About Us

About ELM

East Lake Metals was founded by Executives in the Aluminum Mill and Metal Roofing Supply industry. With a combined experience of over 60 years, we bring an unyielding expertise and know-how. Throughout our careers it was undeniable how vital building and maintaining customer relations was, therefore, our entire company abides by a customer first focus. We understand and bring to our customers wealth of metal industry knowledge with quality industry leading products.

Our Team

BRIAN PATRICK

President
bpatrick@eastlakemetals.com

Operations, Engineering and Business Development executive with 25+ years directly in the metals industry with diverse international and domestic experience serving customers, company and investor interests. Expert level skills in project management, technology and product development, operations, information technology, manufacturing programs, inventory, sales and controls. Impact leader in personnel development, sales programs, operational improvements, legal work and risk mitigation.

Most recently I held the position of COO for a metal building products manufacturer and distributor (www.englertinc.com) I directed all operational facets, procurement, distribution (including multiple facilities operating out of different states) company controls and sales programs. In this role I transformed the company into a highly efficient customer sales focused organization where EBITDA increased from under $1M per year to over $8M per year in a 3 year period. As Chief Engineer of Jupiter Aluminum (www.jupiteraluminum.com) I directed all maintenance and engineering for the company while also lending expertise in many core business areas. My time at Jupiter also included several brownfield and greenfield capital projects along with the $200M rebuild of an entire integrated aluminum facility after a devastating fire.

ALEX GROSS

Owner
agross@eastlakemetals.com

In 1993 I joined Jupiter Aluminum Corporation. I was responsible for the daily operational, fiscal management and production activities for two aluminum manufacturing facilities, developing and maintaining all the production information and accounting systems at each facility. In addition, my role was also integral to most of Jupiter Aluminum’s risk management policies along with developing new business strategies aligning the production capabilities and expectations with sales and marketing information. During my tenure there, I helped to develop an effective and responsive management and operations team that allowed Jupiter to succeed.

With my business partner, and a former Jupiter executive, we developed East Lake Metals, LLC to supply the rapidly expanding market for steel and aluminum sheet products in the Midwest out of a dedicated 170,000 square foot facility located just outside of Chicago.

JEFF CONDON

Owner
jcondon@eastlakemetals.com

At Jupiter Aluminum, I successfully led the management team in restoring the company to lead the industry in profitability and growth. While at Jupiter, we carefully recruited and developed the most successful sales team in the industry. We took the lead salespeople from all of our competitors and added two industry giants who had been the top salespeople in the industry for over 2 decades. This group from Jupiter has become the core of our sales team in our new venture – East Lake Metals. Their experience in the aluminum industry is second to none.

In addition to aluminum, our other primary focus is galvanized / galvalume and pre-painted steel. We’ve focused our activity on producing semi-finished products for both metals – in custom coil sizes and sheets. Partnering with the top building products sales group in the industry, we look forward to meeting all of your metal needs at the most cost competitive numbers in the industry.

Returning to the Metals market after a brief hiatus, Lora comes to us with 25 years of experience within the Steel and Aluminum business. Life never seems to slow down for Lora, her husband Les and two sons: Christopher and Eric. Lora owns her own photography business and enjoys crafting & nights out with friends in her “spare time”.

Joe Temple is the Inside Salesperson at East Lake Metals. Joe worked for Jupiter Aluminum as a Slitter Operator for 7 years and was the Assistant Plant Manager for Whiting Metals for the last 9+ years. When he’s not working, Joe enjoys softball and golf and being the Worlds Greatest Uncle to his niece, Natalie. He is also a new member of the Hammond Optimist Club.

Experience within the metals industry: 25 years experience in metals manufacturing including continuous aluminum and discrete die casting.

Family life/Info: Married to Jessi Pufahl and have 5 children and 4 grandchildren.

Other info (hobbies, interests, etc): Spending time with the grandchildren, cooking and camping.

