Mitch Patterson - Where Are They Now?
Mitch Patterson, General Manager, Chicago Tube & Iron, St. Paul, MN and Ankeny, IA
Catching up with one of our previously featured IAM stories, Mitch Patterson shares some fun facts about himself and how his career continues to evolve at Chicago Tube & Iron.
As we head into our seventh year of sharing IAM Olympic Steel employee stories, we realized a good number of our previously featured employees have had big changes since their original story published. In between this year’s new employee stories, you’ll see some previously introduced employees in a feature called IAM Olympic Steel - Where Are They Now?
This month is Mitch Patterson, originally featured in 2022. Now General Manager for two CTI branches, we caught up with Mitch to learn a little bit about him, the Core Value he best represents and a few fun tidbits to help you get to know him better.
Explain how you made the move into your current position. Was it part of an established career development plan or did you seek out the new role? Why?
I became the General Manager of the St. Paul division in 2020. After 4 years in that role the Des Moines [Ankeny] branch had a management change. As we began to integrate the two divisions to improve efficiencies and better utilize assets, I was approached with the opportunity to take on the General Manager responsibilities in 2024. It wasn’t a role I was seeking, but [the position] aligned with a career plan that excited me. I’m very thankful to have strong leadership in both divisions that help make my new role possible.
Which of Olympic Steel’s 10 Core Values do you feel you best represent and why?
I like to think I best demonstrate teamwork. Much of my career has been knowing my role on the team and how I can help my teammates. It’s incredible what our team accomplishes every day. Some of our most exciting opportunities and wins have come from collaborating with the OSI-Minneapolis team and we continue to work together to develop new business opportunities for Olympic Steel and CTI. The St. Paul branch has also worked with OSI-Milford which is a testament of how well the family works together, regardless of geography.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I take a great deal of pride in the people I work with. I’m inspired by how hard everyone works throughout the branches I report to. Our material handlers, shipping offices, admin teams, sales, quality, logistics, inventory management, managers and even our drivers - they all show up every day and are ready to work. Their loyalty to the organization and willingness to help the enterprise keeps me motivated. I’m thankful to work with them.
What is your favorite work memory?
Although it was stressful at the time, I really enjoyed meeting the Olympic Steel Board of Directors when they visited the St. Paul branch in 2016. I was impressed with how genuine everyone was. The Hon. [Dirk] Kempthorne (board member) made it a point to get to know me, which really stood out to this day. It was a fantastic opportunity to show off the St. Paul branch, which I’m proud to be part of.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
There’s one bit of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career: “Do the job before you get it”. I’ve always tried to take on responsibilities above me, whenever possible, to show I can take on more. It makes decisions easier when leaders are considering promotions.
Where did you grow up and what brought you to your current city?
I was born in Waterloo, Iowa and spent my first 7 years there. My dad took a new opportunity within Yamaha that moved us outside of Pittsburgh for a few years and that same job eventually brought us to Minnesota. I’ve spent most of my life in the Twin Cities area and consider myself a Minnesotan – but still a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
What advice do you have for others who might be interested in an open position within the Company that’s different than their current path?
Always bet on yourself. If you’re going to take a gamble in life, expect yourself to win. It can be difficult to get out of your comfort zone, but that’s where growth and success come from. It’s also recognized by leadership when you take a risk to help the Company.
