Dad Hits Home Run with Steel Batting Dome

When Frank Hodges' two daughters ready their position beside home plate to take a turn at bat during softball practice in Milton, FL, he doesn't have the typical worries that most parents experience. There is no sun blinding their vision and no concerns of heat exhaustion. He knows practice will happen, rain or shine, and no energy or time will be wasted chasing foul balls.

While it is often said that practice makes perfect, for the Hodges girls, ages 9 and 10, the perfect practice happens daily during softball season in their own backyard inside of the family's steel batting dome which was purchased from SteelMaster Buildings in Virginia Beach, VA.

It was spring of 2009 when Hodges decided to dismantle an old airplane hangar made of a steel pipe frame and covered with aluminum siding that sat on a concrete slab in his backyard. “We used it as a batting dome for a couple of years, but it wasn't tall enough, and it had been torn up pretty good by hurricanes,” says Hodges. “I decided it was time to go ahead and tear it down and started researching on the Internet how I could get a building with the height I needed it to be that could also withstand any hurricanes that hit our area.”

Having already purchased a batting cage and net that was approximately 14 feet tall, Hodges thought he'd end up buying a building similar to the one he had just torn down. He quickly found out that it was difficult to find a company that could provide him with a building of his required dimensions that was structurally sound. Hodges also wanted to build the batting dome himself so that he could save on the cost of having to hire a construction crew to put it up for him.  “I don't have a background in construction, but I'm kind of a handyman and am able to fix a lot around the house,” says Hodges. “That was the real selling point with SteelMaster—the fact that I could put it up myself. I talked back and forth with a representative from SteelMaster in terms of the width and length I wanted, and he worked it out so that we got the height that we needed. Ultimately we got the dimensions that I felt suited me, and he was confident in it structurally based on the company's experience in producing batting domes.”

According to Michelle Wickum, the director of marketing for SteelMaster, the steel batting dome is one of the company's most popular specialty applications. “It is designed for year-round baseball and softball training and allows teams to practice and workout in all weather conditions,” says Wickum. “Our structures are clear span which provides 100 percent usable interior space to facilitate any combination and size of batting, pitching, and weight training areas. They also feature the same quality attributes of all SteelMaster buildings including a 30-year warranty, maintenance-free Energy Star rated Galvalume Plus coating, and a professional support staff before and after the sale.”

During construction of his batting dome, Hodges says he made use of SteelMaster's professional support staff when he had questions on how to proceed. “If I ran into a speed bump, it was as simple as a telephone call or email to their technical support, and I had the answer right away.” It took Hodges and a small group of his buddies three Saturday's to get the building about 90 percent built, and the rest of it he completed along with a friend after work during the week. “We put up the first metal the 14th of November, and we were batting in the cage the first week of January,” says Hodges. “This past summer, we had their softball team over once or twice a week to get their practice in and stay out of the heat. I am just extremely happy with it. The building looks good, and more importantly, it's a wonderful place for my daughters and me to spend quality time together.”

Desert Mirage or SteelMaster Oasis

Wikipedia defines "Oasis" as: A fertile spot in a desert where water is found.

That would pretty much sum up Dale Jones' SteelMaster Carport on his 20 acre spread on Terlingua Ranch in Texas. Dale lives, as he describes it, "Smack dab in the middle of nowhere". Terlingua Ranch is a planned sub-division about 80 miles south of Alpine, Texas. To be more specific, not too far from Big Ben's National Park, which Dale adds is, "Probably the least visited tourist destination of all parks in the country". Even though he has neighbors, some have sprawling 200 acre lots, so suffice it to say, there is no one within shouting distance. As for Dale, he enjoys the serenity and natural beauty of the area.

However, do not get us wrong. Dale Jones is an extremely congenial fellow. Even though he enjoys his privacy, he was kind enough to share his experience with SteelMaster and send us some pictures of his personal desert haven.

The way Dale saw it, "I like to go exploring when I'm not working." He works on a Research Ship, mapping out ocean floors for NOAA charts, taking sediment samples, and gathering information from buoys adrift in the ocean. All that togetherness and being held up on a ship at sea in close quarters with friends and co-workers makes him really appreciate his down-time and solitude.

Dale said, "My land backs up to wilderness, and I love riding my motorcycle back in the unchartered territory. It's so nice that places like this still exist in this day and age."

Dale realized water and shelter are not just an amenity in the desert. It can mean the difference between life and death. He knew he needed a place he could get to that would always be stocked with water, could provide shelter and could withstand the storms that can whip up winds out of nowhere in excess of 100 mph. He needed a desert oasis.

While Dale had some spare time at sea, he got on-line to research shelters, covers, and carports. He said when he came across the SteelMaster website he was very impressed. After viewing the pictures and options, he knew SteelMaster was the way to go. He also enjoyed reading the personal stories about SteelMaster customers on the website blog, and looking at their pictures posted on the site. He was particularly impressed with the reliability and sturdiness of the components of the steel and metal structures. He was confident SteelMaster had their stuff together and had it going on…

Dale said, "I am so proud of my carport and the spectacular product you guys at SteelMaster have – and your customer service is just as spectacular. I admit I emailed a couple of companies, just to compare. But Greg Broderick at SteelMaster didn't just email me, he called me back. That impressed me – big time. No one else had the professionalism and personal touch you guys have. I have to add that Greg was extremely patient with me. We went over a lot of designs, until we customized the perfect carport that would work for my specific needs."

