Spring 1981

Soulé Steel News

"WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"

Volume V — Spring 1981 Issue — Number 6

SPOTLIGHT: The Finance Department — Lifeline of the Company

The Soulé Steel Company's Finance Department has started a "new beginning" under the leadership of Jim Knox, its department head. Jim joined the Company approximately a year and a half ago.

With the Company having sales in the area of $75 million per year, it is necessary that the best and sharpest possible Finance Department is at the helm. In order to accomplish this, the Finance Department's members have been developed into a closely coordinated team under Jim Knox's tutelage. Jim has most recently been elected a Director and named to the position of Vice President-Finance and Treasurer. In this capacity he reports to the President, and is a member of the Board of Directors, the Planning Committee, and the Management Committee. Those functions that now report under him are as follows:

1. Accounting 2. Credits and Collections 3. Information Systems 4. Internal Auditing 5. Planning 6. General Finance

Accounting

The accounting function is directed by Ralph Garcia, a 19-year veteran and the Corporate Controller & Assistant Secretary of the Company. Directly assisting Ralph is Hedy Breakfield, who joined the Company in March of 1980. Hedy is the Assistant Controller & Assistant Secretary. She is located at our Carson office, and is assisted by the Manager of Cost Accounting, Luke Hung, who also has been with Soulé for one year.

Credits and Collections

Alan Hayden became the General Credit Manager for Soulé on January 1, 1981, when Wilson Ringer, the Company's former General Credit Manager, retired. Alan has been with Soulé since August of 1976. Prior to his promotion he was Regional Credit Manager for the Company in Southern California.

Information Systems

Heading up the Information Systems function is Dale Cluse, Director of Information Systems. Dale was promoted to this position when the Company's data processing systems were centralized under his department.

Along with the Data Processing Task Force, Jim Knox has recommended, and the Company is in the process of purchasing, new data processing equipment known as VAX-11/780 manufactured by the Digital Equipment Corporation. To be located in the Company's new

*Photo: Jim Knox — Director, Vice President - Finance & Treas.*

*Photo: Ralph Garcia — Controller & Ass't. Sec., S.F.*

*Photo: Hedy Breakfield — Ass't. Controller & Ass't. Sec., Carson*

*Photo: Bill Vierra — Internal Auditor, Walnut Creek*

*Photo: Dale Cluse — Director, Information Systems, Carson*

*Photo: Steve Illencik — Manager, Information Systems, L.A.*

*Photo: Tom Kelley — Manager, Business Systems, Carson*

*Photo: Luke Hung — Manager, Cost Accounting, Carson*

*Photo: Charley Mayers — Ass't. Office Mgr., S.F.*

The Finance Department: Lifeline of the Company

"Enthusiastic and competent individuals, working together, are the major force behind the productivity of our Finance — and any — Department." — Jim Knox

Southern California headquarters on Dominguez Avenue in Carson, California, this equipment will bring together all of the other corporate data processing activities at one location.

Reporting to Dale Cluse are Tom Kelley, Manager of Data Processing-Business Systems, and Steve Illencik, Manager-Engineering Systems. Together they have the total responsibility for all of the data processing activity of the Company. Steve Illencik recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to set up a data processing facility for Zamil-Soulé Steel Buildings Company, Ltd. (to whom we are now giving technical service) at their headquarters in Dammam, Saudia Arabia.

Internal Auditing

Heading up the corporate internal auditing department is Bill Vierra, Internal Auditor, who joined the Company in June of 1980. He is located in the headquarters office in Walnut Creek, and reports directly to Jim Knox. However, on a functional basis, Bill also reports to the President of the Company. Since joining Soulé, Bill has spent a major part of his time reviewing the Company's systems to assure that they provide for the protection of all assets, as well as produce reliable financial statements.

