Built to Last | Episode 2: The Pivotal Years

Episode 2 of Built to Last explores the pivotal years that helped shape Metalcraft's future during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.Former CEOs Wally Smeby and Doug Peterson join Steve Doerfler to discuss leadership transitions, the emergence of barcode technology, the company's first computer systems, ownership changes, strategic planning, and the innovations that helped drive Metalcraft's growth.The conversation covers leadership changes, Metalcraft's transition from paper systems to computers, the emergence of barcode technology, the 1993 ownership buyout, catalog marketing, strategic planning, digital printing innovation, and the early development of RFID technology.Along the way, Wally and Doug share firsthand stories about the challenges, opportunities, and decisions that helped shape the future of Metalcraft. From a laser engraving system that literally blew up during testing to the ownership philosophy that kept Metalcraft private and locally led, this episode captures a remarkable period in company history.