LORA LARKIN

Office Manager
llarkin@eastlakemetals.com

JOE TEMPLE

Inside Sales
jtemple@eastlakemetals.com

MICHAEL PUFAHL

Director Of Operations
mpufahl@eastlakemetals.com

Many years in customer service, but new to the metal industry.

Mom of 2, Jeannine enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and spending time with family while cheering on the Cubs.

Many years as a customer service representative in retail, but new to the metal industry.

Mom of 3, TJ, Jordan, and Kaylee. Kelly is a sports enthusiast (GO CUBS GO) and an avid reader.

Marc has an extensive background in Sales. While single, Marc has a large close knit family who enjoy a good bottle of wine, horse racing, and football, to name a few. Marc enjoys traveling (to visit customers) and hanging out in Chicago on the weekends.

JEANNINE MARLOW

Customer Service Representative
jkarczynski@eastlakemetals.com

KELLY MIELENZ

Customer Service Representative
kmielenz@eastlakemetals.com

MARC CONDON

Manager of Major Accounts/Sales
mcondon@eastlakemetals.com

Ken Krawcheck Jr. joins the team as a manufacturer’s rep for East Lake Metals. Most previously worked at Bloomberg L.P., a renowned financial information and analytics company, conducting large scale market research and updating company information to the masses. Outside of work, Ken enjoys BBQing, household DIY, and is an avid golfer.

Kenneth is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and engineering industries. With a Mechanical Engineering degree and strong technical expertise, he’s known as a visionary leader who has helped drive success across multiple organizations.

His passion for innovation took him to Japan, where he gained valuable insights into manufacturing and technology. He has since specialized in roll forming steel and is recognized as an industry expert.

Today, Kenneth serves as a trusted consultant, using his deep knowledge to help companies streamline operations, solve challenges, and achieve growth.

Kevin has over 20 years of experience in Futures and Commodities Floor Trading on the Chicago Board of Trade, followed by 5 years managing construction projects for mid-sized firms.

He later moved into banking, overseeing banking center portfolios with a focus on facilities, capital projects, and financial reporting. At East Lake Metals, he now builds relationships across the Midwest with metal roofing companies, fabricators, farmers, and stamping manufacturers.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys cheering on his son in sports, and the Chicago Bears.

Ken Krawcheck Jr.

Sales and Business Development

kenjr@checkintl.com

Kenneth Krawcheck (Ken)

Sales and Business Development

ken@checkintl.com

Kevin Kostrewa

Regional Sales Manager

kkostrewa@eastlakemetals.com

“The most important thing is to enjoy life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – Steve Jobs

Mikeala has a daughter named Juliana. She is currently engaged and has two dogs and one cat. Juliana’s favorite color is green and she loves Baby Yoda! Mikeala loves traveling and trying new foods. She also enjoys the outdoors!

“The more relaxed you are the better you are.” – Bill Murray

Tyson spent eight years as an acoustic operator in the aircraft industry. He enjoys wood working, golf, and a fun day at the lake.

“Sooner or later it’s not the walls fault I keep running into it.” – Unknown

David has fifteen years of experience in real estate and has been a landlord for thirteen years, currently managing twelve properties. He is a proud father of two: a fourteen-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter. In his free time, David enjoys hunting and fishing, and he’s also quite the musician!

Mikeala DeLion

Shipping Coordinator

Tyson Searfoss

Sales Rep

David Bodine

Sales Rep

With over a decade in strategic sales, market development, and product management, I focus on helping customers succeed through strong, long-term partnerships. I’ve supported major accounts at Sherwin Williams and Precoat Metals, driving growth in the coil industry through smart planning, collaboration, and tailored solutions. I listen first, understand each customer’s needs, and deliver value through clear strategy and dependable service. Outside of work, I’m a husband and dad of two, happiest cheering at soccer games or exploring new places with my family.

Scott Watkins

Offering outstanding metal products to help you build better.

East Lake Metals. The leading provider of steel and aluminum coil and sheet products for commercial, industrial, and architectural applications.

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East Lake Metals • 2230 Indianapolis Blvd, Whiting, Indiana 46394 • Map • (219) 655-5526