first issue 2019 - cdn.ymaws.com · 14117 garrett road, houston, tx 77044 † southerntubulars.com...

32
First Issue 2019

Upload: others

Post on 27-Jan-2021

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • First Issue 2019

  • The 2017 Convention in Las Vegas seemslike yesterday.

    Looking back, it was a year of electoralsurprises. We were coming out of one of theworst industry downturns since the 1980's.Fortunately, the past two years have seenan upturn in the market. Much of our timeover that period has been devoted topredicting the outcome of Section 232 anddealing with the impact. In the short term,business has been good, but stay tunedbecause that story is still being written.

    I am pleased to report that, thanks to thehard work of the Staff and the Board ofDirectors of the NASPD, your association isin fine financial shape and continues togrow.

    I cannot thank Susannah Porr and GailBelcik enough for their hard work anddedication to our organization. Theycontinued keeping the NASPD financiallysound and running efficiently during mytenure.

    Thank you to the Board of Directors and allthe committee members who so generouslygive their time to benefit the organization. Ifyou have not served on a committee, pleaseconsider it. It is my belief that you willregard the experience to be as rewarding asI have.

    One of our goals has focused on theinvolvement of younger members in theassociation and I am very excited about theinception of our NASPD LeadershipProgram to be launched in New Orleans. Itis a great opportunity for our youngermembers to develop valuable leadershipskills for the benefit of their companies, theindustry, the NASPD and themselves. Ourgoal is that this program will grow tobecome the premier training ground foryoung professionals in the steel pipe

    (PRESIDENT continued on page 18)

    THIS

    ISSUEPresident’s Message 3

    Executive Director 4

    Upcoming Events 4

    News 6

    Guest Article 8

    New Members 9

    Member Spotlight 10Dean Daniels - MST

    NASPD Leadership Program 16

    Thank You Sponsors / Happy 20Hours

    Blast From The Past 21

    Fall Conference Photos 22

    Convention Information 28

    With Sympathy 29

    Out & About 30

    LET THE GOODTIMES ROLL

  • From a personal standpoint, I amlooking forward to a productive2019. As many of you know, myhusband’s manufacturing business burnedto the ground almost a year and a half agodue to an electrical fire. It was a trying timefor our family, Don taking on the majority ofthe burden. When something like thathappens, it makes you think about all yourrelationships. As for our marriage, itreminded me of how much I love andrespect my husband for the person he is,both in his personal and professional life.He never once thought about taking the

    insurance money and walking away from allthe work it was to rebuild a company fromscratch. He knew his 60+ employees all hadfamilies depending on their paycheck andwould not likely find comparable work inVictoria, Texas. In the end, it was 16months of bleeding money before he had hisfirst cash flow positive month last October.While he had a very good relationship withhis bank, by the time he was able to get thedrawings for the rebuild and a bid from thecontractor, it had been 3 months with zerorevenue, and his balance sheet fell out ofcompliance for his fully drawn line of credit.The loan kicked over to the bank’s creditgroup who decided to cut bait. Don thenhad to create a new business plan and go ona road show, pitching to multiple banks tofind a backer to help him essentially startfrom scratch. By the time he found the newfinancial backing, his original contractorbacked out of the deal (rising costs –Hurricane Harvey), and Don had to go backto the 2nd and 3rd contractors to work out

    PIPELINE STAFF NASPD CONTACTand

    INFORMATION

    Executive Director/Publisher

    Susannah Feux Porr

    Office Administrator

    Gail Belcik

    Communications Manager

    Jessica Pena

    NASPD MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICES:

    NASPD Headquarters

    1501 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 307

    Victoria, 77904TX

    Phone: 361-574-7878; Fax: 832-201-9479

    E-mail: [email protected]

    Office hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm CST

    Web site: http://www.naspd.com

    Editor/Publishing Services/Advertising Sales

    Linda W. Key

    ADVERTISING IN PIPELINE:

    Linda Key: phone 361-649-5562

    Email: [email protected]

    © 2019 National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors,

    Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

    reproduced or utilized in any form, or by any means,

    electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or other

    recording, or by any information storage or retrieval

    system, without the express written permission of the

    publisher, the National Association of Steel Pipe

    Distributors, Inc. ( ), a nonprofit organizationNASPD

    representing the steel pipe and tubing industry. The views

    expressed herein are the opinions of the authors, and do

    not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of

    NASPD.

    2019 Annual ConventionMarch 6-9

    Omni Royal Orleans HotelNew Orleans, LA

    2019 Summer ConferenceJune 20-22

    Hotel Omni Mont-Royal HotelMontreal, Canada

    2019 Fall ConferenceOctober 17-19

    The Scott Resort & SpaScottsdale, AZ

    2019 Steel Pipe Basic Education and OCTGSpecialty Education Course

    Webinar: April 1-5In Person Attendance: November 7-9

    Hilton Houston Post Oak HotelHouston, TX

    More event info: www.naspd.com

    2019 Steel Pipe BasicEducation Course andOCTG SpecialtyEducation Course

    November 7-9Member: $750.00Non-Member: $900.00

    Hilton Post Oak Hotel2001 Post Oak Blvd.Houston, TX

    NEW

    2019 Steel Pipe BasicEducation Course &OCTG SpecialityEducation CourseApril 1-5

    (EXECUTIVE DIR. continue on page 18)

  • 14117 Garrett Road, Houston, TX 77044 • SOUTHERNTUBULARS.COM • 281-456-0321

  • Edwards: New Plans forFormer Avondale Shipyard Site

    (NEWS continued on page 7)

    AVONDALE, La. - October 2018Four years after it was shuttered for good,Avondale Shipyards is getting a new leaseon life.

    Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday theformer shipyard site has been purchasedand will be redeveloped into a globallogistics hub. Edwards joined executivesof the companies forming the joint venture— President and CEO Adam Anderson ofT. Parker Host Inc. and CEO RobertoPerez of Hilco Redevelopment Partners —at a ceremony to announce the new plans.The purchase price was not disclosed.

    “We know that golden age of shipbuildingwill not return to Avondale,” Edwardssaid. “But after many months of discussion,we have secured a visionary private-sectorpartner to create a new path for growth atAvondale. This purchase represents a greatopportunity to bring new investment, jobsand prosperity back to Avondale, with asharp focus on attracting logistics andmanufacturing leaders in the globaleconomy.”

    News outlets report Avondale MarineLLC, will take over the site with the aim ofcreating a shipping hub that can sendcargo out on ships, trucks and trains. Thecompany, which is a partnership betweenHilco, an Illinois-based financial servicesfirm, and Host, a shipping agent based inVirginia, has been negotiating the sale formonths with the site’s owner, HuntingtonIngalls, Inc.

    “Our goal is to place Avondale into thesupply chain as a multimodal, globallogistics hub that not only moves goodsbut actually adds value on-site,” Andersonsaid.

    The Avondale site has high crane capacityand more than 8,000 feet of river access,including deepwater access, officials havesaid, making it a prime location for ashipping hub. The redevelopment couldbring as many as 2,000 direct jobs back tothe site, they have said.

    “We’re thrilled to leverage our extensivee x p e r i e n c e i n r e d e v e l o p i n g a n dtransforming facilities that are at the end oftheir current useful life into modern,productive businesses for the future,” saidPerez.

    In recent months, Jefferson Parish, the Portof New Orleans and the Public Belt

    Z Modular to Locate in Killeen,Texas. Bringing 250 jobs to theAreaCHICAGO - October 2018 — Z Modular,a division of Zekelman Industries,announced it has purchased the 230,000-square-foot building at 710 Swanner Loopin the Killeen Industrial Park in Killeen,Texas. The new facility will manufactureAmerican-made steel-framed modules for avariety of markets, including hospitality,university student housing and affordablemultifamily housing.

    “We’re excited to be openly welcomed intothis community,” said Douglas Henriquez,general manager of Z Modular, “and willrely on the local, highly skilled workers torun our innovative approach to traditionalbuilding methods.”

    “I am proud to announce that our economicdevelopment team has secured anothermajor employer for the Killeen area. This isthe latest in a series of businesses to locateor expand in our city over the past fewyears. This is clearly indicative of the hardwork of the KEDC, as well as the favorablebusiness climate in our city,” noted KilleenMayor Jose Segarra.

    The company expects to hire up to 250highly skilled workers within three years,and will utilize steel-related materialsincluding steel hollow structural sectionsfor the frame, steel conduit for electricalraceways, and steel pipe for mechanicala p p l i c a t i o n s . T h e s e p r o d u c t s a r emanufactured in the United States byZekelman Industries, the parent companyof Z Modular.

    About Z ModularZ Modular is a one-stop shop for modularbuildings and services that utilizes a self-bracing structural system that allows formore factory completion than othermodular construction systems. We helpbuilding developers reduce the cost ofdesign, fabrication and building assemblywith fully finished modular buildings —that’s how we MAKE IT eZ.

    CN and 4-H Canada RenewPartnership to Advance YouthLeadership and SafetyREGINA, Saskatchewan, November 2018(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CanadianNational Railways and 4-H Canada,announced the renewal of their partnershipto advance youth leadership and safety inCanada. Made possible through a four yearcommitment, the renewed annual 4-HCanada Leadership Excellence Awards ofD i s t i n c t i o n ( L . E . A . D . ) r e c o g n i z eexceptional 4-H senior youth members andshowcase their accomplishments in thearea of leadership excellence and safety.

    “L.E.A.D. is 4-H Canada’s most prestigiousscholarship that recognizes 4-H seniory o u t h t h a t a r e m a k i n g l a s t i n gcontributions to their communities andthat seeks to help them as they move intotheir post-secondary careers,” saidShannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. “Thispartnership renewal is a testament to CN’scommitment to fostering youth leadershipand safety in Canada and our shared valuein investing in youth in rural andagricultural communities.”

    L.E.A.D. recipients each benefit from four-year scholarships in the amount of $5000per year toward their post-secondarystudies. They also are matched with amentor who plays a leadership role in theirindustry and community. This mentorshiprelationship is an important component ofthe award program and will help theL.E.A.D. recipients as they forge theircareers. Recent studies have estimated thatfrom 2013 to 2022 there will be almost7 4 , 0 0 0 j o b o p e n i n g s i n C a n a d i a nagriculture, but only 49,000 projected jobseekers. This represents a huge opportunityfor the country’s youth and it starts withmentorship opportunities and skillstransfer.

    “CN is excited to continue our support forthe L.E.A.D. program that fosters ruralyouth leadership,” said Sean Finn,Executive Vice-President of CorporateServices and Chief Legal Officer of CN, whoannounced the renewal of CN sponsorshipfor four more years in Regina today. “Theprogram has been very successful inmeeting the goal of developing futureleaders who will promote our shared valuesof leadership and safety across our nation.”

    The recipients of the L.E.A.D. scholarshipswill be announced in the Fall of 2019.

    R a i l r o a d h a v e a l l e n t h u s i a s t i c a l l ysupported the project by agreeing tofavorable incentives and terms withAvondale Marine, including the building ofa railroad spur to the site and a “payment inlieu of taxes,” or PILOT program to help thedevelopers.

    Note: A tour of this facility is offered withthe NASPD Convention March 6-9.

  • Pipeline 7

    (NEWS continued from page 6)

    About 4-H CanadaFor over 100 years, 4-H Canada has beenone of the most highly respected positiveyouth development organizations inCanada. 4-H Canada has close to 25,000members and more than 7,700 volunteerleaders. Our goal is to help youngCanadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe,inclusive and fun environment. We believein nurturing responsible, caring andcontributing youth leaders who arecommitted to positively impacting theircommunities across Canada and around theworld.

    Darrow Employees AidCapsized BoatDecember 2018 - Around 11:40 a.m. onOctober 4 in Darrow, Louisiana, CooperConsolidated’s Maintenance ManagerRonnie Turner received a call from a sandpit company at Mile 180 of the MississippiRiver. The company reported that a fishingboat had just overturned, stranding twom e n i n t h e m u r k y w a t e r . R o n n i ei m m e d i a t e l y c o n t a c t e d c r e w b o a toperators Edwin Belin and Jeff Johnese at

    Mile 180. Hopping aboard the Wesley Swith two team members from the America,Tommy Flanagan and Andy Scherer, theCooper Consolidated crew sped intoaction. Upon arrival at the overturnedfishing boat, they found the two menclinging to a navigation buoy — onewearing a life jacket and the other without.The Wesley S crew safely pulled the twomen from the water and returned to shorewhere they were met by local Sheriffdeputies and an ambulance. Due to thet imely response from our CooperConsolidated team, these two lives weresaved!

    Twenty-Nine Gray ReedAttorneys Named 2018 TopLawyers in HoustonDecember 2018 - NASPD member companyGray Reed is proud to announce that 29Houston-based attorneys have beenrecognized as 2018 Top Lawyers byHoustonia magazine for their outstandingtalents and achievements in the field of law.Out of all the law firms represented on thelist, Gray Reed had the most attorneys.

    The honorees include:Amy Allen, Mary Axelrad, Darin Brooks ,

    Austin Carlson, Stephen Cooney, ChanceDecker, Aaron Dobbs, Wes Dorman, GlenEichelberger, Katie English, Ben Fedorko,Scott Funk, John George, JJ Hardig,Preston Kamin, Charles Koerth, Dan Kroll,Andy Landry , Mary Mason, BrockNiezgoda, Jim Ormiston, Jennifer Perry,Lindsey Postula, Kyle Sanders, BrookeSizer, Gabe Vick, Joe Virene, CarolWilhelm, Paul Yale.

    The Top Lawyers of 2018 list was compiledbased on a peer-voting process, withDataJoe Research reviewing each ballotindividually and presenting the result toHoustonia magazine for final approval andadjustments after verification with theTexas Bar Association database.

    About Gray ReedA full-service Texas law firm with offices inDallas and Houston, Gray Reed provideslegal services to companies ranging fromstart-up to Fortune 500 as well as high networth individuals. Gray Reed attorneysassist clients with a myriad of legal issues

    (NEWS continued on page 14)

  • | GUEST ARTICLE

    Prepare for Slower Growthand Greater Risks in 2019

    2018 likely will be remembered for achieving solid economicgrowth, a highly volatile stock market, and an emerging tradewar with China. In 2019 we can expect slower growth,continued volatility, and China to resist significant market-basedreforms. These and other factors, combined with anenvironment of political uncertainty,could create greater risks.