Planning

About a year ago, the Finance Department, which previously had five major functions, took over an additional function — that of formalizing a corporate long-range plan. At that time Lowell Carstensen, who had headed up the Planning Department, turned this function over to the Finance Department. With the help of other members of management, department heads, and division members, Jim and his staff have done an excellent job in putting together a written corporate five-year strategic plan. On this basis, Management can thus see clearly what the financial and other objectives are for the next five years.

General Finance

The final function, general finance, is coordinated by Jim Knox. It includes all dealings with banks, insurance companies, leasing companies, and the Company's independent auditors. The banks with which the Company works are United California Bank, Crocker National Bank and Bank of America; our insurance broker is Frank B. Hall Company, and our independent auditors are Deloitte, Haskins & Sells.

The Finance Department, a service arm of the Company, is made up of approximately 50 employees located at Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Carson. In the words of the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Stanley E. Soulé, "Our Company's Finance Department, under the direction of Jim Knox and his professional group of managers, is now performing the full serviceability function in order that the operational managers will get exact and pertinent information on time so that they can achieve their planned objectives . . . Jim and his people are to be congratulated for this achievement."

The total Finance Department is an extremely important arm of the Company in that it not only obtains the cash for the Company to operate, but it provides the information for it to function. It's no longer the "Green Eyeshade Crew" . . . it is a modern professional and managerial financial group, the lifeline of any company.

*Photo: Front: Lurene Ross, Fran Ardis; Back: Tom Berry, Alan Hayden, General Credit Manager, Carson*

*Photo: Daisy DeLuna, Staff Accountant; Fred Obertsen, Cost Accountant, Carson*

*Photo: Jack Morgan, Kevin Gannon, Accounting, Los Angeles*

**FLASH!** Bill Vierra has been promoted to Manager-General Accounting and will move to L.A., reporting to Hedy Breakfield, Ass't Controller.

*Photo: Mary Estrada — Staff Ass't., S.F.*

*Photo: Jonathan Willis — Maintenance, S.F.*

*Photo: Peter Soulé — Corporate Staff Accountant, S.F.*

*Photo: Dona M. Davis — Executive Sec'y. to Jim Knox, Walnut Creek*

*Photo: Mona Pennington — PBX Operator, Carson*

*Photo: Angela Tinetti — Receptionist-Acctg., S.F.*

*Photo: Stephen Bundy — Programmer "B", Carson*

*Photo: June Duplice — Messenger, Carson*

*Photo: Mike Pinkett, Maria Lopez, Ken Wigal, Mark Waters, Information Systems, Los Angeles.*

*Photo: Front: Joan Shackelford, May Bollong, Ula Franke; Back: Howard Williams; Ed Shaban, Cost Accounting Supervisor Mill Products; George Saunders, Carson*

*Photo: Linda Lamothe, Accounts Payable Clerk; Lillian Ames, NCR Operator; Vonnie Bannon, Supervisor, Accounts Payable; Alice Johnson, Accounts Payable Clerk, Carson*

*Photo: Front: Anne Gillanders, Shirley Orsborn; Back: Pat Williams, May Taylor, Carson*

"Our Company's Finance Department is now performing the full serviceability function . . . Jim and his people are to be congratulated for their achievement."

Stanley G. Soulé President

*Photo: Kathy Waddel, Anna Holguin, Layda Arthur, Data Entry Operators; John Strang, Computer Operator; Toni Davis, Data Entry Operator; LaVerne Erwin, Sr. Computer Operator, Carson*

*Photo: Carmen Castagnoli and Ken Thomas, S.F.*

*Photo: Yvonne Kissinger, Head Accounts Payable Clerk; Emma Perez, Gen. Ledger Clerk, S.F.*

*Photo: Anna Pacheco, Hourly Payroll Clerk; Pat Cutrone, Hourly Payroll Coordinator; Nancy Spence, Head Salary Payroll Clerk, Carson*

Names in the News . . .

Board of Directors Elects Jim Knox Director & VP

At the February 20th Board of Directors meeting, James D. Knox was elected a director and Vice President-Finance & Treasurer of Soulé Steel Company.