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

Initially, Dale wanted to construct his carport. But he knew with his hours abroad, it would take him more time than he could spend, especially without any help out in the desert. Greg came through again, and gave him the name of a contractor who had come highly recommended by another SteelMaster customer in Texas.

"I was very satisfied with Danny Forbes and his crew. I had my SteelMaster kit delivered to them. When they came to the site with some portions preassembled, it only took them two days to complete it. They did an excellent job, and I would have no reservations about recommending SteelMaster, Greg Broderick, or even Danny Forbes to anyone," said Dale.

SteelMaster is proud to have Dale Jones as a satisfied SteelMaster customer, friend and Partner in Steel. Here's hoping Dale always has plenty of cool water and shade in his oasis respite – and many safe and enjoyable adventures!

SteelMaster Man Rooms and Man Caves

One of the first things noticeable in the picture of David Blatt's SteelMaster "Man Room," is the elegance and sheer beauty of the steel arch, or the grace of the big American flag proudly perched atop his building. If not that, then perhaps it is the outlines of the two witches above the garage door. Or, maybe it is the outside toilet.

We have all seen at least one of the vacation commercials of the couple in matching bathtubs holding hands from their respective tubs viewing the ocean, or the beach lounger made to look like a canopy bed on the beach that show the parents and two children resting comfortably talking about which fun excursion to try next… but a couple, or a man on his "throne"…

David Blatt even admits, "The toilet was just for a Halloween decoration. It was meant to be a spoof, instead of the typical "Man Cave." Having a toilet in the front, the building became a ‘Man Room'. Get it?"

Oh sure, SteelMaster "gets it." And although it is enough to make one giggle, admittedly laugh to the point of snorting, we do not need to delve any further. By this point, we all have a visual of some sort.

"I will say that sadly, the toilet was inoperable," added David. "We ended up taking it to the ‘dump.'"

Okay… moving on…enough already with the tongue-in-cheek metaphors. SteelMaster asked David, "What is it you ‘do do' in your SteelMaster shed?" (Sorry, we could not resist…)

"My wife, Linda is a registered nurse with the health department here in Chassahowitzka, Florida, close to Homosassa Springs which is part of Citrus County."

Really, David? Are you pulling our leg, again – Chassa-what?

"Seriously, I know the names are a bit unusual, but it's beautiful here. We're located six miles from the gulf coast and the Weeki Wachee Mermaids and Manatees," David chuckled.

"The real reason I purchased my SteelMaster Building has to do with my wife. After Port Charlotte was hit by a Hurricane Charley a couple of years back, Linda did rescue work. She actually went knocking on doors checking out the occupants and making sure people were okay and had water and medical care. A friend of ours owned a SteelMaster Building in town and knew of others who did too. I'm not going to say my decision to buy one was fear-based, it was based on evidence. I'm quite sure I made a smart decision after realizing the SteelMaster Buildings were still virtually untouched and still standing when everything else around them was demolished," said David.

"And… get this… after the hurricane, people were actually using SteelMaster buildings for temporary shelter!" added David.

His "Man Room" rests upon a hill on his property. David said, "If a storm comes this way, I know where my wife and I will be."

Actually, his wife is allowed in the Man Room, she just chooses not to go inside. David explained she comes by and peers in to tell him when dinner is ready.

"It's kind of like my personal space, which I am using to the fullest," adds David.

His SteelMaster Buildings serves as storage, a workshop and even a garage at times. In his spare time, David makes palmetto brushes, jump ropes (he even has a rope-making machine) and finely-crafted walking sticks. David also volunteers with Florida Fish and Wildlife and builds bird houses for kestrel hawks.

He has a refrigerator filled with water and Gatorade, and a newly-added recliner. "It's so comfortable in here. I have gone out here to work and ended up kicking back in my recliner and fallen asleep," basks David.

SteelMaster to Attend AIDF in June

SteelMaster Buildings, the company trusted world-wide for arched steel structures, announces its annual participation in the Aid and International Development Forum (AIDF) at the Walter E Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., June 6-7. SteelMaster will have members of its Senior Management Team, Design Specialist for Relief Structures, and International Business Development Manager in attendance. SteelMaster welcomes and encourages attendees and vendors of this year’s function to visit the exhibit booth so they can share how SteelMaster’s proven, safe and secure structures are already making a difference in countless lives on six continents, in 40 countries, and every state in the United States.

SteelMaster has a satisfied, dedicated, repeat client base with the U.S. Government, the U.S. Military, in hurricane affected cities, earthquake and flood ravaged countries, and even customers such as the most hard-working farmer in Midwest Tornado Alley.

