STI/SPFA recently spoke with Erin Mayer, Vice President of Operations at Freedom Waterworks, about her career in the steel fabrication industry.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
Erin Mayer: In 1989, Leon and Leslie Cohen established Cohen Industrial Supply Co., laying the foundation for excellence in fabrication and distribution of American-made pipe. In recent years, under new leadership, our company has experienced exponential growth, which has paved the way for our rebranding as Freedom Waterworks.
The transition to Freedom Waterworks marks a new start under dynamic leadership. We’re not just changing our name but also transforming into a national industry leader. Our commitment to serving communities and industries across America is stronger than ever, as we leverage our local expertise on a larger scale.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Mayer: I never planned to be in the waterworks industry; I grew up in the agricultural world and went to school for animal science. I pursued my career in that industry for 5 years out of college and I was looking for a change.
I went to my trusted source of hireaggies.com and found Cohen Industrial Supply. I met with Leslie Cohen and Zak Hudnall about an opportunity with the company and I came onboard in 2018. I guess the saying ‘Aggies hire Aggies’ is true!
STI/SPFA: Who has inspired you in your career?
Mayer: The first person I met in this industry was Leslie Cohen. Anyone who knows him knows he is ball of fire and lives for this industry. I have been able to grow my career with Freedom Waterworks with his belief in me and my drive to push myself to the next level.
One thing I admire about Leslie is his tenacity and the love he still has for this industry, never settling, 35 years later. I have found a voice in this company and industry and have felt supported every step of the way.
Dallas, Texas Charlie II Pump Station
STI/SPFA: What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career so far?
Mayer: It’s hard to point to just one moment as my favorite. What stands out most is seeing the growth of my colleagues and the company as a whole. It’s been a wild ride, and it still feels like we’re just getting started. I’m constantly amazed by how far we’ve come over the past eight years, and I’m excited about the bright future ahead.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Mayer: Take the time to get to know everyone. The industry still feels like a small atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and is working towards the same goal. Invest in the relationships you make and build together.
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Mayer: I believe that supply and demand will be a major challenge in the industry in the next few years.
There has been a huge push with BABA and AIS to increase domestic supplied materials in the industry and when you accompany that with large investment and funding of America infrastructure that has recently been put in place, I have started to see a trend of longer lead times and hope that our manufacturing facilities can produce what is needed.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Mayer: STI/SPFA has helped build our company structure and quality assurance program advance in many ways which has led to accuracy and helped instill the trust our customer has in our work. I appreciate the continued growth and push towards excellence as the SPFA guidelines and requirements adapt and evolve to make its members better fabricators and companies.
