The STI/SPFA Board Member Spotlight highlights the leaders who help guide the association and support its mission. Each feature introduces a board member, their company, and their role in the industry while sharing their perspective on leadership, member involvement, and the value of serving STI/SPFA.
This month, we highlight Bob Nemeth, Executive Vice President at Stanwade Metal Products, Inc.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about your company and your role in the organization.
Bob Nemeth: Stanwade started business in 1947, founded by Stanley Woofter. In the early years, the company made children’s furniture and joined STI in 1980.
Currently, Stanwade has three locations and manufactures steel storage tanks and distributes of a full product line of petroleum equipment. With the support and technologies of STI/SPFA the company continues to grow.
Since Stanwade prides itself on efficiencies both in manufacturing and administration, my responsibilities are broad and wide. Therefore, I have become a master of multitasking. I oversee fiscal management, human resources, compliance issues, inventory management, and other things as needed.
It’s been a great career choice because I rarely get bored.
STI/SPFA: How did you first become involved with STI/SPFA?
Nemeth: In 1994, the President of Stanwade, Tim Woofter, asked me to attend the STI/SPFA Annual Meeting and to get involved. At that meeting I went to work meeting new people, networking, and learning about the great benefits of being a member of STI.
Over the years I have had the honor of severing on many different committees. I always felt like my voice was heard and my input had a small part in the success of STI/SPFA.
STI/SPFA: Why did you want to serve on the STI/SPFA Board of Directors?
Nemeth: I felt my years of business experience and serving on many committees could make a difference with a different level of responsibility.
STI/SPFA: What do you get out of serving on the board?
Nemeth: Getting to interact with other business leaders with the common goal of advancing STI/SPFA with being able to set personal interest aside. It has always been remarkable to me to have competitors in the same room with the intent to improve our industry.
STI/SPFA: What do you see as one of the biggest opportunities for STI/SPFA members?
Nemeth: I feel strongly about the friendships I have developed over the years. This has allowed me to be a better manager because I learned so much more about the tank industry due to these personal relationships. Members are always willing to help with issues that I have encountered.
ln addition, STI/SPFA has offered me many educational opportunities to have a better understanding of the steel tank industry.
STI/SPFA: What would you say to a member who is considering getting more involved?
Nemeth: Simply put, as it was told to me many years ago, “get involved.” I guarantee you will never regret being actively involved with STI/SPFA.
