Recognizing the rising leaders shaping the future of metal construction
METALCON has announced the inaugural honorees of its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, celebrating 40 professionals age 40 and under who are driving the future of metal construction. The honorees represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including manufacturing, roofing, engineering, construction, technology, sales, marketing and education.
Selected for their achievement, leadership, innovation and overall impact, the 2026 honorees are moving projects forward, improving processes, developing new technologies, strengthening customer relationships and helping shape the industry’s next generation of leadership.
“Our inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees represent the energy, talent and forward-thinking leadership that are moving the metal construction industry forward,” said Judy Geller, Vice President of Trade Shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “They are already making an impact across every part of the industry, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate them at METALCON.”
The 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honorees are:
Chandler Barden | Owner | CIDAN Machinery Group
Since entering architectural roofing in 2013, Chandler has risen from sales engineer to CEO of CIDAN Group while serving in Metal Construction Association leadership roles and promoting metal construction internationally.
Thad Barnette | Director of Commercial Marketing | Sheffield Metals International / New Tech Machinery
Thad built The Metal Roofing Channel to more than 50,000 subscribers, hosting hundreds of industry experts and using education-driven marketing to connect professionals and strengthen metal construction brands.
Jay Bechtel | Founder & CEO | Rib Runner Tools
With a background in construction, Jay recognized a critical need and developed RibRunner Tools to improve metal sheeting pre-installation, helping contractors streamline work through practical, field-driven innovation.
Alina Bosak | Branch Manager | Chicago Metal Supply
Alina champions architectural sheet metal by developing talent, educating customers through installation classes and advocating for metal’s essential role in construction.
Mason Burchette | Owner & Chief Revenue Officer | True Metal Supply
Mason co-founded the company in 2022 and scaled it to 45+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities, combining nationwide growth with contractor education, digital tools and customer-focused manufacturing.
Joseph Canell | Owner | Elevate Roofing and Solar
Joseph has built a company founded on integrity, quality craftsmanship and customer service while investing in education, innovative building practices and technologies that raise industry standards.
Mark Carlisle | Industry Marketing Manager | U. S. Steel
For more than a decade, Mark has connected steelmaking with metal construction by leading U.S. Steel’s construction market intelligence, industry engagement and METALCON strategy and serving in leadership roles across multiple trade organizations.
Austin Cash | New Product Development Manager | The Malco Group
Eight years after joining The Malco Group as a student intern, Austin became product development manager. Now as lead engineer, he led the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter from concept to production in 16 months.
Alex Corry | General Manager – CDMG Building Systems | CDMG
Alex advanced from civil draftsman to general manager, delivering sustained revenue growth and earning selection to the Nucor Builder Advisory Council as one of 16 builders nationwide.
Daniel Cuenca | Owner & General Contractor | Mammoth Metal Structures & Mammoth Metal Manufacturing
Daniel is a results-driven leader whose experience, operational vision, and commitment to excellence have driven Mammoth’s growth and strengthened its capabilities and reputation in the industry.
Megan Ellsworth | Multimedia Director | MetalCoffeeShop
Megan connects industry professionals through multimedia, education and conversation, including podcasts, webinars, panel discussions and video content, while serving in a leadership role with National Women in Roofing.
Max Esteban | Founder & CEO | Maximilian Sheet Metal
After entering the sheet metal trade at 18, Max founded Maximilian Sheet Metal at 27, growing it into a respected firm while leading as designer, fabricator and project manager.
Eric Ford | Senior Manager, Purchasing | Carlisle Construction Materials
Over the past decade, Eric Ford has become a results-driven supply chain and procurement leader in the steel and construction materials industries. He has led M&A integration, supplier development and unified supply chain strategy while mentoring procurement professionals and strengthening supplier partnerships.
Scott Frankert | Technical Product Manager, Coil & Extrusion | PPG Industries
Scott bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy, drawing on coil coating technologies and account-growth experience to lead adoption of advanced UV- and EB-curable coatings for manufacturers.
Jesse Gallimore | Owner | JamesCo Builders LLC
Jesse built JamesCo Builders around transparency, quality and people-first leadership, strengthening partnerships across automotive, industrial, education and commercial markets.
Leland Gazo | Co-Owner | Blue Sky Roofing
At 28, Leland helped increase Blue Sky Roofing’s metal roofing revenue by 70% while expanding standing seam and architectural metal systems and mentoring Vermont’s next generation of craftsmen.
Brittni Goodwin | Director – Sales | U. S. Steel
Recently promoted, Brittni drives measurable business growth, builds and develops teams and takes ownership of challenges, including new product development in steel.
Ray Haas | Owner | Haas Stone & Steel, LLC and Mallet Supply, LLC
Ray advances roofing craftsmanship through traditional techniques and sustainable materials, sharing specialized knowledge through crew training, industry collaboration and improving access to quality sheet metal.
