Company address: 21475 Doral Road, Waukesha, WI 53186
Company Web site: www.sanborntube.com
Industry: Metals distributor of tubing and mill representative
Number of employees: 14
Company’s annual revenues: More than $20 million.
Education: Attended Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill.
Family: Husband, Steve Johnson; and son, Mark Schock.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
"We hired an experienced quality manager."
What’s new at your company?
"We created a board of advisors."
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
"Hiring – no. We plan to invest in inventory management software."
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
"Costs of material, fuel and energy costs, and availability of product."
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
"Lean manufacturing."
Do you have a business mantra?
"Service, service, service."
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
"My father, who established a role model for the work ethic that is required to be successful and respected."
What was the best advice you ever received?
"Make sure you keep the balance between your business life and personal life."
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
"My first trip to the steel mill, I wore high heels and a silk blouse and linen pants. The floor is very slippery with oil. There were mesh stairs to climb, and in order to see the process you had to stand close enough to get hit with spraying coolant."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"Read, exercise, golf and visit my grandchildren."
