Introduction: A Key Promotion at Olympic Steel
Olympic Steel Inc., a prominent U.S. metals service center and leader in the industry, has made significant leadership changes within its team. On January 24, 2025, the company announced that Brant Harbert has been promoted to General Manager of its facilities in Bedford Heights and Dover, Ohio. This move reflects Harbert’s decade-long tenure with the company, during which he has played a crucial role in driving its growth and expansion in the region. Harbert succeeds Kevin Miller, who has been promoted to a different leadership position within the organization.
This promotion signifies the continued success of Olympic Steel's operations in Ohio, where Harbert’s leadership will be pivotal in guiding the company through the next phase of strategic growth. The company’s announcement underlines the importance of its investments and operational improvements at the Bedford Heights facility, such as the recent installation of new lasers and other equipment to support fabrication and throughput capacity.
Harbert’s Journey at Olympic Steel
Brant Harbert’s journey at Olympic Steel began in 2014 when he joined as an Inside Sales Representative for the Bedford Heights and Dover facilities. His deep understanding of the company’s products and operations, along with his ability to drive customer engagement, allowed him to rise steadily within the company. In his most recent position, he served as Regional Sales Manager, where he managed sales operations and contributed significantly to the growth of Olympic Steel’s market share in the region.
During his tenure, Harbert demonstrated an ability to drive revenue while improving customer satisfaction and internal processes. His progression within the company is a testament to his skill set and dedication to Olympic Steel’s goals. In his new role, Harbert will now oversee the daily operations of these two critical facilities, which include one of the company’s key temper mills, responsible for producing high-quality steel products.
Company Growth Under Harbert’s Leadership
As part of his new responsibilities, Harbert will focus on increasing the operational efficiency and growth potential of the Bedford Heights and Dover facilities. Olympic Steel has made substantial investments in these locations over the years, including the installation of new lasers to enhance capabilities in the fabrication market. The company also added a stacking and packaging line designed to increase throughput capacity, which will support higher production volumes and meet growing market demands.
Olympic Steel’s President of Carbon Flat Rolled, David J. Gea, commented on Harbert’s promotion, saying, “In the decade Brant has been with Olympic Steel, he has had a significant impact on our growth in the region, and we’re proud to recognize his contributions to the company and his continued advancement within the organization.” Gea also highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in its Bedford Heights operation, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry.
Educational Background and Professional Development
Brant Harbert’s professional success is grounded in a solid educational foundation. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business management from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. These academic qualifications have equipped Harbert with a deep understanding of both the marketing and management aspects of business, allowing him to make informed decisions that contribute to Olympic Steel’s operational success.
His ability to balance technical knowledge with strategic thinking has been instrumental in his progression through the company. As the new General Manager, Harbert will work closely with Andrew Wolfort, Vice President of Specialty Metals, to align growth strategies across the company’s facilities, including the temper mill in Gary, Indiana.
Olympic Steel’s Legacy and Commitment to Growth
Founded in 1954, Olympic Steel is a leading U.S.-based metals service center, offering a wide range of steel, aluminum, and stainless steel products to industries across the globe. The company is renowned for its direct sales and value-added processing of various metal products, including carbon and coated sheet, plate, and coil steel. Additionally, Olympic Steel produces products for specialized sectors, such as water treatment systems, industrial venting systems, and custom metal-intensive components.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Olympic Steel operates 49 facilities across the United States, serving a diverse customer base across several industries, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing. The company has built a reputation for excellence in the metals industry, supported by its continuous investment in cutting-edge technology, workforce development, and operational improvements.
