Six Things You Didn’t Know About John Stropki

There are movies made in which the lead character begins his career at the bottom of his company’s employee roster and, like Horatio Alger, rapidly begins an ascent up the corporate ladder. One only has to look to Cleveland, Ohio, to see an example of a career path in which a global industry leader began his career in the shipping department.

John Stropki

This year’s keynote speaker at GAWDA’s Annual Convention, John Stropki, is the chairman and CEO of The Lincoln Electric Company who began his career working during his college summer breaks in Lincoln Electric’s shipping department almost 40 years ago. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he joined the company’s sales engineering training program and over the course of several decades moved up the corporate ladder to sit at the helm of one of our industry’s largest suppliers.

While John Stropki may not need an introduction to anyone who has worked in this industry for more than, say, a week, we found some interesting industry trivia that may not be included in his official biography.

Q. How is the compensation of a shipping department employee in 1969 similar to that of the chairman and CEO of a global company in 2008?
A. The Lincoln Electric Company’s philosophy is one that dictates that hard work and effort always pay off. In 1969, the shipping department employee’s compensation was based on how many pieces he loaded onto a truck and how well he executed the demand of a particular day. Today, the CEO and chairman’s compensation is based on his performance in leading a global operation and executing the strategies that are designed to support his company’s stakeholders.

Q. What was John Stropki’s second choice for a career?
A. He would have been a professional golfer. It would have been easier, and he would have made more money. Of course, he would have had the time to hit the links more often and with more practice would have improved his current 14 handicap.

Q. What kind of books does John Stropki read for relaxation?
A. He just finished reading a book on the emerging markets in China and is currently reading a book on the cultural and economic issues being faced in India.

Q. In any given year, how many days are spent traveling?
A. More than half of his time is spent on the road and a great percentage of that time is spent offshore.

Q. What is John Stropki’s favorite hot weather beverage?
A. Ice-cold Bud Light. No Miller products allowed!

Q. What are two requirements for success in the future?
A. First, the ability to marry welding equipment with consumables that allow for higher strength, lighter weight and more corrosion-resistant materials. Second, the ability to provide products that are easier to use and allow people to get trained faster and yet still meet the very difficult demands of some higher technology products.

Q. Why should you hear John Stropki’s keynote address?
A. To succeed in today’s economy, distributors must help end-user customers focus on the cost that is required to compete in the global marketplace. There has to be a focus on productivity and the labor element associated with using specific products. John will explain how you can position yourself where markets are stronger. September 24, 8:00 a.m.