Charlotte Dymarkowski
Charlotte Dymarkowski is the Founder and CEO of Foundation Steel, a thriving steel contracting and fabrication company she launched in 2008 with a vision rooted in entrepreneurship, faith, and a deep commitment to people. With a background in real estate and a natural business acumen, Charlotte took a bold step into the steel industry after recognizing an opportunity during a transition in her husband’s career. What began as a home-based startup—after several years of learning the industry from the ground up—has grown into a $72 million enterprise. From reinforcing steel to large-scale structural projects, Foundation Steel now plays a significant role in building infrastructure and communities across the region.
Charlotte’s leadership is defined not only by operational excellence but by a people-first philosophy. She built her company by hiring through Ironworkers unions, developing strong teams, and fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Today, she focuses on guiding the overall direction of the company—ensuring operations run smoothly, maintaining high safety and performance standards, and investing in the development of her team. Her approach emphasizes hiring the right people, allowing room for learning through failure, and leading with integrity and accountability. Under her leadership, Foundation Steel has earned industry recognition, including honors such as Builder of the Year and Metal Building of the Year.
Beyond her professional achievements, Charlotte is deeply committed to her community and personal values. She is actively involved in organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction and regional economic development initiatives, while also supporting nonprofits focused on issues like human trafficking prevention, housing, and family services. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to ten grandchildren, she prioritizes faith, family, and service in all aspects of her life. Charlotte’s journey reflects her belief that success is built not just on growth, but on impact—creating opportunities for others, staying grounded in core values, and leading with purpose.
• OSHA 510
• Blood-borne Pathogen Certification
• First Aid Certification
• University of Toledo Leadership Course
• The University of Toledo
• Builder of the Year
• Building of the Year (two buildings through International Ironworkers/IMPACT)
• Metal Building of the Year (Metal Builders Association)
• NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
• Ironworkers Union Local 55
• Operators Union
• IMPACT (Ironworkers and Management)
• Northwest Ohio Chamber of Commerce
• Bella Vita Community Pregnancy Center
• Providing housing for missionaries and women in need
• Christine Caine Ministry A21 (anti-human trafficking)
• University of Toledo Institute for Justice and Human Trafficking
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say allowing failure on the road to success. You experience a lot of ups and downs, and it's easy to fold. But as long as you're not being stupid, if you know you're going somewhere and building something, you continue to build through the hard times, and that's what I did. My main area of expertise is people, managing people, and really it's just about standing firm on core principles and doing the right thing, even when no one's looking, even when it's hard, even when it's to your disadvantage temporarily. You just do the right thing. It's easy to value people, but not to show them. You have to show them. And if you're doing it for that purpose, that could come across as manipulative. You have to do it just because they are valued, and then the good will come from it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is making a difference. That's my tagline on LinkedIn. If that means just brightening one person's day when you go to the grocery store, then that made a difference. But it's kind of the basis of everything I do. I felt God was moving me in the direction of starting this company, that I was supposed to provide good employment for people, almost like a ministry. Just employ people, treat them well, care for them, love them. That was really all I knew. It's about standing firm on core principles and doing the right thing, even when no one's looking, even when it's hard, even when it's to your disadvantage temporarily. You just do the right thing. You have to genuinely value people and show them, not for what you'll get out of it, but just because they are valued.