Steve has built his career around the mindset that growth starts with a willingness to take on challenges and keep pushing what’s possible. When Steve joined Horwitz in 2015, fabrication served as a small support function with one employee. Today, North Star Fabrication has grown into a dedicated business with more than 30 employees, serving Horwitz projects and outside partners. Steve has helped guide that transformation from the ground up.
As Fabrication Operations Manager, he leads operations from design through production and helps set the direction for the growing business. His career reflects a mindset that has shaped North Star Fabrication itself: growth begins with a willingness to take on challenges and explore what is possible.
Building a Career
Steve grew up on a farm, where hands-on work and problem-solving were part of everyday life. After entering the workforce, he spent several years in manufacturing and industrial maintenance. Those roles introduced him to many of the mechanical systems he continues to work with today. During that time, Steve discovered the pipefitting trade, a career path he had not known existed while growing up. The variety of the work caught his attention, along with the opportunities to learn and build a lasting career.
This led him to enroll in the Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program, which he completed in 2004. That decision laid the foundation for a career spanning more than two decades.
Growing North Star Fabrication
Steve joined Horwitz in 2015 as a Piping General Foreman, moving between general foreman and superintendent on job sites. As fabrication became an increasingly important part of the business, he emerged as a strong advocate for its growth and potential seeing the opportunities fabrication could play in supporting project teams onsite.
That vision helped shape North Star Fabrication. What was once a limited operation with 1 employee has expanded into a dedicated business supporting both Horwitz projects and outside partners with over 30 employees. For Steve, helping build that operation stands as the proudest accomplishment of his career with Horwitz. “It’s fun to be involved with something like this and be able to contribute to building it from the ground level,” he says.
That growth also creates new opportunities to grow. Each stage of North Star Fabrication’s development presents a new opportunity to improve. Steve works alongside the team to refine workflows and strengthen production capabilities while preparing the business for what comes next.
Steve credits much of North Star Fabrication’s progress to Horwitz’s collaborative culture. He values the way employees across the company remain accessible and willing to support one another. As Horwitz continues to grow, that sense of partnership keeps teams connected and focused on shared success.
Lessons Learned
After more than 20 years in the industry, Steve has learned that construction is about far more than technical expertise. Understanding the work matters, but successful projects also depend on trust and connection. That lesson continues to shape Steve’s approach to leadership. He understands that strong relationships help teams communicate openly and work through challenges together.
Beyond the Role
Away from work, Steve enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and running. His mechanical interests also extend beyond the fabrication shop. As a longtime car enthusiast, he often takes on automotive projects in his free time. While many coworkers know Steve as a leader and industry expert, they may be surprised to learn that he is also a dedicated heavy metal fan.
As Horwitz and North Star Fabrication continue to grow, Steve remains focused on helping build what’s next. His leadership and commitment to continuous improvement are opening new possibilities for the fabrication team and strengthening the business for the future.
