Steel Products

NexGen Award Recipient: Stephen Serling, Quality Metal Stamping

August 27, 2020

Congratulations are in order to a rising star in the steel industry. Steel Market Update is pleased to announce that Stephen Serling, Vice President at Quality Metal Stamping, is the recipient of the 2nd annual SMU NexGen Leadership Award. Serling was selected from a slate of 24 nominees and will receive a mentorship day with Chuck Schmitt, President of SSAB Americas, complimentary attendance at an SMU Steel Workshop and at next year’s SMU Steel Summit, as well as a commemorative plaque. The NexGen Award is sponsored by the Steel Manufacturers Association.

Stephen Serling SQ 002 Serling joined the industry right after earning his undergraduate degree at Lafayette College in 2010. Learning the business from the ground up, he delved into the financial aspects while earning his Master’s in Finance at Hofstra University. After moving from New York to Tennessee, Serling became more active in the operational side of the Quality Metal Stamping. His strong work ethic and commitment to the business soon became a major influence on the culture of the plant. Instrumental in enhancing and expanding the company’s core stamping business, Serling studied and brought in cutting-edge technology, increasing value for customers and winning new business. A just-in-time steel purchasing policy allowed the company to be leaner and more efficient.

Understanding the need to attract new talent to the company and industry, Serling worked with local colleges to educate students about opportunities in manufacturing and developed an internship program with a local technical school.

He also expanded Quality Metal Stamping’s presence in the community through implementing charitable and volunteer programs including the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides for a Cure,” Relay for Life, Treasures Love Bears, and Carl Perkin’s Center for Child Abuse.

Serling is a member of the Precision Metalforming Association and was recently nominated to be a Director of the National Board of Next Gen, focused on engaging the future generation of manufacturing in the United States.

Serling was chosen from a final list of five nominees from the slate of 24. The judging panel responsible for the selection of an award winner from the outstanding group of nominees included Mark Millett, Steel Dynamics; Chuck Schmidt, SSAB Americas; Lenore Trammel, Big River Steel; and Philip Bell, Steel Manufacturers Association. Last year’s award was presented to Meredith Meade, Tempel Steel Company.

Congratulations to the five finalists and all 24 nominees for being selected as outstanding leaders at their companies:

Finalists: