My Story
I am just another American immigrant with a strong determination, much like my immigrant ancestors before me. Though this book isn’t entirely about me, I believe my journey can draw you in with a classic tale of overcoming adversity and rising as an underdog.

I moved to North America in 2011 with my wife and $3200. Within two weeks of moving to Canada, I was broke. My bills wiped out all my money, and I found myself working at a factory making window frames to get by. After six months of hard labor, I landed a job at a large steel service center as a data entry operator. My first task, which the previous employee took three weeks to complete, was finished in 15 minutes. This caught the attention of the controller, leading to my promotion to CIO.

For the next two years, I immersed myself in the steel business, learning every detail and building my first ERP system for steel. The owner of the steel service center saw potential in me and encouraged me to try sales, despite my lack of experience. Within six months, I surpassed the numbers of a veteran salesperson of 30 years.

My time in sales allowed me to see the industry from various perspectives, and by 2019, after nearly a decade in the steel industry, I had spoken to hundreds of distributors and scrutinized their operations. This extensive experience convinced me that the industry needed a technological overhaul, which inspired me to start EOXS.

Why Did I Write This Book?
After spending over a decade in the steel industry, starting at the bottom and working my way up to the C-suite, I observed several practices that were holding the industry back. Despite the obvious need for change, no one seemed to be addressing these issues. I decided to compile my notes, observations, and insights from other prominent industry leaders to start a conversation about these critical topics.

I wanted to create a book that addresses these challenges and sparks thought-provoking discussions. My aim is not to guide you but to serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging everyone in the industry to reflect on our practices and consider more efficient, modern approaches.

My Journey of Hustle, Networking, and Entrepreneurship
Moving to a new country with limited funds was challenging, but it pushed me to work harder and seize every opportunity. My first job in a factory making window frames was a humble beginning. However, it was my break into the steel industry that set the stage for my career.

Starting as a data entry operator, I quickly demonstrated my skills, leading to rapid promotions and new responsibilities. Building my first ERP system was a significant milestone, showcasing my ability to innovate and improve operations. Transitioning to sales, I embraced the challenge and quickly excelled, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

By 2019, my extensive experience and insights led me to conclude that the steel industry was in dire need of modernization. This realization was the driving force behind the creation of EOXS, a company dedicated to helping steel distributors and suppliers automate their operations and embrace new technologies.

The Purpose of This Book
The purpose of “Making Steel Sexy Again” is to delve into the history of the steel industry in the United States, explore its past successes and current challenges, and spark a conversation about how we can improve our operations. The goal is to save the steel industry from further decline by learning from the past and avoiding future mistakes.

Throughout this book, I address various issues, from the reliance on outdated technologies to the need for a more sustainable and efficient approach to steel production and distribution. By sharing my journey and insights, I hope to inspire others in the industry to embrace change and work together towards a brighter, more prosperous future for the steel industry in America.

Let’s continue to innovate and uphold the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring that the steel industry remains a vital part of our economy and infrastructure. Together, we can make steel sexy again!