Jan. 9, 2013
ASD Honors Voss Industries' Butera as Man of Year
The Chicago-based Association of Steel Distributors has named Tony Butera, president of Taylor, Mich.-based Voss Industries, its Steel Man of the Year. The annual award recognizes an individual who embodies leadership, dedication, service and excellent in the steel industry.
"To receive the Steel Man of the Year Award from ASD is very humbling," Butera says. "I appreciate the fact that so many people know I've been around for [such a] long time."
Butera got his start in the industry after his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent the first six years of his career at a small warehouse started by Paul Voss, founder of Voss Steel, learning every facet of the business—from shipping clerk, maintenance and foreman, to inventory control and sales.
In 1957, Butera left the company and sought sales training through the GI Bill. His first sales job was at a small warehouse on Michigan Avenue in Detroit. While in Detroit, he stayed in touch with Gabe Voss, one of the founders of Voss Steel. He eventually went back to the company and hasn’t looked back since.
"Tony is a man of integrity and honor," says Lisa Goldenberg, president of ASD and Delaware Steel. "His longstanding commitment to Voss and the steel industry is exemplary. Voss Industries is a leader in our field and I know they are grateful to have Tony as part of its team."
Butera will be officially recognized at a black-tie event at the 2013 ASD Annual Convention on March 23 at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.