Each SteelMaster building is custom designed to meet the unique needs of a region based upon 50 years of climatological research data. SteelMaster Buildings are designed to withstand the most severe weather elements including; hurricane force winds, excessive heat and desert conditions, bitter cold temperatures, and heavy snow loads. Some SteelMaster buildings have remained virtually unscathed after natural disasters. SteelMaster structures are rated to Seismic Zone IV, or Category D. The effects of dynamic loads are considered in combination with other loads. SteelMaster multi-use buildings are used commercially and residentially for safe havens such as impenetrable storage, post-disaster medical facilities, classrooms, and shelter for water and supplies, livestock and even human refuge and survival.

Some of SteelMaster’s recent Partnerships and Accomplishments include:

    UPS – Global Trade Award release
    Commonwealth of Virginia Compass Award
    SBA / VISA Export Video Contest – 1st Place Winner
    Partnership with CSS Logistics in Multiple Haiti Projects
    Partnership with Assembly of God Church in Multiple Haiti Projects

A SteelMaster clear-span steel and metal pre-fabricated building can, if necessary, be assembled quickly with only a hammer, screwdriver and few volunteers. Each SteelMaster building can also be disassembled, relocated and reassembled without compromising quality or structural integrity. With 30 years of experience and state-of-the–art manufacturing (complete with a 30-year steel warranty) and technology, SteelMaster is inimitably qualified to move forward as the most trusted name internationally for steel and metal pre-fabricated, custom, arched secure structures.

SteelMaster Recognized as Fantastic 50 Winner

Members of SteelMaster’s Leadership Team recently traveled to Chantilly, Virginia to accept an award recognizing the company as one of Virginia’s Fantastic 50 and the Virginia Vanguard Winner for the Retail/Wholesale category. Read the full press release below.

Virginia Chamber Unveils 17th Annual List of Virginia’s Fastest Growing Companies – the Fantastic 50

Richmond, VA—The Virginia Chamber announced the names of fifty of the fastest growing Virginia companies at the seventeenth annual Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 Awards Banquet on April 26 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. Nearly 400 attendees at the ceremony saluted the winners for their entrepreneurial success and contribution to Virginia’s economy.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the Virginia economy, creating jobs and opportunity across the Commonwealth, said Virginia Chamber president and CEO Barry DuVal. We are proud to recognize the achievements of our entrepreneurs at the Fantastic 50 banquet."

A highlight of the awards banquet was the announcement of the five Virginia Vanguard Winners—one for the highest overall growth, and the other four for highest growth in the categories of Manufacturing, Retail/Wholesale, Service, and Technology. The 2012 Virginia Vanguard Winners are:

    Highest Overall Growth: Valkyrie Enterprises LLC, a Virginia Beach-based provider of engineering and technical services;
    Manufacturing: Heatex America LLC in Natural Bridge Station, which manufactures and sells heat exchangers;
    Retail/Wholesale: SteelMaster Buildings in Virginia Beach, which has sold more than 40,000 steel and metal prefabricated buildings worldwide;
    Service: Integrity Management Consulting in McLean, which helps federal agencies with acquisition and program management support services
    Technology: Agilex Technologies, Inc., a Chantilly-based company that specializes in information technology and systems consulting.

A list of the 50 award winners is below.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, gave an inspirational address recognizing the pivotal role of small businesses and entrepreneurs in growing Virginia’s economy.

"I am delighted to participate in this wonderful event, which recognizes many of the fastest growing companies in Virginia. Each of these companies has contributed significantly to the tremendous economic growth we have seen in Virginia over the past two years. Small businesses account for a very large percentage of the 768 economic development deals we have closed during the first 27 months of our administration, and they are responsible for most of the 119,800 net new jobs that we have created. It is important that we recognize these businesses for the contribution they have made to Virginia’s economy, and I applaud the Virginia Chamber of Commerce for doing so."

About the Awards—Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 award program is a signature event of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The FANTASTIC 50 awards recognize leading businesses across the Commonwealth in all types of industries, and are the only statewide awards of this type in Virginia. Nominations for the 2012 FANTASTIC 50 were sought last fall from local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and through the sponsors’ networks; companies may also nominate themselves.

To be eligible, a company must be privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show sales between $200,000 and $100 million, and demonstrate positive revenue growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year. Companies are judged on four-year sales revenue history. The professional service firm Dixon Hughes Goodman verifies all award entries.

The Fantastic 50 award program is sponsored by the Virginia Chamber, Cox Communications, Inc., Virginia Business Magazine, Dixon Hughes Goodman, SunTrust Bank, Alpha Natural Resources, Williams Mullen and the Westfields Marriott.

