Jonathan Harper
President of GARMCO (USA), Inc.
New Corporate US office location, Winter Garden, FL
Jonathan began his career in the metals industry 25 years ago in Orlando, Florida, first with ALRO Metals, then shortly thereafter joining Reynolds Aluminum Supply Company [RASCO], where he worked as an Inside Sales Representative, then Field Sales, from 1994 to 2000. His interest and enthusiasm to choose the metals business as a
lifelong
career was strengthened during his tenure with Reynolds, where their culture of investing in people with specific training, and education was a priority. From 2000 to 2009, Jonathan expanded his career by working for Commonwealth Aluminum and later Alcoa Mill Products, in Sales & Marketing role(s), encompassing continuous and direct cast processes, non heat treat common alloy, as well as 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series products. Jonathan enjoyed working with a diverse range of end markets from commercial building and construction, aerospace, transportation, and HVAC. In addition to those mill positions, and interest to return to the service center / distribution industry, Jonathan worked for Integris Metals just prior to the Ryerson acquisition in Dallas, Texas.
Jonathan joined GARMCO USA Inc. in May of 2009, and has progressed from National Sales Manager, Vice President of Sales, to recently, President of the US Incorporated entity for the parent organization, Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill, Company [GARMCO], headquartered in Bahrain.
Jonathan graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration, from the University of Central Florida in 1992. Jonathan also completed the Wharton Business School Advanced Management Program in 2015, and remains active with both UCF and University of Pennsylvania alumni association(s) and events.
Jonathan is an active supporter of the Ronald McDonald House charity of Central Florida.
1) Give us a quick overview of your job.
Provide US commercial leadership for over half of Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill Company [GARMCO-Bahrain] global revenue, inclusive of sales, business development, financial, and commodity risk management.
2) What are some things that happen for you in a typical day at work?
A typical day can entail working on strategic projects such as negotiating a new US logistics contract, or business planning during a rapidly changing US trade policy environment. Although working with a diverse and talented team here in the US on day-to-day matters, continuous systems improvement, product development, or tailored just in time customer programs, with collaboration from our parent company GARMCO, is most rewarding.
3) How does your job impact the markets you serve?
In a positive way! At least that is the goal. Understanding the current and evolving challenges first by market, before specific customer(s), is necessary to determine whether we are capable, and willing, to allocate resources that are sustainable to address the needs of a particular market. I enjoy making decisions to enter a new market, after gathering relevant data, with the goal of staying in [that] market for the long run, resulting with a positive impact for both GARMCO and the markets we serve.
4) How do you interact with Secat, Inc. and how does the relationship benefit you?
The relationship GARMCO USA has with SECAT creates value and credibility for us, and the customers we serve. First, new customer development opportunities that require specific technical expertise to either solve a problem, or create an opportunity result in value for both parties. Second, complementing our ongoing investment in continuing education, our employees attend Aluminum: Wrapped Up – A Basic Understanding of Aluminum, and subsequent education programs. Over time, the accumulation of these experiences increase confidence and credibility, especially for our newer team members interacting with customers.
5) Tell us something about yourself (outside of the industry) that people may not know
As a childhood cancer survivor, I learned early the values of compassion, humor, fairness, patience, and the purpose to enjoy the blessing of life. I try to adhere to the principal; “Don’t take yourself too seriously, however take seriously your duty and vocation.”
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