SEPTEMBER 2025

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NEXT GEN ALL STAR PROFILE

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By xxxx xxxxx

Next Gen All Star:
Bradley Schneider

Age: 39

Company: Service Metal

Title: Vice president, operations and supply management

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

Five years; I started in Jan 2020. It was a crazy time to start, but I learned a lot quickly as the lockdowns began, and we had to quickly adjust our sourcing strategies.

What drew you into the industry?

It wasn’t the industry, but Tim Williamson and the rest of the leadership team at Service Metal that I was drawn to. Tim and I had gone through an MBA program together, so I already knew his commitment to building a strong, values-driven business. I had previously worked for a large publicly traded company (Deere & Co.) for 13 years, and while it was a great learning opportunity, I felt that joining a smaller company would allow me to further grow and challenge myself to help set the strategic direction of the overall business.

While at Deere, I had seen the critical importance of pipes, fittings, and valves to the manufacturing process, and I was genuinely excited to work at Service Metal and help secure their delivery into factories across America. Beyond simply supplying parts, I saw Service Metal’s work as contributing to a broader mission of reindustrializing America—ensuring that our country retains the ability to make, build, and innovate at home. By strengthening the supply chain for critical manufacturing components, we’re not just serving customers; we’re helping restore and expand America’s industrial backbone for the next generation.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

Solving problems by optimizing the supply chain from manufacturer to end user is the most rewarding aspect of working in this industry. Every day, we have the opportunity to streamline how essential products move through the market—removing unnecessary costs, eliminating bottlenecks, and creating a smoother path for both goods and information to reach our customers. That means not just delivering pipes, fittings, and valves, but also making sure critical documentation, like MTRs, arrive accurately and on time.

We’re constantly asking ourselves how we can make things “easier and faster” for our customers, because in many cases, their ability to keep production running depends on our ability to deliver. Seeing an end user avoid downtime, complete a project ahead of schedule, or save real dollars because of a solution we implemented is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a hands-on way to contribute to their success—and, in a larger sense, to the strength of American industry.

What motivates you every day?

To create the best environment possible for my team so they can succeed in their roles while also growing and gaining new skills over time. I’m motivated by the opportunity to coach, teach, and mentor team members—helping them build confidence, expand their capabilities, and see their own potential in ways they might not have before. Watching someone take on a new challenge, apply what they’ve learned, and achieving something they didn’t think was possible is incredibly rewarding.

Every day, I strive to remove obstacles, provide the right tools and resources, and create a culture where people feel empowered to learn, innovate, and take ownership of their work.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

How important relationships and reputation are in the PHCP-PVF industry. This is a field where people often spend their entire careers, even if they move between companies. That longevity means your actions and interactions leave a lasting impression, which is why treating everyone you encounter with the utmost respect is essential. It’s also why I’m such a strong believer in the Service Metal vision: “To be the most respected PVF master distributor in the industry.”

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

My proudest moment has been seeing Service Metal grow in a way that creates opportunities for our team. That growth has led to new positions, and some of the most rewarding moments for me have been watching our own people step into those roles and succeed. It is a reminder that true success isn’t just about the bottom line-it’s about building a place where people can grow their careers and reach their potential.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I sometimes second-guess my decision not to pursue a career in the TV & Film industry. Who knows, maybe there’s still a blockbuster in my future.

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