Memoir Details Struggles and Successes of Barker Steel Co.

Robert B. Brack knew from an early age that his grandfather and father hoped he would join Barker Steel Co., the business started by his grandfather in 1920. After graduating from college in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering, he went to work at the family business for a few years until he left to pursue his dream of teaching math and science. About a year later, Brack returned to a more challenging role for the company, as chronicle in his family memoir "With Gratitude: Barker Steel and the People Who Made It Work."

Upon his return, the firm had one location and was barely profitable with less than $1 million in sales and 28 employees. When this story ends in 2007, however, Barker Steel was one of the largest independent rebar fabricators in North America with 12 locations throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, generating in some years more than $200 million in sales and employing more than 500 people.

"I wanted to capture the story of a small family business that spanned four generations over 87 years in a competitive steel industry, at times high risk," said Brack. "It is a story about the people who made Barker Steel and the relationships with employees, customers, professionals, and others who helped grow the business."

Learn valuable business lessons gleaned through four generations of a closely-held, family business, and discover how Brack, his family, and their teams built a successful and respected company in "With Gratitude."

"With Gratitude: Barker Steel and the People Who Made It Work"
By Robert B. Brack
ISBN: 9781480846548 (softcover); 9781480846555 (hardcover); 9781480846562 (eBook)
Available at the Archway Publishing Online Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Robert B. Brack was Barker Steel's chief executive for more than 28 years, leading the company as sales increased more than tenfold during a period of dynamic growth. A longtime active member of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, he served as chairman of the board in 1990 and 1991. In 2012, Brack received the institute's first Distinguished Service Award. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in civil engineering.

General Inquiries:            
LAVIDGE - Phoenix                        
Bryan Beach
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bbeach(at)lavidge(dot)com

Review Copies & Interview Requests:                    
LAVIDGE - Phoenix                        
Kiersten Woglom                        
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kwoglom(at)lavidge(dot)com

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