In this position Jim has full responsibility for overseeing all corporate financial, accounting, credits, and collections functions. He is also responsible for all company-wide data-processing activities, and strategic and operating planning.

Jim came to Soulé in July of '79 from a previous position as controller with Edwards Pacemaker. He had also been associated with the American Hospital Supply and Aluminum Company of America as manager and senior cost accountant, respectively. He earned his M.S. in accounting from Duquesne University, and his B.B.A. at the University of Cincinnati.

Jim and his wife, Judy, live in Walnut Creek with their two children.

Alan Hayden Now General Credit Manager

Alan Hayden has been promoted to the position of General Credit Manager for the Company, following the retirement of Wilson Ringer.

With Soulé since August of 1976, Alan was promoted to Regional Credit Manager from his starting position of District Credit Manager.

Alan holds a bachelor's degree from California State University at Long Beach, and joined Soulé following seven years of experience with Beneficial Finance and SCM Corporation.

Alan makes his home in Long Beach with his wife, Karen, and their two children.

Don Eyman Northwest District Sales Manager

Don Eyman was named District Sales Manager of the Northwest District by General Manager Frank Burke. In making the announcement, Frank said, "By virtue of his proven performance and knowledge of the territory, Don will be a great asset to our organization, as we concentrate on the development of our dealer network."

Don had served in the same capacity for Chief Building Systems of Grand Island, Nebraska, having developed the Northwest Territory in recent years.

A resident of Washington State, Don and his wife, Dolores, with their three children make their home in Yakima.

Stanley E. Soulé, Jr. to Board of Directors

At the Annual Stockholders Meeting on February 20th, Stanley E. (Sandy) Soulé, Jr., was elected a Director of Soulé Steel.

Sandy's present position includes full responsibility for the marketing and operation of the Reinforcing Division, special rolled products, and the Steel Mill operation, in addition to his responsibilities as a Director and Assistant Secretary.

Until the middle of April, Sandy will be headquartered in Carson. Following that date, he will be in the corporate offices in Walnut Creek.

Sandy earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of California at Santa Barbara; he entered the master's program in business administration at the University of Colorado and graduated in 1973.

After four-and-one-half years with the U.S. Air Force, Sandy became a management trainee at the Soulé Mill in October of '73. He has been associated with mill operations and marketing for seven-and-one-half years.

Sandy and his wife, Anita, make their home in Danville, with their two children.

Specialty Steel Project's Program Manager

George Leitner will direct Soulé's evaluation of the special bar quality and high-grade alloy markets in his position as Program Manager-Specialty Steel Project. It was announced by Stanley E. Soulé, Jr., Director of Marketing and Operations—Mill Products Group.

Formerly the Director of Operations with Certified Alloy Products, a specialty alloy producer, George has been associated for 14 years with Cabot Corporation (Union Carbine) in a similar operation, after earning his bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering from Lehigh University.

John Crowhurst Earns Master's In Business Ad

In a scant 1½ years at Pepperdine University's School of Business & Management, John Crowhurst graduated in December 1980 with his master's degree in Business Administration.

Not one to sit on his laurels, John plans to start on his Ph.D. degree in the coming days, using the Metal Building Industry as the subject of his research.

John Bradsher Director & Vice President-Personnel

John W. Bradsher was elected to the Board of Directors of Soulé Steel, and made Vice President-Personnel for the Company.

In this position John is responsible for all personnel functions of the Company, including employment, training, labor relations, medical, safety, workers' compensation, security, management development, employee compensation and benefits, affirmative-action plans, personnel records, and group-insurance claims. He will continue to be headquartered at the Carson Personnel/Accounting office.

John's two years with Soulé were preceded by personnel responsibilities with McDonnell Douglas Corporation. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, and served in the U.S. Army in the Adjutant General Corps.

John makes his home in Palos Verdes with his wife, Nancy, and their three children.

