STEELFAB Key People

Richard Faulkner, President
Richard Faulkner's chief goal when he purchased STEELFAB in 1988 was to build the necessary steel infra-structure that would give the Alaska oil and construction industries the confidence to manufacture steel products within the isolated state. His massive capital building campaign provided the capacities, and the STEELFAB reputation for quality control builds the confidence for buying all sizes of steel projects locally. He knew his two decades of previous experience in the steel business, including the ownership of Faulkner Supply & Services, would serve him well in the success of this endeavor.

Like many people imbued with the entrepreneurial spirit, Faulkner takes great pride in his company and its many capabilities. Leading the largest locally owned steel service center and fabricator in Alaska gives him great satisfaction; he realizes his company plays an intricate role in the state's economy.

Faulkner came to Alaska as an U.S. Army helicopter pilot, by way of Korea. He still holds a commercial pilot certification. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Alaska Methodist University. Faulkner also studied at Arkansas State University, the University of Maryland, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Flight School.

Janet Faulkner, Vice President of Finance
The hand that sets the steady fiscal course at STEELFAB belongs to Janet Faulkner. Faulkner is co-owner of the corporation that she helped rebuild into the leading steel service center and fabricator in Alaska.

Faulkner has broad-based experience in finances. Before purchasing STEELFAB in 1988, she worked as an accounting manager and bank officer in Anchorage, where she has lived for nearly 30 years. This track record in the Alaska economy gives Janet Faulkner an edge when evaluating the financial elements of the operation.

Faulkner knows that outstanding customer service is as equally important as providing a top product in today's market. She sees a steady growth as customers continue to discover that steel fabrication done outside the state just five years ago can now be produced at STEELFAB.

Faulkner earned a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She also attended Arkansas State University.

Pam Cassidy, Assistant Comptroller
As the Assistant Comptroller for this dynamic business, Pam Cassidy works with both STEELFAB employees and customers. One of the things she says she likes best about her job is being a part of the company’s continuing growth and development. She also likes finding new solutions to manage the financial applications of a business like STEELFAB. She produces financials, works on customers Accounts Receivables and manages the burgeoning payroll.

Cassidy has a background in accounting and computer accounting. She worked for a local hospital before she came to work for STEELFAB in 1996. Cassidy says she’s happiest when she can solve problems with new technology; she likes to spot trends in the organization that need new applications and solutions. Cassidy is a proud team member of STEELFAB and says she really sees how her efforts pay off for the rest of the company.

Cassidy is a self-admitted gym rat who recently discovered and embraced the tough-minded sport of competitive cycling to raise funds for good causes.

Larry A. Larson, Plant Superintendent
As superintendent, Larry Larson establishes the work priorities in STEELFAB'S 80,000 square foot plant. He schedules all jobs in the plant and hires and assigns all plant employees. Larson is in charge of requisitioning all materials, tools and parts needed to complete jobs.

Larson has worked at STEELFAB since 1989. He began work as a STEELFAB welder and fabricator and was later promoted to superintendent. Larson demonstrated his leadership qualities early. He worked for Twin City Shipyard in Minnesota for six years as the lead welder and fabricator, and was the shop foreman for two of the four years he worked for American Semi.

Larson says his daily goal is to provide quality products in a timely manner so the customer, the company and the employees all benefit. He is keenly aware of the significance of his role in the company for maintaining the steady flow of work.

Larson studied at the WITI Technical Institute, where he learned welding and blueprint reading. He holds a variety of welding certificates. Larson recently augmented his years of experience with several management courses regarding the supervision of employees.

Peter Macksey, Customer Relations
You can talk to Peter Macksey about steel. He has worked it from all angles, so he has the answers to some questions most people have never even thought to ask. As a journeyman ironworker since 1979, Macksey worked on many of the major steel structures on the Alaska scene.

Macksey came to work for STEELFAB in 1991. He worked as a foreman on the construction of the second plant. Two years in maintenance gave Mackey a detailed knowledge of the company's operations before he stepped in as a sales representative and then on as a customer relations representative. Today STEELFAB's customers depend on Macksey for labor quotes and practical advice. He knows the kind of service that STEELFAB customers have come to expect.

Macksey attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA and Anchorage Community College.

Heath Faulkner, Paint Shop Manager
Heath Faulkner grew up in the steel business. He worked for the business as a teen during summer vacations, when he had the opportunity to work in nearly every department of STEELFAB. After his university years at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and Lane Community College in Eugene Oregon, where he majored in business, this Anchorage man returned as part of the STEELFAB management team.