Virginia Chamber of Commerce 2012 Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Winners

1. Valkyrie Enterprises LLC, Virginia Beach
2. Integrity Management Consulting, McLean
3. Agilex Technologies Inc., Chantilly
4. Evoke Research and Consulting LLC, Arlington
5. Rand Enterprises Inc., Newport News
6. MARKON, Falls Church
7. The Rehancement Group Inc., Reston
8. 3Pillar Global Inc., Fairfax
9. Insignia Technology Services LLC, Newport News
10. Emergent, Vienna
11. Octo Consulting Group, Vienna
12. TBL Networks, Richmond
13. ValidaTek Inc., Arlington
14. The Bowen Group, Stafford
15. Arc Aspicio LLC, Arlington
16. Culmen International LLC, Alexandria
17. Morgan Borszcz Consulting, Arlington
18. Kore Federal, Falls Church
19. Veris Group LLC, Vienna
20. XL Inc., McLean
21. Cortek Inc., Fredericksburg
22. Suntiva, Falls Church
23. Evolver Inc., Reston
24. InTec LLC, Fairfax City
25. Spectrum, Newport News
26. ProSol, Alexandria
27. MetroStar Systems, Reston
28. Harkcon Inc., Fredericksburg
29. Grow Interactive, Norfolk
30. Capstone Corporation, Alexandria
31. Millennium Corporation, Arlington
32. Direct Title Solutions, Winchester
33. TAPE LLC, Kingstowne
34. The Tauri Group LLC, Alexandria
35. Coastal Management Solutions Inc., Virginia Beach
36. Data Networks Corporation, Reston
37. ConceptSolutions LLC, Reston
38. BOSH Global Services, Newport News
39. Trusted Mission Solutions Inc., McLean
40. All Heart Home Health and Hospice, Norfolk
41. VSD LLC, Virginia Beach
42. Technatomy Corporation, Fairfax
43. Ace Info Solutions Inc., Reston
44. Search Technologies, Herndon
45. ProLog Inc., Virginia Beach
46. RightStar Systems, Vienna
47. Kearney & Company, P.C., Alexandria
48. JES, Virginia Beach
49. Heatex Amercia LLC, Natural Bridge Station
50. SteelMaster Buildings, Virginia Beach

SteelMaster the Nuts and Bolts of It

When Larry and Kathleen Moore of Hermiston, Oregon were contacted about sharing their SteelMaster story on our website customer blog, it was Kathleen who answered our call.

Kathleen was almost finished with a flower arrangement for church, and said, "Oh, hello there SteelMaster, would you mind holding for just a second?" She was overheard in the background saying, "There, final touch…now I'm finished… and, Honey, it's the SteelMaster people on the phone… I'll take the call". Kathleen was now ready to talk, and enthusiastically so, we might add."

She did not waste any time sharing her excitement over their new SteelMaster, 24'x36' garage and workshop.

"We love our SteelMaster buildings – well, I know especially the guys do. It's turning into a man thing, or man cave," she laughed. "The building is so nice, and incredibly roomy without any posts in the way inside. We are going to put a lift in there for their ‘toys'. My husband and our sons enjoy messing around with cars. We are probably going to end up adding a woodstove in there, just for comfort. Who knows what else we will end up putting in there. There's so much room!" Kathleen said.

Last December, the Moore's took advantage of a break in the unseasonably warm weather and a got some assistance from a fellow farming friend who helped them dig out the foundation. Then, they poured the concrete. The next step was pouring the floor. They ordered their footings and before they knew it, one of their sons was home from college on spring break. Just in time.

"My husband, my son and I put the building up in a matter of days. Well, I didn't do too much really. After they lined up the holes, I inserted the screws and they secured them. But I did get to help, and it was a rather fun project. We did not have any problems at all. The directions were great," said Kathleen.

"Our only regret is not getting a taller building. I thought we should have gone with a larger one, so my husband could erect the size garage door he really wanted, but no one listened to me back then," she said with a laugh, and maybe a smidgeon of "I told them so" in her voice.

"We still do not have the garage door up yet, it's a work in progress. But we already love it so much we will probably get another one in the future. We want to save up again and pay cash for the second one too."

Larry Moore is a watermelon farmer. He has worked on his uncle's farm for nearly 22 years. His one mile down the road has been an easy commute for this hard-working man.

"Hermiston Watermelons are the sweetest watermelons you'll ever taste," boasted Kathleen. "They are well-known by their name for their flavor in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Ask anyone in these states about a Hermiston Melon, and they'll tell you – because chances are, they've eaten some."

Kathleen has the personality of someone one feels like they have known a long time when speaking with her. She is kind, bubbly, and a smart cookie too. It is easy to tell they must possess the hard-working ethics most farming families do. They have put their sons through college, all except for their youngest, who is attending college at present. It is important to them to save money and buy smart. That is the original reason they bought a SteelMaster storage facility. They wanted the best product their money could buy, not a flimsy shed. SteelMaster Buildings get noticed, and the Moore's building is no exception. They have been getting lots of attention and questions from people in their town.

Kathleen posed a very good question during the phone call, "Is SteelMaster a ‘newer' company… is that why so many people from the Virginia Beach office have followed up with us after we bought our building?"

She was a bit taken aback with the answer.

Actually, SteelMaster just celebrated their 30th year Anniversary in February, 2012. Staying in touch with our customers is just something we like to do. As a matter of fact, when founder, Rhae Adams first began SteelMaster 30 years ago, he actually made it a point to even pay a visit to his customers after their buildings were up.

Michelle Wickum, Director of Marketing for SteelMaster, added, "SteelMaster is the premiere steel arched building manufacturer in the world. We have a superior product, backed by a 30 year steel warranty.
But even having the best product available is not always enough to keep us at the top. It is the friendships we make along the way. We treat people the way we would like to be treated. That is the nuts and bolts of it."