    The U.S. economy is estimated tohave grown by 3 percent in2018. This rate is based onv a r i o u s c o m p o n e n t s ,including strong retaila n d c o n s t r u c t i o nsectors , and a realestate market that hass l o w e d d u e t o ah o u s i n g s h o r t a g e ,rising mortgage rates,and high home priceswhich have kept somebuyers on the curb. Andconsumer spending, whichrepresents 70 percent of U.S.output, is reflected in relativelystrong, but slightly decreasing consumerconfidence, says the Conference Board, a U.S. think tank.

    The labor market is another issue that has real impact. Theexceptionally low unemployment rate has been good for workers.But it has contributed to a labor and skills deficit that’s not good forbusinesses struggling to find them. Consequently, there are morethan 7 million non-farm job openings that have not been filled,according to the Bureau of LaborStatistics.

    M a n y i n d u s t r i e s , i n c l u d i n gmanufacturing, construction andtrucking, are experiencing the largestl a b o r s h o r t a g e s i n d e c a d e s . I fcompanies can’t find the employeesand skills they need, they can’t growresulting in downward pressure oneconomic growth.

    But one of the biggest factors that willimpact the U.S. economy in 2019 is international trade.

    Although the changes are minimal and likely to lead to higher pricedautomobiles, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, knownas USMCA, if passed by Congress essentially resulting in a modifiedNAFTA, will help to reduce uncertainty and market volatility. Andthe likelihood that the U.S. and European Union can reach a

    8 Pipelineby Matthew Beckmann

    favorable trade agreement in 2019 will be another step in the rightdirection.

    But trying to get China to comply with all the demands made byPresident Trump will be unlikely by March 1 — the end of the 90-day

    trade truce agreed to by Trump and ChinesePresident Xi at the G20 meeting in

    Buenos Aires on December 1. Andhere’s why.

    For decades, Chinahas been subsidizingi t s s t a t e - o w n e denterprises therebygiving then an unfairc o m p e t i t i v eadvantage, pressuringU.S. companies tohand over technologyi n e x c h a n g e f o r

    m a r k e t a c c e s s , a n dp l a c i n g m a r k e tr e s t r i c t i o n s o n U . S .

    c o m p a n i e s . I n a d d i t i o n ,enforcement of Chinese intellectual

    property protection laws have been weakresulting in lost profits for American firms.

    To adequately address many of these concerns, as well as achievehigher levels of sustainable economic growth, China needs to pressahead with many market-based economic reforms it agreed toimplement when it joined the World Trade Organization inDecember 2001. But the speed at which this might occur, if at all,

    could have positive or negativeconsequences.

    F o r e x a m p l e , B e i j i n g s h o u l deliminate subsidies from its 100,000state-owned enterprises, many ofwhich underperform and put a dragon its economy. But to do so tooquickly could cause unemploymenta n d s o c i a l u n r e s t t o r i s e —something feared by the rulingCommunist party. On the otherhand, reforms initiated slowly that

    in the long run would alleviate trade tensions may not satisfy theWhite House timetable.

    How President Trump perceives China’s offer in March and presentsit to his base will determine if it is a win for the administration or areason to ratchet up the trade war that could turn into a cold war. Andthe latter would generate greater uncertainty and volatility — the

    Author John Manzella will be a speaker during the 2019 NASPD Convention in New Orleans.

    One of the biggest factorsthat will impact the

    U.S. economy in 2019is international trade.

    (GUEST ARTICLE continued on page 18)

  • NEW Members |

    Welcome NewMembersAmerican Eagle LogisticsAmerican Eagle Logistics (AEL) is a newProfessional Affiliate member. AEL is a full-service expedited land transportation andstorage provider servicing the continentalUS, with a strong emphasis on the Gulf ofMexico and major shale plays such asM a r c e l l u s , H a y n e s v i l l e , B a r n e t t ,Tuscaloosa, and Eagle Ford. Transportationis by Common Carrier, Contract Carrier,Logistics Consulting Services, Rail, ThirdParty Logistics Services and TransportationServices.

    American Eagle Logistics7829 Miller RoadHouston, TX 77049 USPhone: (832) 808-7468http://www.aeagle.net

    John Bertsch is the NASPD ContactOperations ManagerPhone: [email protected]

    Kadana USA Inc.

    Kadana USA Inc. is a new Associatemember. The Kadana Group of Companieshas been actively trading in Pipe & Tubeproducts for over 75 years with offices inUAE, India, Brazil and New Jersey, USA.The company’s products include: ERWStandard Pipe (ASTM A53) from ½” to 12”Fence Pipe, UL/FM Fire Sprinkler Pipe.Structural Tubing/HSS (ASTM A500) inBlack, Galvanized, and Powder Coatedfinishes. Line Pipe and OCTG conformingto API 5L and API 5CT from ERW, SAW,DSAW, and Seamless mills are also offered.Stainless Steel Pipe & Tube is also availablein welded and seamless grades. Pipe &Tube products are offered from variousorigin’s including UAE, India, Brazil,Thailand, Turkey, and more.

    Kadana USA Inc.100 Davidson Avenue

    Suite 106Somerset, NJ 08873 UShttp://www.kadanausa.com

    Utsav Sanghvi is the NASPD contact.Vice PresidentPhone: (732) [email protected]

    (NEW MEMBERS continued on page 14)

    Pe Ben USA, Inc.

    Pe Ben USA, Inc. is a new ProfessionalAffiliate member. The company is atransportation, consulting and servicesbusiness. They are involved in theplanning, offloading, stockpiling, andstringing of pipeline projects with varyingterrains and challenges all over the UnitedStates.

    Pe Ben USA, Inc.13738 FM 529 RoadHouston, TX 77041 USPhone: (281) 452-4204http://www.pebenusa.com

    Albert Labasse is the NASPD contact.Director of Business [email protected]

  • Dean DanielsBecoming a Beaver

    Beavers, the largest rodent in NorthAmerica, are admired for their diligence andintellect. They nurture lifelong socialstructures and stockpile food to sustaintheir settlements during times of scarcity.But perhaps most noteworthy is thecapacity to alter their environment, and indoing so, create new habitats that supportan incredible array of biodiversity. Naturalwaterway managers, beavers transformtransient flows into sustainable ponds. Theretention of water levels not only allowaquatic life to flourish but also provides asustainable source of water for largeranimals. Native American populationsrevere beavers as the “sacred center” of theearth. Troy, Michigan, a Northern suburb ofMetropolitan Detroit naturally adopted thebeaver as the symbol of their city.

    Exemplified through Big Beaver Road, thecity's main commercial thoroughfare, Troy,MI is home to an impressive list of largec o m p a n i e s , a n d s e v e r a l e s t e e m e dindividuals, one of whom is the focus of thistreatise, Dean Daniels - GM of Sales,Michigan Seamless Tube & Pipe.

    Cecil Dean Daniels III was born in theSpring of 1979, the oldest of three children.Another installment in a long line ofindustrious family members, the value ofhard work was instilled early and oftenwhile under the care of his parents and

    So happy for Dean and his ascensionat Michigan Seamless, it is welldeserved. I know he has worked hardand learned from the best for thisopportunity. We will miss Ted Fairly buthe couldn’t have a better person totake his place than Dean.