Faulkner is justifiably proud of STEELFAB’s Paint Shop. Housed in a separate 12,000 sq. ft. building, it is the largest, indoor facility in Alaska exclusively used for year-round coatings of all metal materials. He and his crew have turned metal applications in a scientific process, as they closely monitor film thickness to meet the customers’ or manufacturers’ specifications in a wide variety of sophisticated applications.

Faulkner understands the importance of maintaining the professional endorsements offered to STEELFAB customers. He says The AISC sophisticated paint and coating endorsement, the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), and NACE International certification all offer STEELFAB customers the assurance that their projects meet national and international painting and coating standards. Moreover, the standards, explains Faulkner, are not a constant. The development of new technologies and products mean on-going education and certification to keep ahead of the curve. And keeping ahead of the curve and the competition is what STEELFAB and Faulkner is all about.

William A. Griffith, Project Coordinator
Bill Griffith's work as a sales representative and detail draftsman for STEELFAB prepared him well for his project coordinator position. His combined practical experience and training allows Griffith to smoothly coordinate huge multi-dimensional projects.

Griffith easily works with estimating, purchasing, detailing, quality control and shipping departments both at STEELFAB and with the customers' companies. He works closely with the fabrication plant and sub-contractors to insure that a completed project meets all expectations. Griffith knows the best way to keep customers confident is to keep them fully informed about the project.

Griffith worked six years in the rebar fabrication business and in a machine shop before being employed at STEELFAB in 1991. He earned an Associate degree in Computer Drafting (with a national honor certificate), and an auto mechanic diploma.

Guy Cummins, Purchasing Agent
The orderly control around STEELFAB is due in a large part to Guy Cummins, who purchases materials and stock for all jobs. Cummins is responsible for the massive task of a computerized inventory control that instantly lets customers and STEELFAB employees know what kinds of materials are on site---from huge sheets of metal to boxes of computer paper.

A STEELFAB employee since 1990, Cummins maintains a computerized inventory ordering control system, which he built from scratch. He is responsible for the important task of maintaining all material tests reports, which customers and regulatory agencies may rely on for years. Cummins says "I'm not just here for the paycheck: my career goal is to keep current with technology and keep myself and my job current."

Cummins worked in warehouses on the North Slope and Anchorage before moving to STEELFAB. His HAZ-MAT and first aid training brings other dimensions to the company. A graduate of Bartlett High School in Anchorage, he also attended the University of Arkansas. His hobbies of sports and hunting keeps Cummins busy throughout all the seasons.

Barrie Pritchard, Estimator
Barrie Pritchard began working for STEELFAB in 1983. Since then, he repeatedly has proved himself an integral part of the STEELFAB team. Pritchard worked as a fabricator, welder and shop foreman for the company before becoming an estimator in 2006. So, Pritchard knows more than a thing or two about the steel business. In fact, he has the kind of unmatchable experience that gives him an edge when he is reading specifications, envisioning a project, and estimating a customer’s jobs. 

Pritchard began work in the steel business as a teen apprentice at Ystrad Mynach Technical College in his native Wales. The steel apprenticeship program in the U.K. pays high school students to continue their high school education, while learning a trade. So, when Pritchard graduated, he was a full-fledged journeyman in the steel business. STEELFAB customers can rely on three things when talking to Barrie: his thorough knowledge of the steel business, his knowledge of where every nut and bolt is located at STEELFAB, and his wry wit.

Dan DeMarco, Estimator
Lured North by STEELFAB in 2006, Dan DeMarco quickly settled into the close-knit company, and the Alaska lifestyle. DeMarco was raised as a U.S. Navy brat, finally settling down with his family on Whidbey Island, where he graduated from high school and then joined the Navy like his father. His 15-year Navy career as a storekeeper, was followed by enrolling in the mechanical engineering technician training at Spokane Community College. DeMarco obtained an apprenticeship at Spokane Industries that turned into a permanent job in which he worked as an engineer technician in petroleum industry steel applications.

STEELFAB customers from oil, gas and oilfield services companies can count on DeMarco for a fast, accurate estimate for their work, since he is familiar with all the code work requirements done by STEELFAB for its customers. When you need your work done up to DOT, ASME. API, or AWA code level, you can count on STEELFAB and DeMarco to make sure the estimate is correct, and that every requirement of the applicable code is included for your planning requirements.
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