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

There is really no limit to uses for a SteelMaster building. Larry and Kathleen Moore remain confident with their decision to buy one… or, like many of our repeat customers – possibly two buildings.

We guarantee your SteelMaster building will be a source of pride for you too. So, what are you waiting for? Our staff is ready to answer your questions and help design the building of your dreams… 1-800-341-7007.

Word of Mouth Speaks Volumes for Steel Buildings

There is something very gratifying about being able to offer someone a solution—to watch a furrowed brow sweep up into an excited look of relief that comes with a problem solved.

For those who work at SteelMaster Buildings in Virginia Beach, VA, that gratification is often multiplied many times through a word-of-mouth domino effect.

For more than 29 years, SteelMaster Buildings has manufactured, designed, and supplied pre-fabricated arched steel structures to 40,000 customers located in every state of the United States, in 40 countries, and on seven continents around the world.

"A large percentage of our business is the result of referrals," says Michelle Wickum, the director of marketing for SteelMaster Buildings. "Our customers are so pleased to find an affordable, well-made building, and they appreciate the stellar customer service they receive so much that they can't wait to share their experiences with friends and family."

This was the case with Jonathan Rella of Medford, NY. Rella owns Rella Coal, which is Suffolk County's only full service fuel dealer that offers stoves and furnaces that utilize coal, pellets, or wood.

It was seven years ago when he began considering upgrading his businesses storage space to something other than sea containers. He learned about SteelMaster after spotting an ad for the company in the back of a hunting magazine.

"I visited the company's website, and after I looked around for a bit, I realized that was it for me," says Rella. "I didn't want any other building but that one, so I didn't look at any others. I liked the first one so much I talked my father into getting one too and we both use them for our business which are located side-by-side on the property."

Because of the size of each of their buildings, they are able to pull large trucks and forklifts directly inside, which is handy when the weather is acting up or they have a lot of material to unload.

Also, due to their location on Long Island where they are surrounded by water, a steel structure was the obvious solution to their storage needs.

"A wood building could crack, splinter, rot, and end up being infested with pests," tells Wickum. "None of those things take place with a SteelMaster building. Steel's intrinsic strength resists fire, earthquake, and hurricane damage also."

Rella is very aware of the downfalls of owning a wooden building and also is keen to the damage that pests can do. He is planning on buying another SteelMaster building to house his vehicles, quads, lawnmowers, tools, and the like at the family's vacation home upstate in the Catskill Mountains.

"Instead of building yet another wooden structure to replace our current one that porcupines can and will chew, we decided to get another SteelMaster building which will send those little buggers back into the woods to search for food elsewhere," says Rella.

In fact, porcupines are part of a long list of things that Rella doesn't need to worry about when owning a SteelMaster building.

"SteelMaster buildings are engineered for life and come with a 30-year mill-backed warranty by ArcelorMittal (NYSE MT)," says Wickum. "They remain maintenance free for a lifetime thanks to the company's use of Galvalume Plus Coating which offers strength, superior corrosion resistance, and an attractive bright appearance that provides excellent heat reflectivity."

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

The Story of a Dog a Fire and a Steel Building

The dog did it.

Well, the dog didn't intentionally do it. The fact that he inadvertently set fire to Michael and Robin Novotny's two-story garage on Easter Sunday of 2007 was all because he mistook the riding lawn mower for a chew toy, causing the electrical wires to become mangled.

It was the day before Easter when Michael positioned the lawn mower in front of his garage, with the expectation that he would tackle the mess the dog made to the wiring in the next couple of days. What he didn't expect was the smell of burning wood and the noise of a crackling fire that greeted him when he headed outside the next day around noon.

"I looked up and saw my garage roof on fire," says Michael, who, along with his wife, lives in Ironton, MN. "I ran into the house and told my wife to call the fire department. I managed to get her new car out, but I felt so bad that she lost everything she had upstairs in the old garage—things like her china, the first rocking chair I got her when we had our first baby, and most of the things our kids made when they were in school. The fire chief figured that the lawn mower may have started the fire as there was no electricity in the garage, and I never did anything with flammable items in there."

When the insurance company told Michael that he could only build a one story garage to replace the one that burned down, he decided to get a metal building this time around. Drawn to the shape of a Quonset hut, he contacted a few businesses that advertised that style of building, but none of them were able to sell him one that fit the dimensions of his existing foundation and floor—that is until he contacted SteelMaster Buildings, which is located in Virginia Beach, VA.

"I live on a small piece of property in the country, and I am next to an environmental lake," says Michael. "There are many rules for building in this area, and I got permission from the county that I live in to build on the exact floor and footing—but not an inch bigger either way. When I called SteelMaster the person I dealt with asked the engineers if they could build a garage to fit those strict measurements, and then he called back in an hour and said that they could. I ordered a garage right away, and in about four weeks, the semi met me on the main road not far from my home. I invited the driver for lunch, and my wife made us something to eat as the driver was hoping to make it to Montana by night. He was a neat fellow from Canada, and we had a nice visit. Since I had time to spare while waiting for my garage to come, I watched the SteelMaster videos on construction and read the paper work, so I was good to go!"

