40 Rising Leaders. One Industry. One Remarkable Class.
These aren’t future leaders. They’re already making decisions that shape projects, companies, and the direction of metal construction.
Bio
Chandler Barden has been in the Architectural Roofing industry since 2013, starting as a sales engineer at CIDAN Machinery and rising to CEO of CIDAN Group. During his involvement at MCA, he has served as MCA Chair, Executive Board Member, and Metalforming Equipment Council Chair. Chandler has contributed countless hours promoting metal construction in both the USA and Europe, helping bring in a younger generation.
Bio
Thad has developed, hosted and built The Metal Roofing Channel to 50,000+ subscribers. I would argue he is one of the most influential people in the metals industry today. He has hosted hundreds of industry guests and experts, helping bring together many different voices across our entire space. He has helped grow and shape New Tech and Sheffield brands with a strategic, education-driven marketing approach.
Bio
Jay Bechtel, a seasoned contractor from a small town near Toledo, Ohio, has over 20 years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial construction, specializing in installing metal sheeting. Recognizing a critical need in the industry, he developed RibRunner Tools—a groundbreaking solution designed to optimize the pre-installation process of metal sheeting. With a passion for innovation, Jay continues to help professionals work smarter, not harder.
Bio
As Branch Manager of a unique QXO location specializing in copper historical restoration, edge metal, gutters, ACM, standing seam, and custom fabrication, her impact extends beyond operations. She champions architectural sheet metal by attracting and developing new talent, advocating for metal’s essential role in construction, educating Chicagoland customers through annual installation classes, and ensuring QXO recognizes metal’s growing importance across the industry.
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Mason Burchette co-founded True Metal Supply in February 2022 with a conviction that a metal manufacturing company could win on relationships, education, and obsessive customer service. In four years, it scaled to 45+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities in the Southeast - shipping to all 50 states. True also ranked #1 in Manufacturing on the 2026 Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies list - as well as #33 overall. Additionally, the company holds the largest social media presence of any metal roofing & siding manufacturer in America.
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Joseph has distinguished himself as a forward-thinking leader helping raise the standard within the roofing and metal construction industry. As leader of Elevate Roofing and Solar, he has built a company founded on integrity, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service. He continually invests in education, innovative building practices, and technologies. What truly sets Joseph apart is his character. He builds lasting relationships based on trust.
Bio
Mark Carlisle has become one of the consistently visible and trusted voices connecting steelmaking to the metal construction market for over 10 years. He owns U.S. Steel's construction market intelligence and industry engagement, leads its METALCON exhibit strategy, and holds leadership positions in various trade organizations. Mark represents what this recognition honors: he informs the market, strengthens its institutions, and makes everyone around him better.
Bio
30-year-old Austin Cash plays a significant role at The Malco Group, a leading tools manufacturer. Just 8 years after joining as a student intern, he was promoted to new product development manager. He serves as lead engineer on the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter, which went from concept sketch to full production in just 16 months and was recognized as a Top Product at METALCON 2025.
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Alex Corry has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment throughout his 13 year career. Beginning as a Civil Draftsman, Alex advanced to Estimator and Project Manager before becoming General Manager of Building Operations. Under his 3 years of leadership, the division has experienced sustained revenue growth. In March 2025 he was invited to join the Nucor Builder Advisory Council, one of only 16 builders nationwide.
Bio
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Bio
Megan Ellsworth is a trusted voice in metal construction. Through her work with MetalCoffeeShop®, she uses multimedia, education and meaningful conversations to connect professionals and strengthen the industry. She hosts podcasts and webinars, moderates live panels with industry leaders and produces video content that reaches a wider audience. Megan also serves on the board of National Women in Roofing, chairing its DEI Committee and Denver Council.
Bio
Max entered the sheet metal trade at 18 and became enfatuated with all the different machines, materials, and processes early on. At 27 he founded Maximilian Sheet Metal, growing it in 6 years into a respected firm with an incredible team and network of other local business and contractors. He leads as founder, designer, fabricator, and PM, known for craftsmanship and vision.
Bio
Scott Frankert, 33, is the Technical Product Manager for PPG's Coil and Extrusion Coatings business, a leader who bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy. He spent four years developing advanced coil coating technologies, then four years in a commercial role focused on account growth. Today he leads the adoption of advanced UV and EB curable coatings, aligning PPG's innovation pipeline with the needs of manufacturers.
