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
LORA LARKIN
Office Manager
llarkin@eastlakemetals.com
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
Inside Sales
jtemple@eastlakemetals.com
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.
MICHAEL PUFAHL
Director Of Operations
mpufahl@eastlakemetals.com
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.
JEANNINE MARLOW
Customer Service Representative
jkarczynski@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.
KELLY MIELENZ
Customer Service Representative
kmielenz@eastlakemetals.com
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.
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.
MARC CONDON
Manager of Major Accounts/Sales
mcondon@eastlakemetals.com
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.
Ken Krawcheck Jr.
Sales and Business Development
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 Krawcheck (Ken)
Sales and Business Development
Kenneth is a highly accomplished executive with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the manufacturing and engineering industries. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a strong technical background, coupled with a deep understanding of machinery, Kenneth has established himself as a visionary leader and a driving force behind the success of several organizations.
Kenneth’s passion for innovation and his desire to explore new horizons led him to spend time in Japan, where he gained valuable insights into the Japanese approach to manufacturing and technology. He has continued to build on this experience, specializing in roll forming steel, an area in which he has become a recognized industry expert.
Today, Kenneth is a sought-after consultant and advisor, leveraging his vast experience and deep expertise to help companies optimize their manufacturing processes and drive growth. His insights and strategic guidance have helped organizations across industries to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their full potential.
Brad Laking
Vice-President of Sales – Florida
With an impressive career in the metal industry dating back to the mid-1980s, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and a well-earned reputation for reliability, professionalism, and exceptional salesmanship that perfectly aligns with the company’s core values and goals.
Kevin Kostrewa
Regional Sales Manager
With over 20 years in Futures and Commodities Floor Trading on the Chicago Board of Trade, I’ve honed my expertise in operations and project management. Following that, I spent 5 years managing projects for medium-sized construction companies.
Over the last 5 years, I’ve delved into the banking arena, overseeing portfolios of banking centers with a focus on facilities management, capital projects, and financial reporting. Currently, I’m dedicated to expanding relationships for East Lake Metals in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. My focus includes fostering connections with metal roofing companies, fabricators, farmers for animal confinement structures, and exploring opportunities with stamping manufacturers.
Aside from this position, I enjoy cheering on my son during his games, and cheering for the Chicago Bears!
Mikeala DeLion
Shipping Coordinator
“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!
Tyson Searfoss
Sales Rep
“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.
David Bodine
Sales Rep
“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!
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