For more than 29 years, SteelMaster Buildings has manufactured, designed, and supplied pre-fabricated arched steel structures to 40,000 customers located in every state of the United States, in 40 countries, and on seven continents around the world.

Michelle Wickum is the director of marketing for SteelMaster and says that Michael made a wise decision when he chose to build his second garage with steel.

"Steel does not rot, warp, shrink, or split, and it is non-combustible," says Wickum. "SteelMaster buildings are easier to handle, stronger, and less expensive than any other common garage building materials. Steel's inherent strength resists fire, earthquake, and hurricane damage. Steel components weigh up to 60 percent less than wood members, and all steel products are repeatedly recyclable."

In addition, Wickum says that the arch design of the building as well as the clear-span, truss-less interior provides people with the option to customize the building however they like.

So even though Michael was not able to have a second story, he was able to have the space.

"My old garage was huge upstairs—it could have been a dance floor," says Michael. "But, as big as it was, I didn't have it filled. I don't think I ever would have. With my SteelMaster, I built a small work space in the new garage and some overhead storage—and I have plenty of room to spare."

While Michael says that he is proud of his building, he is especially proud of the wooden end walls—a product of his craftsmanship.

"I ordered the garage without end walls as I was pretty sure that I could make them, and I wanted them to match the house as best as I could. I like a little challenge so I came up with bending the 2×4's by cutting into them half way and it worked great! The garage is 24'x32', and I put both car doors in the small end and an entrance door too! I had to use 8' car doors, but I had just enough room.

While Minnesota is known for its intense winters, Michael says that the building hasn't had so much as a leak after the four years since it was constructed. In fact, he is so thrilled with his SteelMaster building all around, that he has applied for a permit to build an additional garage.

"I want to do this before there are any more restrictions in my area, and I have been pre-approved and am doing a little planning," says Michael. "I would like to put up an 18'x50' or a 20' x 50' storage and greenhouse, and I have a new idea on finishing one end of this building to make it unique!"

In addition to garages, SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

By Brenda H. Welch

SteelMaster Buildings wins Top Flight Category

SteelMaster Buildings was the winner of the Construction and Real Estate category of Monarch Bank’s Top Flight Award. The category winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges based upon a formula that took into account: growth in both revenue and full-time staff employed over the company’s three most recent completed fiscal years, descriptive narrative on how the prize package will be implemented; and community service. The community was also asked to vote on the category winners via text and online. SteelMaster Buildings would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for us and continue to show their support.

SteelMaster to Speak at Export Forum

Emma Granada, International Business Development Manager at SteelMaster Buildings, has been invited to speak at the National Small Business Week Conference, hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Emma will be speaking during the Export Forum: Take Your Business Global event on Monday, May 21. The forum (also available via webcast) will allow Emma to share her knowledge of exporting and expanding SteelMaster's customer reach in key overseas markets. Read her full bio here.

SteelMaster was invited to participate in the forum after winning the SBA's Export Video Contest last fall and Virginia Exporter of the Year Award this spring. To learn more about SteelMaster's exporting story, watch the winning video, Building Beyond Our Borders, on YouTube.

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We often feature customer stories on our blog to show the various ways that SteelMaster steel buildings can be utilized and to share the experiences that our customers have had with us.

Do you have a SteelMaster buildings that you would like to see on our website? Fill out the form below and tell us what you love about your SteelMaster (include at least one image of you building.) Then be sure to subscribe to our blog so you will be able to see your story when it is published.

SteelMaster is Doable, Durable, and Even Portable

When Ralph Foss of All Auto Salvage, Inc. of Titusville, Florida needed a building to house thousands of dollars worth of what some might consider "junk", he knew just the building he needed.

Ralph's auto salvage yard became quite the hullabaloo, when onlookers would stop, stare, and question what was going on when the bright, shiny-new, 30'x40' SteelMaster Storage Building was under construction back in 2001. It was as if the circus had come to town.

That was 11 years, four hurricanes (three direct hits), and many a "pick and pull" ago. With folks getting more mileage out of their vehicles these days, supplying hard-to-find auto parts is big business. In particular, there is a huge demand for used auto parts. Ralph Foss and the crew at All Auto realized spending a little to keep many of these rare parts safe, secure and out of harrowing weather was not a luxury, but a necessity.

Ralph boasts, "Through all the rough weather we've experienced here in Florida, our SteelMaster shed has not even sprang the first leak. We get winds off the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River here too. I have not noticed one bit of corrosion on our building – which we were actually anticipating."

SteelMaster buildings are coated with Galvalume Plus. This product was created in the late 1990's as an improvement to the original Galvalume – which, although not a bad product for its time, it contained an oily finish. Galvalume Plus features a thin, clear, dry organic coating. This coating eliminates the need for conventional chemical treatment and vanishing oil while providing a bright, attractive appearance with heat reflectivity and protection from corrosion.