Bio
With over twenty years of construction experience, Jesse built JamesCo on a simple philosophy: Building Better. Together. He continually challenges the status quo, creating stronger partnerships through transparency and quality. What sets Jesse apart is his character. He leads with humility and puts people first. His leadership has earned JamesCo Builders a reputation as a trusted construction partner across automotive, industrial, education, and commercial markets.
Bio
At just 28, Leland Gazo has emerged as a leader advancing the metal roofing industry in Vermont. As Co-Owner of Blue Sky Roofing & Custom Exteriors, he helped drive a 70% increase in the company's metal roofing revenue by expanding standing seam and architectural metal systems. Committed to raising standards, Leland recruits, mentors, and trains young Vermonters, helping build the next generation of skilled craftsmen.
Bio
Brittni, who was recently promoted to Director of Sales, delivers measurable business growth as she builds and develops a new team. She is recognized as a leader in the steel industry and takes ownership of challenges, like new product development, with ease. She has a clear trajectory towards greater leadership potential as her career progresses. Brittni stands out from her peers, offering a positive disposition.
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Ray Haas is raising the bar for roofing in the United States. Out of respect for the trade, he's built his businesses on proven traditional techniques and sustainable materials. Largely self-taught, he studied foreign-language texts to master sympathetic detailing. Through Haas Stone & Steel and Mallet Supply, he trains crews and improves materia accesss. His passion should put him on the 40 under 40 list.
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Lyndzye has distinguished herself through initiative, adaptability and a genuine commitment to building strong relationships across the metal construction industry. Since joining S-5! in February 2023, she has steadily expanded the scope of her work, helping shape its first Inside Sales Manager role. She now plays a role in lead development and account management, becoming a trusted resource across the metal construction and solar industries.
Bio
James is an outstanding example of a dedicated business owner, skilled craftsman, and servant to his community. He began with Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. at 19, and after 10 years of hard work became owner at age 29 in 2021. A leader in custom metal fabrication and standing seam roofing, James takes great pride in exceptional workmanship, investing in people around him.
Bio
Jeremy exemplifies visionary leadership through adaptability, strategic insight, and an exceptional ability to build lasting relationships. His global network and partnerships with international executives help drive innovation throughout North America. Beginning his career in electrical distribution, he advanced through sales and executive leadership to become owner and CEO of ASCO USA. His journey reflects character, determination, growth, and gratitude to God—the foundation of lasting success.
Bio
Eric Hinz is an outstanding candidate for METALCON's 40 Under 40 because he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to driving growth within the metal construction industry. Eric has identified opportunities to improve products, streamline processes, and deliver greater value to customers. He has earned the respect of colleagues and customers through his professionalism, work ethic, and customer-first mindset, representing the next generation.
Bio
Amanda had incredible growth in our industry and is now one of the most recognizable faces on YouTube videos regarding the sheet metal industry. She started as service coordinator, grew into marketing manager, and now oversees sales and marketing departments, thanks to her tenacity, work ethic and knowledge acquired over the years. We all wish to find young people with the same desire for growth.
Bio
Andy has been an industry disruptor since he started Metal-Ops. His company has been growing rapidly every month due to the great service and pricing he offers. A couple of services that other companies don't seem to offer are sales training and jobsite visits to educate roofers and installers on how the roofing systems are supposed to be sold and installed. Anybody who's anybody in metal roofing in Florida knows Andy and Metal-Ops.
Bio
With 14 years in the steel industry, Zach Lee is a trusted, customer-focused leader who combines genuine care for people with a drive to innovate. He helped lead development of the Mill Steel App, translating customer insights into a user-friendly digital experience. The platform generated more than $100 million in sales in its first year, demonstrating Zach’s lasting impact on customer experience.
Bio
Jace Lyon was "born into this industry" as his Father is Bret Lyon of Lyon Metal. He graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville with an engineering degree in 2022, and joined Lyon Metal soon after. Jace worked inside the manufacturing facility during high school, then transitioned to a leadership position. He has been an asset in building an executive team, growing and expanding our market.
Bio
Mahsa Mahdavian exemplifies what the future of structural engineering should look like: intellectually rigorous, industry shaping, and relentlessly committed to elevating steel. Her published research on clip angle behavior and cold formed steel shear walls has become foundational reading. She also led development of steel deck design software that changed how engineers design steel deck systems. Her research and advocacy make her a deserving candidate.
Bio
Brandon oversees all the operations at Hornet Steel Buildings and has worked to implement technology and bring their manufacturing into the 21st century. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable, and since he's grown up in the industry and worked in the factories, he has a practical understanding of manufacturing. And they have a focus on customer service and creating a family atmosphere at Hornet Steel Buildings.
