LTL 050: Journey From Work Site To Corner Office: An Interview With Tom Jackson Part Two

This is Part Two of my interview with Tom Jackson. Part One can be found here. Tom is the President of Steel Encounters, Inc (SEI). SEI is a specialty contractor and structural steel supplier headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Tom has 35 years of construction industry experience. He has filled many roles from job site worker, up the ranks through the field and operations to President. His journey from the work site to the corner office is inspiring.

Tom’s company has clad many prestigious buildings with glass and metal panels throughout Salt Lake City, including the 111 Main office tower, Eccles Performing Arts Center, 222 South Main, City Creek development’s glass bridge over Main Street, and the Regent and Promontory high rise condominiums. Check them out on the company’s website – they are gorgeous.

Tom focuses much of his time on leadership development, safety and quality assurance programs, and employee engagement, which provides great synergy within the organization. He credits his team for Steel Encounters’ success and building a brand of delivering outstanding services, performance, and exceptional craftsmanship to his customers.

Tom’s Tips And Key Learnings:

• When you take on a new, or bigger role, it will take some time to adjust. Try these tips:
  • Come in 15 minutes early each morning
  • Shut the door and give yourself time to sit in the chair
  • Reflect, breathe, and relax
  • Think about the top one or two things that you need to accomplish that day and FOCUS on them
• You might be compared to those who went before you and it might even lead to feeling like an imposter
  • Be patient. Using the process above, you will become the person that is able to fill the role.
• Ask a lot of questions, of your superiors, your peers, and your team
• Invest in coaches who can assist with progressing you in the role you are filling
• Don’t hand your problems off to others; maintain ownership of the challenge and see it through to completion
• Ask for help when you need it, but don’t abdicate your responsibility and wipe your hands of difficulty
• Be hungry to learn
• One of your most important roles as a leader is to recognize potential and give opportunities for leadership growth
• It’s up to you to create a business where people are growing

Tom’s Focus In 2018:

• growth and development of the leadership team and the employees
• bring the best value, services, and performance to customers
• developing strong relationships with the best customers and suppliers

When you develop your people first, you have a great start on accomplishing the next two objectives!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

LTL 049: Journey From Work Site To Corner Office: An Interview With Tom Jackson Part One

Steel Encounters, Inc. website

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