I grew up on the shop floor of a family-owned steel service center. I've spent the better part of 40 years buying steel, selling it, trading it, managing people, dealing with mills and suppliers, and eventually owning and running Lewder Steel myself.
I've worked with prime, secondary and non-prime material. I've dealt with aged and difficult inventory, mill claims, sourcing problems, pricing swings, customer problems and the countless situations that don't fit neatly into somebody's job description.
Lewder Steel did more than $24 million in cumulative sales over its 20+ years in business. Earlier in my career, I was responsible for moving 5,000 to 6,000 tons of steel a month over a two-year period. Along the way I've hired, fired and led sales, administrative and warehouse staff.
Today, I step into industrial businesses on an interim, project or advisory basis when an owner or management team needs someone who's actually done it before.
Steel is where I learned the business, but most of what I've learned applies anywhere people buy material, make things, carry inventory and have to sell what they produce.
I don't pretend to have every answer. But I've seen quite a bit, and I'm usually pretty good at getting to the real problem.
Hi, I'm Lew Dennen
SOURCING & SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT
I've spent decades finding material, developing mill and supplier relationships, evaluating opportunities and figuring out where to go when the usual sources aren't working.
INVENTORY & CLAIMS
Inventory that won't move. Material that isn't what it was supposed to be. A mill or supplier claim that's dragging on. Sometimes an experienced second set of eyes is all that's needed.
INTERIM LEADERSHIP
Sometimes a business needs experienced help now, but doesn't necessarily need another permanent executive. I can step into purchasing, commercial or operating situations on an interim or project basis.
INDUSTRY ADVISORY
Owners, investors and management teams occasionally need someone who understands how an industrial business actually works on the ground. I can provide an independent perspective on inventory, purchasing, suppliers, commercial issues and other situations where experience matters.
Where I Can Help:
Let's Talk
If you're dealing with an inventory problem, a sourcing issue, a supplier situation, or simply need an experienced set of eyes on something in an industrial business, I'm easy to reach.