    Dean was only in Houston for a shorttime but “The Big Guy” made a lot offriends with the vendors here beforemoving to Chicago and now backhome to the Detroit area. Sorry wecan’t send some of the warmerweather your way Dean but I knowyour family is happy to have you backhome.

    All the best –Mike Rutenberg, Texas Pipe & Supply

    (MEMBER SPOTLIGHT cont. on page 12)

    grandparents. Like his Grandfather, CecilSr. - a proud Indiana ironworker, Deanprefers his middle name. Dean’s namesakeelection and career in the steel industrywere both a source of particular pride forhis Grandfather. Dean’s parents, Cecil andLinda, ran a strict household but it was oneof privilege and opportunity. Cecil workedin robotic welding sales and Linda was anurse and long term care consultant. Deanand his siblings wanted for nothing,particularly at Christmas when holidaycelebrations at the grandparents' saw theirhome transformed into something akin toF A O S c h w a r z . D e a n s h a r e d , “ M ygrandmother would line up all the kids andlead us in the singing of Happy Birthday toJesus. She was the best and is dearlymissed.” In 1964, Dean’'s grandparentspurchased a cottage in Alcona County. Athree hour drive up I-75 from NorthernDetroit, Alcona county has a bounty ofnatural resources to explore, from theHuron-Manistee National Forest to 36miles of Lake Huron shoreline. And exploreDean did, every other weekend during theSummer, riding quads through the woodsand strapping on his skies whenever therewas enough snow on the ground.

    Dean got his first job at Larson MiddleSchool as photographer for the newspaper.“It gave me access to the dark room” hejoked, “most people a few years my junior

    have never heard of such a thing”. What helearned about hard work from observinghis forebearers must have rubbed off,because Dean almost always had a job. Theapple rarely falls far from the tree, and theDaniels clan also know how to play hard.And Dean played hard with his childhoodchums, many of whom he feels veryfortunate to still count as close friends.When they weren’t out skiing, he and hisbuddies enjoyed out maneuvering eachother through marathon sessions of spadesand euchre. After graduating from AthensHigh School, Dean opted to continue hiseducation as a Bronco at WesternMichigan University, a roughly 150 milewestward trek to Kalamazoo. A freshman

    Above: A snowy sunrise while hunting onDean’s grandfather’s property

    Right: That same property in the fall whileriding 4 wheelers.

    Dean and his father, Cecil, enjoy fishingtogether. Above is a photo of his father whilethey were in Gulf of Mexico near MarcoIsland

  • (MEMBER SPOTLIGHT continued on page 19)

    12 Pipeline

    year co-opted by more marathon spades sessions and pledgingSigma Nu did little to deter him from earning a BBA in ‘01. Although,Dean contends, “It may have had a slightly negative impact on mygrades.” But he looks back at his college experience with fondnessand carries from that period a number of close friendships. Fouryears into a promising pipe career he also earned a MastersAccounting from Walsh College, “in case the pipe thing didn’t panout”.

    Some of us must travel the world over to meet the love of our life.Dean was lucky enough to grow up right down the street from hissoul mate. Dean and Joyce’s families moved into the same Troyneighborhood in 1989. The new kids on the block began a friendshipthat would eventually blossom into a lifelong love. They recently

    celebrated 13 happyyears of marriage.Spending time withfriends and family is apriority for the couplea n d D e a n s h a r e d ,“typically involveswine and too muchfood”. They love tot r a v e l a n dmemorialized their 10year anniversary inYosemite and NapaV a l l e y . A s aphotography buff ,Dean believes “thebreathtaking beautyof the Yosemite Valleycannot be overstated”.O n t h e w e e k e n d sDean and Joyce driveu p t o t h e f a m i l yc o t t a g e i n N EM i c h i g a n . D e a nsuggested of theirs t i n t i n H o u s t o n ,“Being away from thefamily cottage was theone of the hardestt h i n g s a b o u t t h em o v e ” . T h e ya p p r e c i a t e t h epeaceful setting ofrural NE Michigan,“It’s a great place toe n j o y f a m i l y a n dfriends away from thed i s t r a c t i o n s b a c khome. And it’s prettycool to see my threeyoung nieces enjoyingthe property like mysibl ings when wewere children.” Deanand Joyce keep thingsi n t e r e s t i n g b yplanning romantictrips anytime theyhave a long weekend.New Orleans’ FrenchQuarter just happensto be one their favoritedestinations and aplace they talk aboutp e r h a p s o n e d a yretiring.

    This May, Dean willhave been in the pipebusiness for 15 years.A n d s o m e w h a tremarkably for this

    Dean and his wife, Joyce, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

    Dean and his wife, Joyce, (left) enjoying funtimes with his sister, Bettye Ann and brotherin law, Kevin.

    I first recognized Dean as a potential"superstar" when he was working asinside sales. It only took a few years andDean had mastered the inside sales joband despite continuing to do a great job, itwas evident that Dean was becomingstale on the desk. I challenged Dean tostart doing some outside work along withhis inside duties focusing him on MST'salloy pipe customers. Dean readilyaccepted the challenge and really did anice job garnering additional market shareand market intell igence. When anopening in outside sales in the greaterDetroit area with a sister companybecame open, I didn't want to lose Deanbut I knew moving him into this positionwould be best for Dean in the short andlong term and also best for MST in thelong term. After a short stint in thisposition, MST's SW (TX-OK-AR-LA)territory become vacant and Dean agreedto return to MST and move to Houston. Injust three short years, Dean had masteredthis territory's customer base, marketsand products learning all the in's and out'sof the energy market. Then an opportunityin Chicago opened so Dean moved toChicago and again in a short period oftime mastered the Service Center baseand a host of OEM's. I knew with theseexperiences that Dean was ready for thenext step which opened when MST's GM-Sales decided to retire. Back to Detroitand the main office in South Lyon to takethe GM-Sales position. And now with myretirement, Dean is inherit ing themanagement of the outside sales groupas well as MST's marketing efforts.

    Dean has always been receptive to newchallenges and he is always quick todevelop relationships, gain marketknowledge and understand the dynamicsdriving buying decisions. I have enjoyedmentoring Dean over these past 11 yearsas he has always been open to advice,coaching and when needed criticism.There is no doubt in my mind that MST'ssales group and MST's customers are inexcellent hands with Dean in charge.

    Ted Fairley - MST

  • NASPD Scholarship ProgramNASPD Scholarship Program

    Applications accepted January 4 - April 3, 2019 at https://aim.applyISTS.net/NASPD/

    To be eligible for this award, you must:

    - be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior

    - be a dependent child, stepchild, or grandchild of a full-time employee of a NASPD-member company whoworks a minimum of 30 hours a week and has been employed for at least two years as of January 1, 2019

    - children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of Corporate Officers and Board Members of member companiesare not eligible to apply

    2018-2019 Scholarship RecipientsLauren Bault

    Parent: Thomas Bault with J. Joseph Consulting,Inc.

    Sophie CarnaghiParent: Peter J. Carnaghi with Trinity ProductsLLC

    Gabrielle DavisParent: Bryan Davis with Trinity Products Inc.

    Brian DunnParent: Chris Dunn with Marmon Keystone, LLC

    Danny LeeParent: Sue Ann Lee with Bise Welding &Fabricating

    Ellie NazzoliParent: James Nazzoli with Trinity Products, Inc.

    Brandon RothParent: Beth Roth with Tubular Steel, Inc.

