Built to Last Episode 1: The Early Years

Episode 1 of Built to Last features former CEO Wally Smeby reflecting on the early years of Metalcraft and his remarkable career with the company spanning more than six decades. Hosted by former CEO Steve Doerfler, the conversation begins with Wally joining Metalcraft in 1959 as Assistant Controller, when the company had just 20 employees and approximately $300,000 in annual sales.Throughout the episode, Wally shares stories about Metalcraft’s early growth, the company’s culture of ownership, and the leadership philosophy that helped shape the organization over the years. He also discusses some of Metalcraft’s earliest manufacturing innovations, including custom production systems, adhesive development, and products that helped fuel company growth during the 1960s and 1970s.The conversation offers a unique look at the people, challenges, leadership lessons, and innovative thinking that helped build Metalcraft into the company it is today.