EMR Safety Score Down to .72, and Up-Close with Donnie Hill

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

One-On-One with Donnie Hill, Vice President

As any of his colleagues will tell you, pinning down Donnie Hill is not easy. Darting from airport to airport in search of the next big deal, Donnie is a 42-year veteran of the power and steel construction industries and always on the go.

As we discovered in May at the 11th Annual Electric Power Show, even a sting from a scorpion couldn't stop Donnie from meeting with customers. The episode prompted us to shine this edition's Employee Spotlight on Donnie. From his warm, affable personality to his vintage Southern charm, Donnie exemplifies the drive and goodwill that has helped fuel National Steel City's marketplace success.

Donnie HIll (Center) flanked by Ryan Rhodes (Right), Director of Business Development, and Jason Szweda (left), Field Operations Manager.

CQ: How many years in steel construction? When did you first get your start?

DH: Forty-two full years - I got my start on a part time basis in May of 1965, two weeks after graduating from high school, on the construction of the Harlee Branch Generating facility near Milledgeville, Ga. I attended college, joined the Army Reserves, and worked in steel construction before going to work full time in August of 1968.

CQ: Can you share some advice based on what you've learned in your career?

DH: The best advice I can give is to never think that you can succeed without the support of the team that surrounds you. We have all been given different talents to perform certain tasks in the business. Take advantage of the talent you have been given and respect the talents that others have.

CQ: What makes National different and better than other steel construction companies?

DH: National Steel City has outstanding leadership and maturity in every aspect of the business. The expectations from the CEO down through our project management teams is at a high level in the organization, and therefore high expectations lead to a successful level of performance. Our organization's priority is safety, quality and timely performance in that order. NSC will not compromise our priority for a safe work environment.

CQ: Can you give us some insight into the bid process and your predictions for future growth?

DH: The bidding process is driven by our business model. It starts with a focus on business development that recognizes the correct opportunities and skill needs of projects that we are chasing. These opportunities, after a normal pre-qualification process become projects to bid using a very detailed 'build the project on paper' and if successful, the estimate is relayed into a sophisticated system of planning and project management. The company is well positioned for future growth because our focus is on the areas that offer the best opportunity for our skill set.

CQ: Where do you see National in five/10 years?

DH: I see NSC continuing to expand its specialty resume in power, industrial manufacturing and stadium/ arena construction in the next 5 to 10 years.

CQ: What makes the power industry so exciting from a construction standpoint?

DH: The power industry has gone though a big change in the last few years. There is more focus on protecting the environment and renewable energy. There is tremendous opportunity for our organization in environmental upgrades at existing coal plants including scrubbers, SCRS, and fabric filter projects. Solar power, biomass co-generation, coal gasification and carbon capture are quickly becoming a reality, coupled with a increasing demand for natural gas power plants and the nuclear renaissance in power production. There will still be a need for new coal plant construction. The power industry is exciting for us because our background and skill set fit this market very well.

CQ: You're a very recognized name and face within the industry, how so?

DH: I have had the opportunity to be involved in different areas of the business: new coal plant construction, power plant AQCS projects, nuclear power plant construction, paper mill construction, large self supporting steel towers, tall guy towers up to 2000 feet, truss span bridges over water, arenas and large commercial facilities. I caught malaria in Liberia, and a bad case of salmonella in Algeria. I do my best every day and I have a tremendous amount of respect for a lot of the people that I have and still work with every day. I hope with all this said that the impression that I have made has been a positive one.

CQ: What's the one thing people don't know about you?

DH: I am very uncomfortable talking about myself. My strength comes from a God that protects me and the good people that surround me every day.