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Central States Manufacturing's determination to be the industry's best is founded on a culture of true well-being

"Our company purpose is to provide well-being and financial freedom for our employee-owners and their families.

That's why we exist." That take on corporate identity isn't what you'd expect to hear from the chief exec of a metals manufacturing and sales enterprise - and that's just fine for Jim Sliker of Central States. (In addition to being CEO, Sliker is one of the company's 1,400 employee owners.)

Central States sells, designs, manufactures, distributes, and installs metal building components, including roofing, siding, and metal building packages for residential, commercial, and agricultural consumers. Since 1988, the Arkansas-based enterprise has consistently innovated in both steel manufacturing and customer experience, offering premium products at exceptional value. In recent years, the company has grown into three business units and will open its 12th and 13th manufacturing plants next year as the company continues its geographic expansion.

The enterprising ESOP has averaged over 25% appreciation in their share price over the last 10 years. “That’s good for the ownership and primarily driven by healthy profitable growth,” Sliker said. “We have been blessed with good financial results and we continue to invest back into the business for our customers.”

But what does well-being mean for the company that he’s helmed since 2013? It means everything from safety programs, compensation, benefits, wellness initiatives, employee-owner development and more. But, as he put it, “It’s foundationally brought together because we’re a company that’s relational. In this company, our employee-owners are more than an asset to the business. We care about each other as people with families. It’s not about what they do for the company, it’s who they are. That’s very much inherent in our culture.”