One Olympic Team Spotlight - Amber O'Leary

Meet Amber (Schnecke) O'Leary, Outside Sales Representative at Olympic Steel's Schaumburg, IL location and Lead for our One Olympic Recruiting & Selection Subcommittee.

Two years ago, Olympic Steel reached a significant milestone in our diversity efforts by establishing employee-run ONE OLYMPIC Council Subcommittees. These individuals volunteered to take part in this work, in addition to their regular job duties, because they each wanted to make a positive impact on our Company.

Each issue, we’ll give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the employees helping to strengthen Olympic Steel’s culture. In the last issue, we featured Cassy Powers and this issue…

Amber (Schnecke) O’Leary, Outside Sales Representative, Olympic Steel

Q: What motivated you to become a member of our ONE OLYMPIC Team?
A: "As a woman, I've experienced both the challenges and strengths of my identity in the workplace. I've seen how important it is for women to be heard and supported. My motivation goes beyond gender. I am passionate about creating an inclusive culture where all members of the team are valued. Joining the ONE OLYMPIC Team allows me to advocate for gender equality and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and lead."

Q: Can you share a unique fun fact or characteristic about yourself?

A: “I also work part-time at a local brewery, and I have brewed 2 beers for them.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an Olympic Steel employee?

A: “During my interview with Olympic, one of the questions I asked was whether the company rewards and invests in its employees by promoting from within. The reason I asked, as I mentioned in the interview, is that I’m looking for a career, not just a job. I was told ‘yes,’ and I’ve seen firsthand how true that is. I love how Olympic treats its employees like family.”

Q: In your opinion, what's a simple action everyone can take to make our Company a welcoming workplace?

A: “Always remember that the person next to you may not work or learn the same way you do. You can share your ideas and approaches, but they may not work best for everyone, and that’s okay. Be supportive, offer guidance, and make yourself available to answer questions. Help each other follow our Core Values and work safely. Be the role model you had - or wish you had.”

Q: When it comes to work, what’s your “superpower”? What’s a special skill you can offer to support your co-workers/team?

A: “I believe my ‘superpower' would be creative problem-solving and empathic support. I have a knack for thinking outside the box by looking at different angles and finding solutions to the challenge in front of me. My natural passion is being empathic with people. I will always be available if a colleague needs a listening ear or advice. “

Q: What cultural/heritage celebration or tradition holds special meaning for you? Mind sharing why?

A: “Paczki Day, or Fat Tuesday, always holds a special place in my heart. For one, it’s what my grandparents always called me. Every year, we’d visit a bakery together to get Paczki and spend quality time afterwards. Sometimes, we’d even make our own. Now, each year, I get one in their memory. I visit a bakery to bring Paczki to my colleagues, and the weekend after, I make some with my mom for the family.”