Cole Porter | President & CEO at Porter Steel, Inc.

Changing Lives and Leading by Example

During this episode of North GA Business Radio, Cole Porter, President and CEO at Porter Steel, joins host Phil Bonelli for a conversation about building lasting partnerships while navigating the challenges of succession planning and generational leadership in the family business.

Cole is the driving force behind Porter Steel Inc., a family-owned business specializing in architectural and miscellaneous metals.

With a strong focus on “Changing Lives and Leading by Example,” Cole’s leadership has propelled the company’s growth beyond Atlanta into the southeast region.

He actively participates in legislative committees, advocating for the construction industry and representing the community’s interests.

Cole’s vision and commitment to excellence have elevated the company and fostered a culture of empowerment and impact within the team.

His passion for inspiring greatness and creating long-term partnerships has solidified Porter Steel Inc.’s reputation as a trusted and influential player in the construction sector.

Key Moments in this episode:

00:00:07 – Introducing Porter Steel Company
Phil Bonelli introduces Cole Porter, owner of Porter Steel Inc., and sets the stage for a discussion about the company and its operations.

00:03:22 – The Work of Porter Steel
Cole Porter explains the types of projects Porter Steel works on, from construction to architectural metals, and discusses the process of fabricating and installing steel structures.

00:05:54 – Passion for Leading People
Cole shares his passion for leading and developing people, and how he aims to change lives and lead by example through the work of Porter Steel Inc.

00:08:24 – Mission and Values
Cole talks about the mission of Porter Steel Inc., which is to change lives and lead by example, and how they aim to achieve this through their work and community involvement.

00:13:25 – Impact of Company Culture
Phil and Cole discuss the positive impact of capitalism and a strong company culture on employees and their families, emphasizing the importance of investing in people and showing them the significance of their work.

00:15:26 – Importance of Industry Engagement
Cole and Phil discuss the importance of being engaged in the overall industry to help set the right standards and laws in place. They emphasize the need for experts to be at the table to advise legislators and business leaders.

00:16:20 – Legislative Engagement
Cole highlights the importance of being involved in legislative decision-making to represent Porter Steel and the families they serve. He stresses the significance of being at the table to advocate for industry and business decisions.

00:17:02 – Community Involvement
Cole shares his involvement in various boards and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the importance of leaving job sites and communities better than they found them. He discusses the positive impact this has on employees’ sense of purpose.

00:21:44 – Second Generation Leadership
Cole reflects on taking over Porter Steel from his father, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual strengths and differences in leadership styles. He discusses the need for a vision and process-driven balance in a multi-generational business.

00:28:28 – Core Values
Cole discusses the significance of core values such as integrity, partnership, and the value of failing forward. He emphasizes the focus on reputation and relational approaches in business.

00:29:08 – The Importance of Vision and Mission
Phil and Cole discuss the importance of having a vision and mission in business. They emphasize the need for a clear direction and purpose to drive the company forward.

00:30:12 – Building a Culture of Accountability
Cole talks about the core values of integrity, partnership, fail forward, and owning mistakes. He highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the workplace, encouraging employees to learn from failures.

00:31:27 – Fostering Relational Partnerships
Cole explains the significance of building relationships with employees, vendors, customers, and the community. He emphasizes the focus on teamwork and finding partners who share the same philosophy of mutual success.

00:34:05 – Transitioning into Leadership
Cole shares the unique challenges of leading a company with employees older than him. He emphasizes the importance of earning respect through experience and understanding different aspects of the business.

00:38:46 – Strategic Growth and Expansion
Cole expresses excitement about the company’s strategic growth and expansion, particularly with the addition of new shop space. He looks forward to the opportunities for the Porter Steel team in the coming year.