    Collin RothParent: Beth Roth with Tubular Steel, Inc.

    Marelena RuserParent: Jeffrey B. Ruser with Tioga Pipe, Inc.

    Madelynn SorokanychParent: Steven Sorokanych with Tioga Pipe, Inc.

  • (NEW MEMBERS continued from page 9)

    14 Pipeline

    S.A.G. Pipe LLC

    Vacuworx is a new Professional Affiliatemember. The company engineers andmanufactures the heavy-duty liftingequipment for the oil and gas, water andsewer, highway and heavy construction,concrete construction, landscaping andmanufacturing industries. They can handlepipe sizes from 4" to basically any pipediameter. They can handle a wide variety oftypes of pipe as well as flat steel plateproviding a safe, efficient way to handlepipe lifting requirements. Equipment canbe customized for much larger pipediameters. OTG Specification handled is C-75. Transportation is by Barge, CommonCarrier, Contract Carrier, LogisticsConsulting Services, Rail, and Third PartyLogistics Services.

    Vacuworx10105 E 55th PlaceTulsa, OK 74146 USPhone: 918-259-3050FAX: (918) 259-3055http://www.vacuworx.com

    Randy Hayes is the NASPD contact.Vice President of Business DevelopmentPhone: 918-591-3030Cell: [email protected]

    Vacuworx

    S.A.G. Pipe LLC is a new Regular member.Their products are Pipe Piling, Steel Pipe,and Used Pipe originating in the US andoutside the US. Product Grades includeA252 GR 2 & Gr 3, All API Grades, Surplus,Surplus Used, and Used Structural Pipe.Sizes range from 4" - 48" in all sizes andthicknesses.

    S.A.G. Pipe LLCCypress, TX 77410 USPhone: (281) 257-5506FAX: (281) 257-5593http://www.sagpipe.com

    Charles Bartholomew is the NASPDcontact.General [email protected]

    Wieland-Kessler LLC

    Wieland-Kessler LLC is a new Regularmember. Their products are ERW,Standard Pipe, Steel Pipe, and Welded Piperanging in size from 4" - 12" and originatingfrom India, Korea, Turkey and UnitedStates. Specifications handled includeASTM A-106 Grade B, and ASTM A-53.Product grades listed are A53 GR B, ASTM,C W , E R W , a n d P r i m e S t a n d a r d .Transportation is by Common Carrier, andCompany Owned Truck.

    Wieland-Kessler LLC500 Green StreetWoodbridge, NJ 07095 USPhone: (866) 277-9581FAX: (800) 438-7823http://www.ksdusa.com

    Tim Hagan is the NASPD contact.VP/GMPhone: [email protected]

    Luminus Management LLCLuminus Management LLC is a newProfessional Affiliate member. LuminusManagement is an investment managementfirm founded in 2002 with offices in NewYork, NY and Houston, TX. The firmfocuses on a low net, long/short, relativevalue oriented strategy that investsopportunistically across the capitalstructure of companies within the broaderenergy ecosystem. Luminus’ coverageuniverse includes sectors that areinterrelated fundamentally and synergisticf r o m a r e s e a r c h a n d i n f o r m a t i o nperspective, including power, utilities,MLPs, E&P, drillers, refiners, engineeringand construction, and coal/steel. Presidentand Portfolio Manager Jonathan Barrettleads a team of investment professionalswho seek to generate alpha via deepfundamental analysis. The firm has ageneral focus on opportunities withinNorth America.

    Luminus Management LLC1700 BroadwayDepartment 26New York, NY 10019 BEPhone: (212) 424-2857http://www.luminusmgmt.com

    Pavel Blinchik is the NASPD [email protected]

    including commercial litigation, corporatetransactions, oil and gas, tax planning andlitigation, real estate, construction,healthcare, trusts and estates, employmentlaw, family law, intellectual property andbankruptcy.

    (NEWS continued from page 7)

    (NEWS continued on page 20)

    IOS Opens Latest Facility inWatford City, ND

    Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS), a LBFoster company and leader in non-destructive testing and inspection servicesfor tubular products used in critical oil andgas applications, is pleased to announce theopening of its latest facility in WatfordCity, ND.

    Operating in the heart of the Bakken ShaleFormation, IOS is strategically located toprovide a range of non-destructive testing,inspection, repair and threading services forcasing, tubing and drill pipe. On-site wehave a 4-Function EMI and CNC threaderto provide API and other proprietarythreads. In addition, we have 10 acres of laydown storage area with the opportunity toexpand if needed.

    About L.B.Foster: L.B. Foster provides rail,construction, and energy markets withinnovative solutions to build and maintaintheir critical infrastructure and landmarkprojects.

    Host Rebuilds Third School inColombiaDecember 2018 - Host finished rebuildinganother school in Colombia in December,and our Colombia Host Agency teamcelebrated the school’s inauguration withstudents, parents.

    “The principal and chief teacher gotemotional sharing how thrilled andgrateful they are that Host remodeled theschool,” says Operations Manager ErikaCueto. “The students also showed theirappreciation by performing two traditionaldances for us.” Before Host volunteered tohelp, the school’s staff members tried to get

  • | INSIDE YOUR NASPD

    NASPD LeadershipDevelopmentProgram

    The NASPD Leadership DevelopmentProgram is an ambitious endeavor to shapenew leaders for the NASPD and the pipeindustry. “Leaders are not born, Leadershipis learned.” relates Gerald Merfish,CEO/President of Merfish Pipe & Supplyand past-president of NASPD. “Ourindustry has a wealth of young talent thatwe can encourage and help by providing al e a d e r s h i p d e v e l o p m e n t p r o g r a m -hopefully they will learn not only how tolead their companies but will help lead theNASPD.”

    The stated purpose of the NASPDLeadership Development Program is tooffer pipe distribution professionals anexclusive opportunity to enhance and buildtheir leadership skills while also exploringthe inner workings of the NASPD. Theprogram provides participants thenecessary and relevant tools to becomefuture leaders both within their companiesand the greater industry. The program isdesigned to pass on the wisdom andexperience of NASPD's current leaders(many of whom are nearing retirement) to

    promising pipe distribution industryleaders.

    "The inaugural class will begin this year andbegin the Wednesday prior to each of ourconferences throughout the year. Theprogram will likely be held every other year.The inaugural class will begin with anintroductory March meeting during the2019 Annual Convention in New Orleans.Participants were selected from a listnominated by NASPD member companyCEOs.

    Eligibility requirements include:

    · Candidates should have at least three•years continuous experience in the steel

    Leaders arenot born,

    Leadershipis learned.

    pipe industry at the nominating NASPDmember company, or alternatively, atleast seven years total experience in thesteel pipe industry.

    * Candidates should preferably be part ofthe leadership team or on a leadershiptrack at their current employer.

    * Candidates must demonstrate theability to contribute to the LeadershipDevelopment Program in a meaningfulway.

    * Candidates must demonstrate interestin future leadership roles within theNASPD.

    * Candidates must be sponsored by theirmember company's CEO.

    * No company may have more than onepart ic ipant in the 2019 NASPDLeadership Development Program,although multiple candidates from asingle member company may benominated.

    Participant responsibilities include:

    * Commit to attend the three leadershipd e v e l o p m e n t m e e t i n g s a n daccompanying NASPD conferencesduring the 2019 calendar year.

