Location: 7660 Production Drive, Cincinnati
Owner's name: Barb Smith and Tom Garten
Years in operation: 10.5 years (August 2009)
Describe what your business does: Journey Steel is a self-performing steel fabrication and erection company doing both structural and miscellaneous steel.
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What inspired you to start this business? I always had a desire to own my own construction company. After college, I met my now business partner as he was a subcontractor to the general contractor I worked for. Through the years we remained friends and often talked about starting our own business together but life continued to get in the way. In 2009 we stopped talking and decided it was time to start this journey and Journey Steel was born.
How has your business embraced innovation? In the steel industry there has not been as much innovation as with the construction industry as a whole. We endeavor to stay aware of new technologies that enhance our industry and adopt where we can the new ways of future growth.
What's your biggest challenge right now? Our biggest challenge right now has been and continues to be cash flow and acquiring teaming partners.
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What's your biggest opportunity right now? Our biggest opportunity is expanding into the federal government space and utilizing our federal certifications (8A/WOSB).
What do you want readers to know about your business today? Journey Steel Inc. is a company built on passion, integrity and dependability. We believe in giving back and impacting the communities in which we work, play and live.
Dayton Innovation
The coronavirus pandemic is no match for the Dayton region's innovative spirit. The Dayton Daily News is profiling small businesses in our region as they navigate through these challenging times. To nominate a small business, email Rebecca.Mullins@coxinc.com.
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