Michelle Wickum, SteelMaster's Director of Marketing said, "SteelMaster steel and metal pre-fabricated arched buildings are built to last. Each comes with a 30-year warranty, backed by our steel plant. They are made to withstand the elements – whether encountering hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, heat, or snow.

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

Ralph added, "My experience with SteelMaster was great in every possible way. I would recommend them to anyone. Construction was a breeze too. It only took two people five days to construct our building – and that was working maybe four hours a day in-between waiting on customers."

Ralph also shared an interesting story with us. "During construction, we got a visit from our local City Codes Inspector. We were not aware of any special zoning restrictions or requirements. He told us our storage shed would have to be torn down, since we were not zoned for another ‘permanent building' at our location. Our SteelMaster Shed was already bolted down to its foundation. Pulling him aside, I explained that our SteelMaster Shed is portable, since it could be taken apart and reconstructed if the need dictated. This seemed to appease him, and we were allowed to keep our building."

Actually, most SteelMaster Buildings can be considered portable. This is just another reason our customers love their buildings. Disassembly and reassembly is certainly possible, dependent upon whether permanence is a factor during initial construction. Many customers have shared how they have assembled, disassembled and reassembled in another location. This is one reason why SteelMaster is proud to have customers like Ralph Foss of All Auto Salvage, NASA and the United States Government.

You are in good company Ralph. And SteelMaster remains grateful for your business and wishes you continued success at yours!

Google Co-Founder Supports SteelMaster

Google Co-Founder, Sergey Brin and Google Account Executive, Jo Broussard, take time out to pose for a rare photo-op. Sergey is pictured holding his SteelMaster lunchbox after a strategic planning and partnering session between Google and SteelMaster.

If you knew Sergey Brin, you would know this remarkable photo is actually unremarkable. The brilliant search engine guru is also sporting a pair of his high-tech Google Glasses, unveiled last month as the latest in digitally enhanced spectacles. It is only fitting Sergey would be carrying a SteelMaster lunchbox too. After all, the two companies have a lot more in common than one might think.

Google and SteelMaster Buildings are both big, successful companies and they share the distinction of being pioneers in their respective fields. Both companies also believe “going green” is more than just a hip catch-phrase. To SteelMaster, this picture says a thousand words. To sum it up, there may be an important lesson in this for us all.

When someone like Sergey Brin, a gazillionaire, who could easily trump the Trump, carries his lunch to work in a reusable lunchbox instead of brown-bagging, it is proof positive he cares about being environmentally friendly.

The fact he is carrying a SteelMaster lunchbox, is not only because he is a fan of SteelMaster, but he is Sergey Brin after all – and he carries it just because he can.

Or, could it also be perhaps Sergey is branching out and setting a new fashion trend?

For More Information About Steelmaster Buildings Visit Steelmasterusa.com

North Carolina Contractor Partners with SteelMaster

Mike Glover knows the difference between a great steel building and a shabby wannabe shed or shack. He happens to be one of SteelMaster's biggest fans. He is a SteelMaster Partner in Steel (PIS), and also one of our esteemed Partners in Building, or PIB.

Mike is the sole proprietor of Handy Man Specialists, which he runs from his property in Wendell, North Carolina. Mike also happens to be the proud owner of three SteelMaster buildings.

All three of Mike's buildings are the "S-Type". One is a 30'x40' building he uses for his workshop, and another is a 30'x30' he uses to store his camper, farming tractors, motorcycles and farm equipment. The other building is not up yet. Mike's handyman services are in such demand he says he will have to wait for a break in-between customers to finish his own projects.

If the phrase "down to earth" was in the dictionary, Mike Glover's name would be listed as the definition. When he described the exterior of one of his SteelMaster buildings he said, "I constructed a lean-to roof on one of them." When asked what a "lean to" was, he just laughed and said, "Where are you from? You mean you don't know what a "lean to" is? C'mon, daggonnit! A "lean to" is a slanted roof, like on a barn with a deck. Let me hear you say, daggonnit… c'mon, I know you can do it!"

Mike added, "Ma'am, let me tell you something. I figured I was on to something when me and my fiancé put up our first SteelMaster Building in a matter of days. SteelMaster has outstanding products, with buildings that I don't mind building. SteelMaster backs up their product, and I back up my work. It's a good situation for us both. With my construction know-how, I can do it all. I build them from the ground up for my customers.

But do not let Mike's country accent and good ole boy demeanor confuse you. In fact, he has been in business for himself 30 years and managed to do well in spite of the economy. This man has not only the know-how, but the brains and brawn to back it up.

More often than not, Mike is running his company truck up and down the highways, selling his services, and building SteelMaster buildings for his customers. To date, he has built ten in North Carolina, three in Tennessee, two in Virginia, and a couple in South Carolina. Two of which were SteelMaster homes.

"And, by the way, I'm not stuck doing business in only those states. If someone wants me to, I would travel to Colorado to build a SteelMaster building!" said Mike.
Looking back, Mike remembers the first time he found out about SteelMaster. The year was 1999, and the place was the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. SteelMaster had an exhibitor tent set up with representatives on site.

