Strong Beginnings
Rolland William Conklin Jr. "Pete" started R.W. Conklin Steel in 1983, after retiring from a 30-year career at U.S. Steel. He wanted to continue his career in the steel business, but he wanted to do it his way. As a U.S. medic aboard the U.S.S. Quincy in WWII, Pete developed love for his country, and he wanted his business to represent the same respect he had for American made products. Today, R.W. Conklin Steel Supply, Inc. still operates under the same principle — we only sell steel 100% Melted and Manufactured in the USA.
Customer service was R.W.’s main priority. He knew it wasn’t about creating a shorter supply chain, but a smarter supply chain, one that would connect him directly to the customer. He was able to build a loyal customer and vendor base by paying attention to customer needs and by providing a quality domestic steel. From the beginning, Pete concentrated on old-fashioned values.
Continuing the Tradition
His son, Philip began helping out as a teenager delivering pile points and splicers to customers. Phil began working for the company on a formal basis on Jan. 1, 1995, just one year before his father’s unexpected passing. With a background in accounting, finance, and marketing, Phil knew the in's and out's of business, and quickly learned how to sell steel. 24 years later, Phil continues to honor his father's legacy.
R.W. Conklin Today
Over its 37 years in business, the company has continued to expand and achieve success. Once ran as a one man-operation is now a large corporation with locations throughout the United States.
What hasn't changed throughout the years, is R.W. Conklin's devotion to its customers and its ability to provide them with a wide variety of U.S-made steel products. All products meet the requirements of the Buy American Clause, which mandates steel is melted and manufactured in the U.S., when a project is either partially or fully funded by public funds.
The company provides materials for both private and DOT jobs, a variety of bridge and earth retention projects including building foundations, both open-cell and closed-cell waterway projects and sound barriers.