Darlene Ames
I've been in the metal processing industry for over 30 years, though it wasn't a path I originally planned. I started as a receptionist at a metal processing facility in Maine because I needed a job. What began as just a paycheck turned into a lifelong career that I'm passionate about. I was drawn to the challenge of working in a very male-dominant field, and I've worked hard to earn my seat at the table alongside my male colleagues. I believe in daily employee engagement. I'm on the floor getting to know the operators and understanding what they need from their leaders to be successful. Beyond my day-to-day work, I'm committed to mentoring other females and young males coming up in the industry who are looking to get into operations for the metal industry. I'm a member of the Association of Women in Metals, Women in Manufacturing and Women in Metals and Mining, and I'm dedicated to paving the way for other women to sit at the table in this industry.
• Masters of Science - Operations and Project Management
• Bachelors of Science - Business Management
• Association of Women in Metals
• Women in Metals and Mining
• Women in Manufacturing
What do you attribute your success to?
My ability to recognize an employee's strengths and weaknesses, develop effective solutions, and adjust my approach based on their feedback has enabled me to not only cultivate a content and successful team base but, even more importantly, an efficient team. I also wanted to pave a path for more women to enter the industry. I had this strong idea that if we wanted to be "top" dog we had to prove we could lead a team better than any of my male counterparts. There were several occasions I was told I couldn't do or wouldn't make it.....determination set in!!
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be open for change. Be open for opportunities that may not be exactly what you are looking for, but give it a chance. It could be the best decision you ever made. That's exactly what happened to me - I took a job as a receptionist in a metal processing facility simply because I needed to pay bills and support my two young kids. It wasn't a career path I chose, but I gave it a chance, and it turned into a 30-year career that I'm passionate about.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you're going sit at that table, you're going feel intimidated, but know that you're paving the way for other females to sit at the same table. When I first started, there were no women at the table. I sat at many tables with a lot of just male counterparts. We earned our seat at the table just as much as any man, and I suggest females come up in the industry and just take those challenges and walk proud.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge within the industry right now is manpower. It's tough to find manpower that is going to be dedicated to come to work every day. Staffing is a huge issue right now, and that's the number one headache out there for us.
Locations
Peerless Steel Co
2450 Austin Drive, Troy, MI 48083
Peerless Steel - Saginaw
2820 Nodular Drive, MI, 48601
Peerless Steel - Grandville
3280 Century Center St SW, MI
Peerless Steel - Dayton
2221 Arbor Blvd, Moraine