Our proudest attribute is the people that make it all happen. For nearly 70 years, Steel & Tube has employed a range of talented, intelligent, and all-around great people, building up one strong team.
It's no secret that a large portion of our employees have been involved in the steel industry for decades, but there's one individual whose service stands out from the crowd. Steve Baker has been with us for almost 43 years, and although he is moving to “the other side of the desk as a customer”, Steve’s accomplishments through the steel industry will not be forgotten.
To celebrate his journey, we decided to shed light on his career with Steel & Tube:
Steve started his career as a fitter/welder and credits his trade background as vital to his success.
In 1979 Steve moved into a sales role with Cable Price Steel. As that business grew, so did Steve’s career. In 1990 Steve officially joined Steel & Tube after it acquired Cable Price Steel.
Photo: Cable Price Corporation LTD, (year unkown)
Steve shares, “Steel & Tube, particularly over the '90s and early 2000s, undertook significant growth and became without a doubt one of New Zealand's leading steel distributors. This was through great decision-making and tactical acquisitions.”
After five years as an Account Manager, Steve received a promotion to Sales Manager for Palmerston North and once again was promoted to Branch Manager in 2002 for Steel & Tube New Plymouth.
“One particularly memorable moment from Palmerston North was also my first key negotiation at the time. Howard Manufacturing was using significant volumes of plate and was a customer of focus for the branch. Working with our procurement team, we secured a favourable volume offer from our vendor New Zealand Steel and were able to secure the customer's business.”
“New Plymouth also brought great enjoyment when I would call on Fitzroy Yachts. They manufactured the frigates for the Navy, as well as lavish lifestyle yachts – the scale was something!” adds Steve.
Following success in New Plymouth, Steve took on responsibility for the Wellington Branch and moved to the capital in 2005. This was a relatively brief role after which he was offered the challenge to launch a new sales division called Chain & Rigging.
“As such, I became the Product Specialist for Chain & Rigging in the Lower North Island. My strong customer relationships within the area led me to promote and sell the entire product group, and in 2016 I moved into a general Account Manager role, which I have been in since.”
A relatively condensed 42.5 years of significant success, sales, and navigating multiple economic cycles, all of which started with a trade in steel.
Photo: A few words being shared at Steve Baker's (on the right) farewell dinner
“I am a vocal promoter of getting a trade and encourage young people to upskill with one of these hard skills. They will always have value and translate to other roles which is evident in my career stemming as a fitter/welder.”
With all that time in the steel industry, we asked Steve where he envisions the industry in New Zealand moving.
“Following the Christchurch earthquakes, New Zealand construction has seen a significant shake-up, with the introduction of widespread seismic strengthening and diligence on the quality of builds”.
“I believe this trend of high-quality, durable builds, many of which use steel, will continue, which means more jobs kept locally and better buildings.”
Steve will no doubt leave a lasting impression on our team and company for years to come.
A few close colleagues would like to share some words on Steve:
“Not only is Steve a wealth of knowledge, but he constantly offers a hand if you need one. He’s there if you have a question or want a second opinion and is always up for a laugh in the office. I really valued my time working with Steve at the Wellington branch and it will be very different without him. I wish Steve all the best” Grace Campbell, National Project Manager.
“Great bloke with lots of great times and laughs over the years. When he started growing the beard he wanted to be Santa and learn to fly, he had a go at flying many years ago up at Mt Ruapehu but unfortunately, the car didn’t have wings like Santa’s sledge” Mike Whittaker, Sales Specialist and Long Term Steel & Tube Fixture (35 Years).
“Customers love Steve. His high-performing nature, his extensive product knowledge across the entire range, and simply for being Steve; a great personability and always a good laugh. He has been an excellent member of the team, lending a hand as needed. He will truly be missed – thank you Steve!” Wade McKenzie, Wellington Sales Manager
“In an era of single-serve products, Steve has shown a resounding level of commitment and commendable loyalty. A dependable figure in the business, and a true fountain of knowledge – Steve has always stood out as a great part of the S&T family. Customers love him, and the team appreciate the genuine passion he has for helping out – he will certainly be missed! Steve, you are the man – thank you!” Rupert Nodder, Indent Trading Manager
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