Bio
Victor Martinez is the kind of rising leader the METALCON 40 Under 40 program was created to recognize. As Design Team Leader for The Barndominium Company, he transforms ambitious client visions into buildable plans, managing a pipeline that regularly includes 40 to 70 active projects. Over four years, Victor has grown into a trusted team leader, making a measurable impact on projects, processes, and people.
Bio
Seth McBride is 38 years old and entered the pre-engineered metal building world as a furnished and erect contractor supplying general contractors with PEMB across Florida, the southeastern United States, and parts of the U.S. Seth has a passion for customer service apparent to our clientele and staff. We use technology and AI at every turn, making us more efficient, accurate, and improving our pricing.
Bio
I have known Chad for 19 years, and it has been a joy to watch him develop into a leader in the metal roofing business. Having worked at Lyon Roofing as a teenager and joining again years later, he has shown that hard work, dedication, and truly loving what you do takes you places you dream of. He worked his way to president of Lyon.
Bio
Kiara Nirghin is Founder and CEO of Emanate, the Silicon Valley startup building the AI revenue engine for the industrial companies that build the physical economy. Emanate is powering the next era of American reindustrialization and dynamism, and is backed by Andreessen Horowitz and the Carlyle Group. A Stanford AI Lab researcher and Google Science Grand Prize winner, Kiara is bringing frontier AI to the metals industry.
Bio
Colin Palladino's career exemplifies the entrepreneurial leadership the metal construction industry depends on. After joining New Castle Building Products in 2012, he advanced through several roles before being entrusted with a mandate: build a metal roofing division from the ground up. He delivered. Under his leadership as Managing Director, New Castle Metal has grown from a single location into a six-location operation spanning the Northeast.
Bio
Sarah is emerging as one of the most consequential new voices in the trades. She pairs deep SaaS expertise with a sharp instinct for what contractors need from the businesses they trust. She’s built that into how ContractorHUB operates, setting a higher standard for customer experience, ingenuity, and product value. Her leadership ensures contractors get what they deserve, not what they settle for.
Bio
The metal fabrication industry has long operated on instinct and manual processes. Tucker Pearson is one of a growing number of professionals changing that. As Head of Sales and Business Development at RenderDraw, he works directly with fabricators and OEMs to show how modern software can transform how they operate. His consultative approach has established RenderDraw as a truly credible partner, not just a vendor.
Bio
Erik Pilgrim is redefining how the metal construction industry visualizes, estimates, configures, and sells projects by bringing AI-powered takeoffs, connected workflows, and 3D technology into a space that relied on flat drawings and manual processes for decades. Through RenderDraw, he pairs accurate technical takeoff data with immersive 3D visualization and product configuration, helping professionals move from plan to presentation without losing precision. What sets Erik apart is his ability to recognize a need and create a product that solves it—helping shape the future of the manufacturing industry.
Bio
Travis Rex is the kind of leader who sees opportunity where others see the status quo. Since entering the metal construction industry, he has consistently asked: How can we do this better? He brings market curiosity, business acumen and an instinct for innovation, driven to turn ideas into practical solutions. He understands progress requires collaboration, bringing the right people together to move the industry forward.
Bio
I am honored to nominate Dave Scott, Chief Operating Officer of EcoSteel, for METALCON's Top 40 Under 40. Dave has transformed how EcoSteel designs, manages, and delivers complex steel buildings, helping to drive 10x company growth. He led a complete redevelopment of company operations and championed Building Information Modeling early. Today he oversees EcoSteel's most demanding projects, redefining operational leadership in the metal construction industry.
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Ali Turner represents the next generation of leadership in metal roofing through innovative product launches, impactful messaging, technical expertise, and industry education that continue to strengthen S-5!'s reputation and advance the industry.
Bio
Jesse deserves recognition as a rising leader making a meaningful impact in the metal construction industry. Since joining S-5! in 2018 after earning his mechanical engineering degree, he built a career at the intersection of engineering, product development, and field application. As Application Engineering and Product Support Manager, he leads a team of six. Jesse has become the voice connecting engineering knowledge with real-world application.
Bio
As Regional Acoustical Manager at Best Supply, Elizabeth Woodworth manages acoustical ceiling sales across Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, dealing in steel and aluminum grid and specialty metal ceiling panels, most notably supplying drywall grid for the new Tennessee Titans Stadium. She serves on the board of NAWIC's Nashville chapter, a firm believer in advocating for women in the industry and encouraging others to find roles within construction.
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