"Ma'am, let me tell you something else. When I first set foot inside that SteelMaster tent, I was impressed. I was like a kid in a candy store. I knew I wanted one. But, this guy saw me and must have seen a dollar sign on my head, ‘cause he was really pushy. I told him straight away – but in a nice way, ‘Son… don't you go pushing me. If I like it, I will buy it. That is just the way I am. I am straightforward like that."

"Then a very nice lady came up and took over. She must have been his boss. She didn't embarrass him or anything. She just said, ‘Let me help this gentleman'," and she is who I ended up talking business with. I don't think that guy works for SteelMaster anymore. I have to say everyone at SteelMaster I've talked to since, well; they are all great people – polite and very professional – not pushy at all. Must be because SteelMaster buildings sell themselves."

SteelMaster would have to somewhat agree with Mike Glover. SteelMaster buildings do sell themselves. However, we do happen to have a staff comprised of elite engineering, design, marketing, sales and customer relations specialists in our Virginia Beach headquarters. We also have a multi-lingual, international division to serve our world-wide clients.

"Our staff is not only the best at their profession, they actually love their jobs. SteelMaster is a name people have come to trust. Coming to work every day knowing you are working with a superior product and customers that become your friends, truly makes all the difference in the world," says Michelle Wickum, Director of Marketing for SteelMaster.

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

SteelMaster and Mike Glover of Handy Man Specialists have each been in business for 30 years. We figure both of our company's are doing right by people. For the record, Mike would like to hear from you if you want to consider him for your construction needs. Feel free to email him at handymanspec@gmail.com.

Customized Three Car Steel Carport

When Darcy Niedermeyer of Seattle, Washington sets out to assemble something, she does what any smart woman does… she reads the directions first.

Darcy knows a thing or two about construction. She runs her own kitchen remodeling business. First, she sells the idea and visual concept to a client. Then she sits down at her computer and works her magic using a graphic design program and creates scale models of what a customer's kitchen will actually look like, once the project is completed. She is very successful and enjoys every minute of her occupation.

Success does keep one busy though, and Darcy is a hard-worker. This brings us to the reason she hired a contractor to add a SteelMaster roof and shell to an existing carport attached to her home.

Prior to learning about the SteelMaster product line, Darcy already knew what would not work. Her home has a flat roof. With the remnants of the carport attached to the house, she did not want the roof of her carport to arch up to a point, making the carport roof higher than that of her home. She knew a traditional roof would not cut it either. She knew she did not want a mix-matched flat roof to ruin the curbside appeal of her beautifully landscaped and well-cared for home. So, she did what any tech savvy woman would do. She got on-line and started her search.

When she searched the web and found the SteelMaster website, she knew she needed to go no further.

SteelMaster's aesthetically pleasing steel arch shaped carport roof was just the product she was hoping to find. Further, the clear-span was just what she needed. Not having any ceiling to ground support beams running through the middle of the inside of her carport was perfect.

"The SteelMaster website was so impressive. With all of the pictures and customer testimonials, I was sold before I even called to get a price. Once I called the Virginia Beach headquarters, I was pleased to speak to the knowledgeable sales and design staff. They knew what I needed and how I could get it accomplished. Since I wanted to keep my existing footings, being able to buy only what I needed was an added bonus,” Darcy said.

Due to her busy schedule, Darcy hired a contractor she knew through her business. The SteelMaster kit was delivered on time and work began. However, their lead carpenter seemed to be scratching his head more than working on the roof assembly. Darcy headed outside to see what the delay could possibly be. Realizing she probably should not have been, she was surprised to see the he (the lead carpenter) had not read the directions enclosed with the kit. Darcy picked them up and read through them.

"The directions were clear and concise to me,” said Darcy. "The only thing that may have made them better was if SteelMaster used an A, B, C system labeling the pieces with a black Sharpie pen. I had absolutely no problem however; the non English speaking carpenter helpers were also at a loss.”

SteelMaster kit directions are available in just about any language. But Darcy did not know the lead carpenter would not read them first – and his helpers would not understand them.

"As it turned out, I ended up getting them started and assisting in the assembly of my own carport. I think they may have been a little embarrassed… GIRL POWER! YES!” Darcy laughed.

"I have to add that since my carport has been completed, people stop and actually approach me when I am outside. I find myself thinking, now – what do they want? Or, am I in some kind of trouble?” she laughed again.

"People are just curious about my carport. People randomly stop by to tell me how cool it looks from the street! And I must add, I think it is pretty cool too. I am extremely satisfied with my SteelMaster product and would refer them to anyone,” remarked Darcy.

SteelMaster's steel and metal pre-engineered buildings are designed for a broad range of residential and commercial applications including homes, farm buildings, garages, workshops, agricultural storage, Quonsets, airplane hangars, RV storage, roofing systems, carports, military buildings, commercial warehousing, and industrial storage as well as a wide variety of custom building applications including athletic facilities, retail stores, churches, bus stops, smoke shacks, doggie dorms, and correctional facilities.

SteelMaster is glad Darcy Niedermeyer does not mind referring others to us. And, as one of our newest "Partners in Steel” or PIS, we hope she makes some extra cash along the way for her referrals.