What's it Like Being Backed by Silicon Valley? - Steel, Silicon, and Strategy: Inside the Innovative Mind of Reibus's John Armstrong.

Metal Steel Manufacturing Podcast

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The Metal Steel Manufacturing Podcast recently featured John Armstrong, the founder of Reibus. With nearly 20 years of experience in the metals industry, Armstrong understands the global impact of steel and aluminum products on people's daily lives and their economic significance.
Check out Reibus https://reibus.com/
Connect with John on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-b-armstrong/
Watch the episode https://youtu.be/8OQr0eUmIJw
Armstrong admits that explaining the metals industry to those who are not in it can be challenging because steel and aluminum products are so ingrained in daily life that people often take them for granted. However, he believes that by pointing out these products in people's surroundings and asking about their daily routines, it is possible to help others understand the industry's impact.
Armstrong's company, Reibus, aims to digitize and modernize the supply chain to make it more efficient. He believes that steel and other metals are essential to modern life, from constructing buildings and bridges to producing golf clubs and smartphones. Armstrong is excited about the future of the metals industry, particularly as people become more aware of the negative impact of plastics on the environment, leading to a shift towards using more steel and aluminum in environmentally-friendly products.
Reibus's approach focuses on creating flexibility, liquidity, transparency, and visibility in the market to manage uncontrollable variability rather than providing fixed forecasting solutions. Armstrong believes this approach is more effective, as predicting the future is almost impossible in the constantly changing business world.
One of the challenges of running Reibus is saying no to opportunities. Armstrong believes there are endless opportunities to improve the metals industry, but the company cannot pursue them all. The team must pick their challenges and investments wisely to stay on track. Armstrong emphasizes that persistence and grit are essential for business success, as nothing worth doing is easy.
Armstrong teaches his kids and leadership team the word "maybe" based on a Chinese proverb that highlights the idea that you don't know if something is good or bad when it happens, and it's important to react calmly and roll with the punches. He emphasizes the importance of setting expectations early on, learning from naysayers without necessarily acting on their feedback, and understanding that timing is crucial.
In conclusion, the metals industry is essential to our daily lives and the global economy, and companies like Reibus are working to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. By embracing flexibility, transparency, and persistence, businesses can work towards a brighter f

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This podcast is about creating awareness and recognizing the industrial space like metal, steel, manufacturing, and welding; while providing value to help you in your career and business endeavors.
Greg Sheldon
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