Employee Relations Welcomes Craig Hoad

Craig Hoad has joined the Employee Relations staff as Manager of Compensation and Benefits, bringing to the Company a wide range of experience in wage and salary administration as well as employee benefits.

With a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Industrial Relations from USC, Craig's background in personnel and industrial relations will stand him in good stead.

New Manager for Buildings Division's Special Projects

Jon Walters has joined the Buildings Division as Manager - Marketing, for Special Projects. Involving all the division products with major firms involved in the continuous design of steel building projects, will be Jon's major responsibility. These firms and their geographical locations will be contacted on a planned and continuous basis, it was announced by Frank Burke.

Formerly with Inryco as assistant manager of business development, Jon attended Gordon College in Massachusetts and the University of Dayton in Ohio.

On Their Way Up

*Photo: Gregory Wegenka — was promoted to Quality Control Supervisor, Steel Buildings Plant Operations, on January 5th. Gregory joined Soulé in November '79.*

*Photo: Gary Hoehn — came to Soulé in March of '77 holding the position of Maintenance Electrician. He has been promoted to Maintenance Foreman.*

*Photo: Brad Railsback — of the Salt Lake Reinforcing Division has been promoted to Field Supervisor effective in February. He had been a Field Foreman.*

*Photo: Clinton May — is now Shift Melter in the Carson Mill. Clinton has been with Soulé since December of '69, when he was hired as General Helper.*

*Photo: Joel Redmond — first joined Soulé Steel in Carson as a Maintenance Mechanic in January of '80. His new position is that of Maintenance Foreman.*

Welcome Aboard

*Photo: Charles Adams — Security Guard, Carson*

*Photo: John Bakler — Security Guard, Carson*

*Photo: Lorrie Burton — Senior Secretary, Salt Lake City*

*Photo: Charles Crawford — Detailer Trainee, Fresno*

*Photo: Jim Emami — Design Engineer, Steel Bldgs., L.A.*

*Photo: Lisa Garcia — Sec'y — Sales, S.F.*

*Photo: Randy Guest — Security Guard, Carson*

*Photo: Dorothy Hartley — Tag Writer, Fresno*

*Photo: Ben H. Salazar — Elec. Mech. Design, Carson*

*Photo: Becky Tufts — Steel Bldgs. Sec'y, L.A.*

*Photo: Charlene Viviano — Sr. Clerk-Typist, L.A.*

*Photo: Everett White — Security Guard, Carson*

*Photo: Pat Williams — Gen. Clerk-Acctg., L.A.*

Old Timers Celebrate Years Of Service

It's celebration time for these Soulé employees, who are marking off milestones in their years of service with Soulé. Ken Hopper starts the list (see picture elsewhere in this issue) with 35 years of service; a Senior Detailer in the Newark Reinforcing Office, Ken's anniversary date was March 26th.

Next with 30 years is Bob Weyand, Director of National Accounts in Los Angeles Steel Buildings. Bob completed his three decades on March 1st.

A half decade of service each are James Johnson and Joseph Tolbert, each of whom completed five years as Experienced Helpers at the Los Angeles Steel Bldgs. Plant, on January 16th.

*Photo: Bob Weyand*

*Photo: Robert Cush*

*Photo: James Johnson*

*Photo: Joe Tolbert*

Ken Hopper: He's All Heart

A man who always has a warm smile and a handshake for everyone, Ken Hopper is a bona fide giver: he donated over 80 pints of blood to the Irwin Memorial Blood Bank. Above, he is receiving his Ten Gallon Blood Donor Award at a presentation luncheon, from Dr. Richard Bohannon, President of the Blood Bank.

At latest report, Ken is recovering in Stanford Hospital after open-heart surgery. All our best wishes go out to you, Ken.

Buildings Division's Cost Reduction Program: Work Smarter, Not Harder

The Buildings Division has begun a "Cost Reduction Program" headed up by the evaluation committee consisting of Hugh McKay, Sam Oliver, Hollis Palmer, Bill Dillenbeck, Greg Wegenka, Bob Acree, Bob Halter, Danny Phillips, and Tom Paxton. Everyone in the Division has been invited to participate. They have been finding ways to "work smarter, not harder"—and thereby reduce costs.

