Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan Rodriguez, Production Lead, Olympic Steel, Schaumburg, IL

Focused on professional development. Leads with authenticity and purpose. Encourages limitless potential.

Jonathan's career at Olympic Steel started with a clear vision long before he walked through the doors as an employee. After graduating high school in 2017, he already knew where he wanted to build his future. His father was the first shift supervisor at Olympic Steel’s Schaumburg division, and while many of his classmates were planning for college, Jonathan had a different plan.

"College was never something I was interested in," he says. "I always had my sight set on Olympic Steel."

From the very beginning, he had one goal in mind. "I want to eventually run an Olympic Steel facility. That's always been my day one goal." Every role he’s had since then has been another step toward achieving that goal.

Jonathan joined the Company as a Material Handler and quickly embraced every opportunity to learn. In less than a year, he moved to the press brakes before taking on work with the lasers. After about eight months there, he spent more than three years operating the cut-to-length line, building a deep understanding of the shop floor. Looking to extend his experience even further, he transitioned into the office as a Production Planner, where he learned scheduling, logistics and the importance of working closely with the sales team. In 2024, another opportunity caught his attention. A leadership role opened in the shop, and Jonathan knew it was exactly the experience he needed to stay on track toward his long-term goal. He applied, was selected and headed back to the warehouse.

Damon Wos, General Manager for the Schaumburg location, says, “Jonathan earns respect through action, not just words. His commitment and drive inspire others to give their best effort every day.”

Throughout every transition, Jonathan has been driven by determination. Looking back over the past nine years, Jonathan says his greatest accomplishment isn't just one promotion or one role. It's the steady growth he's experienced throughout his career.

"I'm thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way," he says. "And for the people who have supported me and taught me so much along my journey."

Those mentors made a lasting impact. Jonathan credits his trainers, along with participating in two rounds of the Train the Trainer program, for helping him develop the skills and confidence he has today. Many of the people who trained him brought knowledge from post-secondary education and generously shared what they had learned.

"I asked questions and followed up to make sure I understood everything I was taught," he says. "I'm grateful they were willing to show me what they know."



Now that he's in a leadership role, Jonathan finds himself inspired by one Core Value more than any other: Employee Development. He believes growth should never be limited by a timeline. Instead, every new skill mastered opens the door to the next opportunity.

He enjoys encouraging employees to think beyond the job they're doing today and start imagining the career they could build tomorrow. After working in so many different areas of the Schaumburg facility, he understands what it takes to succeed across the operation, and he enjoys sharing that knowledge with others.

"I let them know their professional career isn’t limited by their current position or what others have done before them," he says. "You can be more and do more. If you have goals and you're willing to put in the work, I'm ready to support you."

Jonathan approaches each day with the same outlook, no matter what challenges are waiting for him. He explains, "Whether the day is running smoothly or backed up, I start each day with the same mindset: Stay positive and get through it."

That optimism also shapes the way he solves problems. Rather than getting discouraged, he evaluates his options, chooses the solution that makes the most sense and adapts as circumstances change. Flexibility, he believes, is one of the most valuable qualities a leader can have.

When asked what advice he would give someone just beginning their career at Olympic Steel, Jonathan doesn't hesitate. "You get out what you put in," he says. "If you do the bare minimum, you'll see minimal results. If you go above and beyond, it'll be rewarded."

He encourages employees to set meaningful goals, work hard to achieve them, and define their potential. "Don't let anybody tell you that you won't make it," he says. "Everyone can be successful if they put in the work, no matter how much education or experience they have prior to joining Olympic Steel."

As he looks ahead, Jonathan's focused on his day-one goal. He knows reaching that goal may require flexibility, including moving between shifts or taking on new opportunities wherever they arise. For him, every experience is an investment in the future and a reminder that success isn't defined by a traditional path. It's built through curiosity, persistence, a willingness to learn and the determination to keep moving toward your goals, one opportunity at a time.