Tim O'Toole

Making Money and Helping Others

Making Money and Helping Others: A Simple Guide

Money plays a crucial role in our lives. It allows us to experience joy and comfort, whether it is through vacations, good food, or living in a nice home. Having…

Read More
U.S. Reshoring Surges as China’s Exports to the U.S. Plunge

Reshore to Reduce the Risk of Retaliation from China

U.S. president Trump has threatened to impose up to 60% tariffs on imports from China. Although the intent is to safeguard U.S. industries, China has been ramping up its protectionism…

Read More
Work Less, Do More, Make More!

Work Less, Do More, Make More!

Many company owners and managers complain about working too many hours. While speaking at industry conventions, I surveyed attendees about their work life habits. How do you compare? Typical Work…

Read More
The State of Marijuana in the Workplace

2025 and Ongoing Marijuana in the Workplace Evolving Legislation

Over the past decade we have seen significant changes throughout the country at the local and state level related to medicinal and recreational marijuana, with the majority of states legalizing…

Read More
FLAMESHIELD®

7 on 7 with Stephen Meeker

STI/SPFA recently spoke with Stephen Meeker, President of Hamilton Tanks, LLC, about his career in the steel fabrication industry. STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company. Stephen Meeker: Hamilton…

Read More
Welding Steel Pipe

Industry Leaders Who Started As Apprentices — Part Two

In part one of this series, I discussed the importance of a strong U.S. apprenticeship program and how its success would sustain manufacturing jobs at home, while helping to reshore millions of…

Read More
Your Health is Your Wealth

Your Health is Your Wealth – Prioritizing Longevity and Well-being

In the fast-moving business world, it is easy to prioritize work, deadlines, and wealth accumulation over your health. However, you may find that if you spend the first half of…

Read More
Too Much to Do

Let Go to Grow!

Construction business owners must get a huge return on their time based on the risk they take. Every year, contractors sell, create, perform, build, produce, and install materials. So, you…

Read More
P66 Phase II and III Crude Projects

Notes From the 2024 API Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting

STI/SPFA Standards Engineer, Joe Mentzer, had the opportunity to attend the API 2024 Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meeting in Dallas. Below are notes of interest for STI/SPFA members. This…

Read More
U.S. Capitol in Washingon, D.C.

STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee Efforts Result in Key HTS Codes Included in Foreign Pollution Fee Act

On behalf of the STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee, we are excited to share that Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have released a discussion draft of their…

Read More