    * Fully participate in the NASPDLeadership Development Program.

    (LEADERSHIP continued on page 18)

  • (LEADERSHIP continued from page 16)

    * Engage in a class project to be presentedto the NASPD membership at the 2020NASPD Annual Convention.

    * Join at least one NASPD committee.

    Each participant must agree to attend andparticipate in the three 2019 NASPDLeadership Development classes each ofwhich will precede the three 2019 NASPDmeetings. The participant's company willalso pay a fee to participate in theLeadership Development Program inaddition to the participant’s NASPDmeeting registration fees.

    Leadership Consultant, Joe Synan, assistedNASPD in the design of our program. Joehas composed and facilitated numerousleadership development programs. ArtShelton, Director of Purchasing with KellyPipe and past-president of NASPD related“We are fortunate to have Joe Synan on ourteam. His expertise is central to the successof the program.” In addition to providingclassroom instruction, Joe will scheduleone-on-one mentor time to guide and chartthe progress of individual programparticipants.

    Members of the NASPD LeadershipDevelopment Committee are NarayanBhargava, Dianne Burger, Dolty Cheramie,Clint Koshnick, Wendy Hatz, BruceHaupt, Randy Hurst, Gerald Merfish, ArtShelton and Wesley Solansky.

    (EXECUTIVE DIR continued from page 4)a build plan, all while more months of lossespiled up. In spite of all these setbacks, hisr e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e e m p l o y e e s ,customers, and even his competitors tellsthe real story. He was able to outsourcecrit ical jobs he had in house withcompetitors with which he has always hadgood relationships. His customers all stuckwith him and were ready to fill his backlogthe moment the plant was rebuilt. Hisemployees stuck by his side even when thatmeant doing work they never signed up for,like clearing out fire debris and workingunder an unairconditioned tent during the16 month process. Those employees, as loyalas they have always been, have a new-foundsense of belonging to Diamond Fiberglass.Don included their input in the rebuild,making sure they had a nice breakroom andother features that were not incorporatedinto the original facility. There havecertainly been a lot of lessons along the wayabout insurance coverage, managing risklevels, electrical hazards, knowing when totake money off the table etc, but the mostimportant lesson has been, when you havespent a career treating people fairly andhonestly, they all stick by you when you arein a pinch.

    (PRESIDENT continued from page 3)

    (GUEST ARTICLE continued from page 8)enemy of prosperity. In turn, American investors and consumers would be inclined to spendless putting downward pressure on U.S. economic growth.

    The Federal Reserve and The Wall Street Journal’s Economic Forecasting Survey predict theU.S. growth rate will decline to 2.3 percent in 2019. This is based on metrics we can see andanalyze.

    But it’s the direction of U.S.-China trade and relations, political uncertainty, volatility in thestock market, or a combination of factors that could create new risks affecting the economy.As a result, 2019 will require American consumers, households, businesses and investors tooperate very cautiously.

    John Manzella, founder of the ManzellaReport.com, is an author and speaker on global business, emergingrisks and economic trends. Contact him at JohnManzella.com.

    This article was nationally syndicated by Tribune News Service/Tribune Content Agency.

    Diamond Fiberglass today.

    The Diamond Fiberglass fire.

    The steel industry is certainly living ininteresting times, but the volatility that ishappening reveals the importance of goodrelationships. It is in times like these thatpeople learn what relationships they cantrust. Those are the partnerships that willlast long into the future.

    industry. Thank you to those committeemembers that have put so much hard workinto this project.

    We strive to provide industry updates andpertinent trade information to ourmembers through our website and memberupdates. In addition, our association withPipelogix and our member participation intheir distributor indexes, gives ourmembers valuable market information.

    I am pleased to be handing over the gavel toRandy Hurst, a longtime board member,leader in our industry, and personal friend.I am confident that the association will bein very capable hands - I cannot think ofanother individual with more enthusiasmand respect for the NASPD. My only hopeis that I can share as much good advice andsupport as our previous President, ArtShelton, has bestowed upon me.

    It has been my great honor and privilege toserve as the 33rd President of the NASPD.There is no other industry organizationoffering the networking and educationalopportunities that the NASPD makesavailable to its members. I am excitedabout the future of the industry and theNASPD. Thank you for the opportunity tolead this great organization.

    We have much to celebrate - Please join usfor our Annual Convention in New OrleansMarch 6-9th. It promises to be aninformative and entertaining conference,as they like to say, “laissez les bon tempsrouler”!

  • Pipeline 19

    (MEMBER SPOTLIGHT continued from page 12)

    industry, the entirety of his career has stood with the same company- Michigan Seamless Tube & Pipe. In 2004, he was hired to an InsideSales position with the pressure tubing group; primarily boiler tubein those days. Looking back to the torrid period from ‘06-’08, the

    W o r l d w a se x p e d i t i o u s l ya s s e m b l i n g c o a lpowered plants. MSTmanufactured boilertube and P Grade Pipe,“We sold a lot of boilertube but were a nicheplayer in A106 and A335P grade pipe”. Towardthe end of ‘08, MSTi n t r o d u c e d a U Vc o a t i n g l i n e t h a tallowed them to sellmore pipe; mostly Sch160 and XXH. For Dean,increasing pipe salestranslated to increasing

    responsibilities. His successes, traveling for face-to-face calls onEast coast boiler customers, would lead to extended Southernsojourn to Houston in ‘13, where Dean was installed as RegionalSales Manager of the Southwest. With the Southwest territorysales pipeline in order, Dean was asked to do the same job in theMidwest, which precipitated another move in the Spring of '16.

    After two years in Chicago, Dean’s diligence presented another moveup the ladder and back to his roots in Detroit as the GM of Sales.“Without the support of my wife, who put her own successful careertrack on hold to follow me around the country, I could never haveaccomplished any of this.” Dean surmises, “I now manage a veteransales group of 15, in my opinion, the best in the business.”. A sales teamdoesn’t become the best without strong leadership. Ted Fairley,retired in ‘18, was Dean's boss and mentor for 12 years. And he insists,Ted deserves the credit for inspiring the team Dean leads today. (Icannot take credit for this, Ted Fairley who was my mentor and bossfor 12 years deserves the credit. The business philosophy Dean instillsin those around him is simple but effective - cultivate steadfastintegrity with pinpoint focus on the customer. While he has onlyb e e n a t t e n d i n gNASPD gatheringss i n c e ‘ 1 3 , D e a ns h a r e s t h eubiquitous praisefor the unmatchednetworking ande d u c a t i o n a lopportunities thato u r a s s o c i a t i o npresents. “I willnever forget theo v e r w h e l m i n gsetting at the HotelD e l C o r o n a d oduring the Annual

    Dean Danie ls managed ouraccount for several years. From thebeginning, Dean did a fantastic jobcatering to our unique needs as acompany.

    Now Dean has taken on a biggerrole within Michigan SeamlessTube and we could not be happierfor him. He is a great talent. Thankyou Dean for all you did andc o n t i n u e t o d o f o rDistributionNOW!

    -Steve SakowskiDistributionNOW

    (MEMBER SPOTLIGHT continued on page 21)

    Joyce with God Daughter, Evelyn.

