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Steel is hot, especially at Suburban Steel Supply. The 27year-old company has recently undergone fast growth, says President Mark DeBellis. Suburban Steel employs 93 and posted $19 million in 2005 revenue; DeBellis projects $21 million in sales this year.
Originally a pioneer in and developer of the use of structural steel in residential construction, the company has evolved into a steel service business with facilities in Gahanna, Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis. Today, Suburban Steel provides structural steel, stocked rebar, concrete accessories, field erection, crane service, and ornamental steel design and fabrication.
Smart Business spoke with DeBellis about how he solves customers' problems by listening to their needs.
Q: How can corporate leaders make their customers' jobs easier?
It's easily said, and very few people do it: Listen to your customers. I don't mean survey your customers; I mean roll up your sleeves, get in front of your customers, listen to their feedback because it's genuine, and from there, step back and say, 'What could we do to make that?'
If I can't help my customers solve their problems, they are going to look for a different way to get what they want from a different product than steel. By listening to their concerns,...