had to evolve because trading has become more than simply buying and selling tons. Steel trading requires managing all aspects of identifying supply, negotiating, shipping, financing, risk management, insurance and dock storage. At LMS, Robert leads all components of this activity. In addition to his technical skills, Robert's astute cultural sensitivity ensures our international relationships are strong and reliable. Robert has worked tirelessly to establish the entire supply of offshore and domestic steel, as well as a reliable, consistent source and high quality supply of rebar that meets Canadian regulations. He manages all aspects of the steel from FOB to the docks in Vancouver and California—and possesses an astute understanding of the intricacies of all stages of the purchasing process. Above all, Robert understands that this is a people business. His cultural awareness and sensitivity have been key factors in his ability to build strong, reliable and trustworthy relationships with international partners. ■ Robert James, LMS Steel Procurement Manager