Seven with Evan

Evan Carroll's focus now more than ever is on the future of Black Bros. Co.

Representing the sixth generation of family ownership, in this segment Evan talks plant safety, alternative markets and the new Green Bay Packers quarterback.

1. Last time we spoke, business was good. Business is still good, no? Update us with your point of view as we head into Q4.

I think it’s going to be the same-old adage. Business is very healthy. Lead times and supply chain we’ve had to accept a little bit, but they are getting better all the time. We’ve got a big book of business that we should be extremely grateful for because we’ve all put in the time to get where we are at today, keeping our brand and reputation in top-notch shape. So, more than anything, we are healthy and we’re doing a lot of things right. We’re putting a lot of good work in to meet deadlines and make sure we’re busy putting out a quality product.

2. To beat a dead horse a bit and follow up on supply chain: To what extent is it getting better?

It’s night and day from where this was September 2022 to now. We’re not waiting for as much stuff. Before was like — oh-my-gosh — it’s everything! But now it’s special items, where you can see why it makes sense that it would take a little longer. And engineering has been proactive at opening those jobs earlier so, if needed, we can order all that stuff (and get it in sooner). It stinks from an inventory standpoint, because you have all that value sitting on the shelf which you obviously want to manufacture and ship right away. You know, just good accounting principles. But, because we have been proactive, it feels good to have everything ready (to start a build) so there’s no excuses. Everything’s here, and besides a few specialty oddballs, we should be able to rock.

3. Safety. We’ve had a couple minor incidents with hand injuries recently. How do we get better?

We’ve got to stay safe and keep emphasizing the right things. … For hand injuries, we are getting more automated and becoming more hands-off every day. We’re actively trying to utilize as much equipment and technology as possible to keep our guys’ hands out of harm’s way. Your hands are still the two things you’re going to use (the most) every day, so it’s got to be a good balance of making sure we’re keeping a safe, clean working environment, always thinking through and performing tasks the safest way, and that we’re trained on and using the right equipment, automation, and software.

4. Totally agree. It is a combination of things. ... AWFS happened. What was your take away from this year's biggest trade show?

I don’t think people knew exactly what to expect, because you heard about some of the bigger companies dropping off this year. There was talk about, is it going to be well attended if SCM, Biesse, and others aren’t there? So, for all the uncertainly coming into it, I thought it was a good show at the end of the day. We had a ton of great traffic into the booth. Vegas is obviously a city like no other. The crowd comes in at 10 a.m. and might leave at 3 p.m., so for a show that starts earlier and runs later than that, you don’t always see the (constant) traffic like you do at IWF (in Atlanta). When the traffic did come, though, it was heavy. The booth looked phenomenal. I think running live demonstrations and getting our sales people out in front, and letting the attendees see what we can do is really important for us. It's what turned it into a great show. You want be able to present and show people your capabilities and what's new — like our Panel Assist Stacker and the eyes or attention it can draw. It's so practical for anyone laying up panels. So overall, it was a really, really good show everything considered.

5. Next, you’re heading to the National Coil Coating Association Fall Technical Meeting at the end of the month. Expectations?

Coil Coating is a nice (market for Black Bros.). It’s not like our pressing, laminating, and roll coating-type equipment — or even our web lines to that extent. But it’s still a well-built, heavy-duty machine. It’s cool to make a true tank, and they bring a lot of attention because their sheer size. I’m excited to go with Taylor (Olsen), our Director of Engineering, who’s a wealth of knowledge and can say: I’ve designed these and overseen them all being built for the past 10 years. … As far as expectations, seeing a few existing customers, checking in on them and making sure they are doing well, and networking some new prospects to help spread our name a bit more (in the industry).

6. We are hiring. How do you fill the shoes of experienced retirees and those who move on? What’s the message to new hires?

Retirement is inevitable. It’s a congratulations. One of the biggest milestones you can cross off, and it should be celebrated accordingly. You made it. Kick back and enjoy what this world has to offer and get to see things a little more, see your grandchildren a bit more. Little things like that make it a special milestone. So, it should be celebrated and people from here will always be missed. In terms of hiring, the pressure is on. But, we’ve got a great work environment. A place where you’re treated more like family rather than a number. Where your thoughts, concerns, and questions are all listened to and acted upon. We have the charm of small-town life. A simple life with balance. It’s just a good place to work where, more than anything, your voice is heard and you’re treated like family.

7. You’re a Packers guy. I’m not sure why! But how does it feel for the first time in your life to be without an all-time great quarterback?

(Laughs) I’ve been talking to a couple people about that. For the last 30-35 years you went from Favre, who was a first-ballot hall of famer, to the bad man Aaron Rodgers who will 100-percent be a first ballot, and who you can argue is the most talented to ever throw the football. So they’ll be missed. But, I’m excited for Jordan Love and the future, and I’m thankful for 4 and 12.