  • | SPONSORS / BLAST FROM THE PAST / HAPPY HOURS

    St. Louis

    April 11: 5-7PM

    Lester's Restaurant &

    Sports Bar

    9906 Clayton Road.

    St. Louis, MO 63124

    Houston

    April 18: 5-7PM

    Little Woodrow's Midtown

    2306 Brazos Street

    Houston, TX 77006

    No fee to attend but

    RSVP by March 29.

    To Register:www.naspd.com

    Beemac Logistics, LLC **

    CPS Houston, Inc.

    Independence Tube Corporation **

    International Pipe & Supply, LLC

    Kahn Steel Co., Inc.

    Platinum

    Gray Reed & McGraw LLPJ. Joseph Consulting, Inc.Kelly Pipe Co., LLC

    **sponsored two events in designated level

    Lally Pipe & Tube

    Kayem Pipe & Steel, Inc.

    R. B. Jacobson, Inc. **

    SEBA Pipe, Inc.

    Tex-Tube Company

    Trinity Products, Inc. **

    Upcoming2018 Fall Conference Sponsors

    Gold

    Bronze

    Silver

    Axis Pipe and Tube Inc.CPS Houston, Inc.

    Happy Hours

    Pipe MarketT. Parker Host, Inc.

    Pipe & Tube Supplies, Inc.

    Alliance Pipe & Steel Corp./UTP Pipe USA Corporation

    Saturday Lunch Host at Katz’s Deli & McSorley’s

    Old Ale House

    Above photos: Enjoying networking atthe Fall Happy Hour in Houston.

    (NEWS continued from page 14)funding from the state but were rejectedbecause they are in such a rural area.

    Host began the project in September 2018 atI.E.D. 11 de Noviembre sede La Esmeralda,which is the third Colombian school wehave renovated. The school has fourclassrooms that accommodate 200 childrenbetween Pre-K and middle school gradelevels.

    Prior to the updates, the school had just oneclassroom, very thin and incompleteplywood walls, sand instead of concretefloors, broken bathrooms, no safe play areafor the children, and a roof that trapped inheat and kept the classroom extremely hot.

    In three months, Host demolished theentire school and rebuilt it, adding fourclassrooms separated by concrete walls,bookshelves in each room, ceiling fans,bathrooms, concrete floors, and an area for aplayground.

    “We are glad to have helped, and hope thecommunity enjoys their newly-renovatedschool for years to come,” says Erika.

    Above: classroom before rebuildingBelow: classroom after rebuilding

  • Pipeline 21

    (MEMBER SPOTLIGHT continued from page 19)

    Conference in San Diego” Dean recalls, “it was difficult to evenfathom my invitation to participate in such a big league event”. Onlythree years removed from that feeling of astonishment at hismembership in the best steel club around, Dean has been warmlywelcomed to join the first class of the NASPD LeadershipDevelopment Program. A designation for which he feels bothhonored and humbled to be included, and an experience Dean isexcited to begin.

    We can probably all agree it is generally good to stay busy, butreferencing a busy beaver posits an extra layer of altruism. Becausethe focus on community, commitment to sustainable practices andgenerally affable nature of the noble beaver, pay dividends thatimprove the lives they touch. And we feel safe concluding that DeanDaniels is a beaver of the busy, affable and well reasoned variety.

    Dean and Joycevisiting JoshuaTree NationalPark in California

    Below left: La Costa 1979Right: Toronto 1982

    Above right:Colorado Springs 1981

    Right: New York 1979

    B & W Pipe, Inc.1421 Ave C

    Katy, TX 77493-1901Ph (281) 391-6688 Fax (281) 391-1511

    Email: [email protected]

    B&W Pipe,Inc. inventories.High Quality, High Yield Line Pipe

    If you are looking for API 5L X60 to API 5L X70give us a call or email. All of our material has-50 charpy impact tests performed at the mill.

    We stock many nonstandard wall sizes.

    Check out our inventory at

    Our stock list is updated monthly.

    We also have an extensive DSAW inventoryfrom 26" OD to 60" OD

    and grades up to API5L X70.

    If you are looking for API 5L X60 to API 5L X70give us a call or email. All of our material has-50 charpy impact tests performed at the mill.

    We stock many nonstandard wall sizes.

    Check out our inventory at

    Our stock list is updated monthly.

    We also have an extensive DSAW inventoryfrom 26" OD to 60" OD

    and grades up to API5L X70.

    www.BWPIPEINC.com

  • | FALL CONFERENCE PHOTOS (more photos on page 24 & 26)

  • | FALL CONFERENCE PHOTOS (more photos on page 22 & 26)

  • If you need:· Large Diameter Steel Pipe

    · Domestic Production

    · Steel Melted and Manufactured in USA

    · Fully Traceable Original Mill Test Reports

    · On Time Delivery

    · Experienced and Responsive Sales Staff

    · Reliable Warranty From Domestic Sources

    Think MANDAL PIPE!

    675 Enterprise Drive, Auburn, GA 30011 | Ph: 1-770-573-3022 | Fax: 1-678-900-1940 | www.mandalpipe.com

    Audubon Bridge,

    Baton Rouge, LA

    · API or ASTM Speci�cations

    Prime Domestic Stock

    Ready for Immediate Shipment

  • | FALL CONFERENCE PHOTOS (more photos on page 22 & 24)

  • Wednesday, March 61:00 pm - 7:00 pm Leadership Development Program (for selected applicants only)

    Thursday, March 78:30 - 9:30 am Registration9:00 - Noon Leadership Development Program (for selected applicants only)9:30 - Noon Avondale Facility Tour – recently acquired by T. Parker Host

    (Bus will depart from the lobby at 9:30 a.m. and will return by noon.)11:45 - 4:00 pm Registration1:00 - 2:00 pm Strategic Planning Committee2:00 - 2:30 pm Membership Committee2:30 - 3:00 pm Program Committee3:00 - 3:30pm Executive Committee3:30 - 4:30 pm Board of Directors5:30 - 7:30 pm Welcoming Reception at Latrobe's Restaurant. (Short walk from hotel.)7:30 - 11:00 pm Hospitality Suite

    Friday, March 87:30 - 9:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast8:15 - Noon General Session

    Annual Meeting of the MembershipMember Spotlight – Eric Hansen, Cooper Consolidated LLCBill Kotcher, COO of Tioga Pipe and Adjunct Professor of Ethics at

    University of Houston, “Ethics and Leadership in the Modern Age”William Locher, Partner, Gibbs Gidden Attorneys at Law, “DBE/MBE

    Compliance”Brandy Christian, President & CEO, Port of New Orleans, “Global Ideas

    About Transportation, Shipping, Etc.”John Manzella, World Recognized Author & Speaker, "Economic Trends,

    International Trade and What's Ahead"Noon - 1:30 pm Networking Luncheon1:30 - 2:00 pm New 2019 Board Meeting (Welcome and Introductions)2:00 - 3:30 pm Membership Discussion - Facilitators: Bill Buckland, President, Mandal

    Pipe Company; Gerald Merfish, CEO/President, Merfish Pipe &Supply

    7:00 - 9:00 pm Awards Reception/Dinner9:00 - 11:00 pm Hospitality Suite

    Saturday, March 910:30 am - 12:30 pm French Quarter Walking Tour – Optional Event6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Haunted New Orleans Tour – Optional Event

    All attendees are encouraged to attend the committee meetings except for the Executive andStrategic Planning Committee meetings. We limit the discussion and voting during the committeesto committee members only because non-committee members have not been privy to all thecorrespondence leading up to the committee meetings.