People have been turning in some very good suggestions to the committee. Not all of them are million-dollar savers, but it is surprising how some everyday work tasks can be simply changed to make work easier and reduce operating costs.

Award plaques are mounted on the bulletin boards in the offices and plant. In this way everyone can know about the suggestions and congratulate those with the smart ideas. Here are some of the "thinkers" with their great ideas:

Bob Lankin: Suggested a substitution of material in erecting our buildings. This suggestion is still being investigated.

Bob Acree: Suggested and found a better way to buy and store steel coils.

Rosalie Kotch: Suggested Xerox-saving methods and a new method for ordering office supplies.

Tom Paxton: Suggested an easier way to guide the web into the Conrac machine.

Dee Engelberg: Suggested savings/reduction in paperwork costs.

Hollis Palmer: Suggested a better way to have frames flow thru welding conveyor.

Andy Carter: Suggested a new way to purchase sheet steel that will result in considerable savings.

Soulé Supports Domestic Preference Bill

Legislation which would require the State of California buyers to give preference to American-made steel for state projects, has been introduced in the California Legislature.

The bills are supported by Soulé Steel, the United Steelworkers of America, United States Steel, Bethlehem Steel, Judson Steel, Kaiser Steel, and Ameron Steel.

The Senate bill was introduced by Senator Bill Greene and the Assembly bill was authored by Assemblyman Art Torres. Both share the steel companies' concern that the huge amount of foreign steel being sold in California is costing many Californians their jobs.

Fishin' Days Ahead

Walt Brunson enjoyed his retirement party hosted by his fellow employees of the shop and shipping crews. Walt, leadman in the Frame Welding Shop, L.A. Steel Buildings Plant, retired on February 6th, and was the recipient of a new fishing pole and cowboy hat from his envious cohorts. Good fishing.

STORK VISITS

**Emma Perez**, General Ledger Clerk in the S.F. office, became a great-grandmother for the first time on February 15th to a bouncing baby boy Nicholas, the son of Alsa and Roy Korobi (the stork dropped him?)!

**Bill Duncan**, Sales Engineer in Newark, is bragging about his new grandson: Jack William Driscoll, born February 3rd, and ringing in as grandchild No. 5.

Doubles!—Yes, twins for Salt Lake Field Foreman **Al Krebs** and Vicky. An 11-pound combination! Double congratulations, Al.

**Ken Wigal** passed out cigars and candy announcing the happy event of the arrival of Estela Blianca, whom Ken (L.A. Programmer) and Blianca welcomed on January 25th.

ORCHIDS

Orchids to: **Anna Pulido**, Data Entry Operator in Information Systems, Carson, who married Joseph Holguin on January 18th. The duo is now residing in Los Angeles. May you have wonderful years ahead.

CAPITAL STUFF

**Detailer's Details:** John Bishop of the Fresno office was full of details about his daughter, Terri's, trip to the Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., with the Clovis High School Golden Cougar Marching Band. The band stayed for a week in the capital and took in all the sights.

SPRING 1981 ISSUE

**SOULÉ NEWS**

Published Quarterly by the SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY 1910 Olympic Boulevard, Suite 151 Walnut Creek, California 94596

HOWARD SOULÉ Editor in Chief

DARLEEN HUCKINS — Editor — South SHERRYL HAAS — Walnut Creek JOHN ROGACHENKO — Roving Reporter LEE STOCKON — Los Angeles FURMAN DAVIS — Phoenix LORRIE BURTON — Salt Lake City BARBARA BURNHAM — Carson JO DAVIS — Fresno JANET NEUBERT — Newark RITA RAUSCH — Sacramento CHARLES MAYERS — San Francisco LINDA LAMOTHE — Carson Reporter