Lyndzye Harper | Inside Sales Manager | S-5!
Lyndzye has distinguished herself by building strong relationships across the metal construction and solar industries. She helped shape the company’s first inside sales manager role, expanding lead development and account management.
James Henry | CEO | Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.
James joined Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal at 19 and became owner at 29, building expertise in custom metal fabrication and standing seam roofing while investing in the people around him.
Jeremy Henson | CEO | ASCO Machines
Jeremy progressed from electrical distribution through sales and executive leadership to become owner and CEO of ASCO USA, building global partnerships that support innovation, growth and lasting industry relationships.
Eric Hinz | Sales | Innovative Energy, Inc.
Eric advances the industry by identifying opportunities to improve products, streamline processes and deliver greater customer value while earning trust through professionalism, work ethic and a customer-first approach.
Amanda Johnson | Sales & Marketing Manager | Roper Whitney
Amanda progressed from service coordinator to leading sales and marketing departments, becoming a recognizable sheet metal industry voice through educational video content and sustained professional growth.
Andy Keys | Owner | Metal Ops
Andy has expanded contractor support beyond distribution, providing sales training and jobsite education that help roofing professionals better understand how metal roofing systems are sold and installed.
Zachary Lee | Senior Fulfillment Manager | Mill Steel Company
Zachary helped lead development of the Mill Steel App, translating customer insights into a user-friendly digital experience that generated more than $100 million in sales during its first year.
Jace Lyon | Executive Director | Lyon Metal Roofing
“Born into the industry,” Jace combines hands-on manufacturing experience with an engineering background, advancing into executive leadership while helping strengthen the company’s leadership team and expand its market.
Mahsa Mahdavian | Global Technical Marketing Director | Scottsdale Construction Systems
Mahsa has advanced structural engineering through influential cold-formed steel research and steel deck design software, helping improve design methodology, workflows and practical application across the industry.
Brandon Mainor | President | Hornet Building Systems
Brandon oversees operations, applying hands-on manufacturing knowledge to modernize production through technology while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and company culture.
Victor Martinez | Design Team Leader | The Barndominium Company
Victor transforms client visions into buildable plans, managing a pipeline of 40 to 70 active projects while making a measurable impact on projects, processes and people.
Seth McBride | President & Founder | Steel Craft Builders
Seth built Steel Craft Builders around pre-engineered metal building expertise and customer service, using technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and pricing across projects throughout the Southeast.
Chad Miller | President | Lyon Roofing, Inc.
Chad began working at Lyon Roofing as a teenager and, through years of hands-on experience, dedication and leadership, advanced through the company to become its president.
Kiara Nirghin | CEO & Founder | Emanate
Kiara founded Emanate to bring frontier AI to industrial companies, combining experience as a Stanford AI Lab researcher and Google Science Grand Prize winner with metals-industry innovation.
Colin Palladino | Managing Director | New Castle Metal
Colin built the company’s roofing division from the ground up, growing the division from a single location into a six-location Northeast operation through entrepreneurial leadership.
Sarah Parks | CEO & Co-Founder | ContractorHUB
Sarah combines SaaS expertise with a strong understanding of contractor needs, building ContractorHUB around customer experience, ingenuity and product value while raising expectations for technology serving the trades.
Tucker Pearson | Head of Sales | RenderDraw
Tucker works directly with fabricators and OEMs to modernize operations through software, using a consultative approach that builds trusted, long-term industry partnerships.
Erik Pilgrim | CEO & Founder | RenderDraw
Erik is bringing AI-powered takeoffs, connected workflows and 3D visualization to metal construction, helping professionals improve estimating, configuration and project presentation without sacrificing technical precision.
Travis Rex | Director of Sales Operations | EXCEPTIONAL Metals
Travis combines market insight, business acumen and collaborative leadership to identify opportunities, improve processes and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that advance metal construction.
David Scott | COO | EcoSteel
As COO, David transformed operations, championed Building Information Modeling and helped drive tenfold company growth while overseeing complex steel-building projects and advancing operational leadership.
Jesse Winternitz | Application Engineering & Product Support Manager | S-5!
Jesse has built a career spanning engineering, product development and field application, leading a six-person team and serving as a key voice connecting engineering expertise with real-world application.
Elizabeth Woodworth | Regional Acoustical Manager | Best Supply
Elizabeth manages regional acoustical ceiling sales across Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, including specialty metal systems, while serving on the National Association of Women in Construction Nashville’s board and advocating for women in construction.
The honorees will be formally recognized during METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Recognition includes a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media and trade publications, onsite recognition and an invitation to a Future Leaders Happy Hour.
As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, the 40 Under 40 program puts the work and impact of the industry’s emerging leaders front and center at the annual gathering of the metal construction community.