    Program

    For additional information visit www.naspd.com

    NASPD Annual ConventionThe Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

    New Orleans, Louisiana - March 6 - 9, 2019

    Convention InformationRegistrationRegister online: www.naspd.com; by e-mail:[email protected]; or by fax: 361-574-9347. Onlyindividuals with a paid registration may attendthe Convention. The deadline for registration isFebruary 6, 2019. After Februry 6, 2019, a $50 latefee must be added to all full registrations. Acancellation fee of $50 will be charged for allcancellations received before February 6, 2019.After February 6, 2019, no refunds will be made.Payments for late registrations will only beaccepted by credit card. No registrations will beprocessed without signature. Payment must bemade in U.S. currency.

    The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel800-578-0500For hotel reservations, call 9 and

    refer to NASPD 2019 Annual Convention.

    Register online at:https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/new-orleans-royal-orleans/meetings/naspd-2019-annual-convention

    The rate for a guest room is $209.00 per night plustaxes for a king or queen size bed, subject toavailability at time of booking. The rate for a roomwith two double beds is $229.00 per night plustaxes, also subject to availability at time ofbooking.

    Rates cannot be changed at check-in or check-out for guests who fail to identify their affiliationat the time the reservation is made. Anyguaranteed reservation not cancelled 72 hoursprior to arrival will be subject to one night roomand tax cancellation fee. Check-in time is 3:00p . m . a n d c h e c k - o u t t i m e i s 1 2 : 0 0 p . m .Reservations received after February 6, will beconfirmed on space and rate availability.

    We have contracted a certain number of roomsfor this convention based on historical numbers.If we use fewer rooms than our room block, theNASPD will be required to pay for the unusedrooms. If we need more rooms than our roomblock, there is a chance the hotel will sell out orcharge a higher rate for rooms outside of our roomblock. It is important that you book a room assoon as possible and before the deadline.

    Discounted airfare online at www.united.com

    Valid travel dates 3/3/19 - 3/12/19

    Enter Offer Code in the OfferZGGR370008Code box when searching for your flights. Ifbooking through a travel professional or UnitedMeetings call 800-426-1122 and give them thefollowing information:

    Agreement Code: Z Code:370008 ZGGR

    Outside of the United States, please call yourlocal United Airlines Reservation Office.

    Experience dependable, first-rate service andearn miles in Mileage Plus, United’s award-winning frequent flyer program. To enroll inMileage Plus, log on to www.united.com.

    | CONVENTION NOTES

  • Keith Jay Klobnak

    Keith Jay Klobnak, 62, of Benld, IL, died at hisresidence on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. He was bornJune 28, 1956, in Litchfield, IL to Joseph Klobnak &Evelyn (Lehman) Klobnak. He married Shelly(Westwood) Klobnak. He was the Executive VicePresident for Livingston Pipe and Tube where heworked for 40 years. Keith was an accomplisheddrummer. He was an avid fisherman and St. LouisCardinals Fan. He enjoyed bowling, wrestling, andcaring for his plants and hummingbirds. He issurvived by his spouse, Shelly Klobnak, children,Brook Allen Klobnak (Stacy) and Clinton James Klobnak (Laura),grandchild, Dominic Michael Klobnak, brother, James (Renee) Klobnak,sister-in-law, Judy Klobnak Reid (Dennis) and many nieces and nephews.Memorials are suggested to Adopt A Pet.

    Douglas Phillip Fortenberry

    Douglas Phillip Fortenberry made his entrance intothe world on November 24, 1952 in Houston,Texas. Doug’s dad taught him to hunt and fish, andhe remained an avid sportsman for the rest of hislife. He fished all over North America, and his twofavorite fishing spots were Sabine Lake in PortArthur, and Sioux Falls in Canada. Doug moved toDallas when he was twelve and graduated fromLake Highlands High School . Doug attendedStephen F. Austin State University where he methis wife of forty-two years, Monica. They traveledall over the world together and usually managed to work in a fishing trip onalmost every vacation beginning with their honeymoon.

    Doug graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Degree. He was a successfulbusinessman who founded Fortenberry Pipe and Supply in 1982. Thecompany prospered and expanded. His daughter, Laurie, will continue torun the company and carry on her dad’s legacy. The Fortenberry familymoved to Mabank in 1984 because Doug wanted to raise his family in asmall town. Doug loved his daughters, Laurie and Lisa, and was involved inall of their school and sports activities. He coached their Mabank YouthBasketball teams and served on the board of Mabank Youth Basketball. Hewas a basketball referee and went on church youth trips as a sponsor.Doug’s grandsons brought great joy to his life and he enjoyed sharing hispassion for hunting and fishing with them.

    Another source of joy in Doug’s life was serving his church. Over the yearshe served as Sunday School teacher, usher, member of the FinanceCommittee, and auctioneer at church fundraisers. Doug believed insupporting the community and especially it’s youth. He donated money to

    sponsor kids for church camp, to the Mabank Sports Department, and to localAg programs. Doug will be remembered as fun-loving, entertaining, andgenerous. He also had a great sense of humor and was known as a prankster. Hemade a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and our lives are richer for havingknown him.

    Doug peacefully entered into his Heavenly home on his 66th birthday,November 24, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Monica; daughter, LaurieGarrett and her husband, Wade, and daughter Lisa Fortenberry. He is alsosurvived by his grandsons, Samuel, Stephen, and Daniel Garrett and AlexanderOwens, and his brother Richard Fortenberry.

    [email protected]

  • The University of SouthernIndiana women's soccer teamhad three players named All-Great Lakes Valley Conference.O n e , s o p h o m o r e d e f e n d e rMadelyne Juenger (Columbia,Illinois) is the granddaughter ofproud grandpa. Jim Barnes, andniece of Scott Barnes of BarnesPipe & Steel Supply.

    Madelyne was named first-teamAll-GLVC after anchoring theUSI defensive line that produceda 0.99 team goals against average(GAA) and eight shutouts. The

    t w o - time All-GLVC performer also was tied for second onthe squad with eight points on one goal and a team-best sixassists.

    She also lettered in soccer and basketball at Columbia HighSchool (Columbia, Illinois). She named All-Local Soccer Teamall four seasons at CHS and was the soccer and basketballvarsity captain as a senior. Congratulations!

    Pipeline encourages members to send photos and information aboutyour travels, family gatherings and special events to [email protected] love to hear from you!

    Above: NASPD Fall Conference attendees enjoyinglunch at the famous Katz’s Deli in NYC, courtesy ofPeter Schrumpf with Alliance Pipe & Steel Corp./UTPPipe USA Corporation.

    Madelyne Juenger

    Showing off NASPDall overNYC!Incoming NASPD President,Randy Hurst and his wife,Mel isa , took in a lot ofsightseeing during the FallConference in New York City.T h e e n t i r e t i m e , R a n d yproudly proclaimed thatNASPD was here by wearinghis NASPD cap !

    Pipeline challenges you tosend us your photos showingyour NASPD colors. Email toour Editor, Linda Key:[email protected].

  • 11200 Richmond Ave., Ste 180 Houston, TX 77082•

  • 381981-2019

    Growing to service your needs