Small metals company finds secret to going up against the "big guys"

By carving out a unique niche and providing superior service, metals manufacturer, Hot Metals, survives and thrives despite intense competition.

Phoenix, AZ June 12, 2004 -- As far back as David Hodesh, CEO of Hot Metals, can remember, hes been in the metals business. His father, Harvey Hodesh opened Capitol Metals in 1956, teaching and training young David in the ways of business ownership, the metal industry and how to keep customers for life. My dad always told me treat your customers and employees like family, and youll be successful, David recalls. When I opened my own company, those were the values on which I wanted to build the business.

Two years ago, Hodesh and his wife, Simone, opened Hot Metals as a locally owned, family business whose focus is superior service, flexibility and fair prices. In an industry dominated by big, national competitors, Hot Metals has been successful in carving out a niche based on that focus. Not being treated like a number resonates with people, Hodesh said, We dont have minimums, well cut things right on the spot and we can be flexible to our customers special needs and requirements, he added.

Hot Metals is a general-line service center stocking aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper and brass sheet, bar and tubing for the aerospace, high-tech, manufacturing and construction industries, as well as artists, sculptors and decorators throughout the valley. John Cornell, president of ATEC Engineering has worked with Hodesh for years. We are a fairly small machine shop and need a supplier who is willing to work with us to satisfy our customers. Hot Metals is part of our team providing good pricing and flexibility to help us meet our requirements, deadlines and budget. Everyone at Hot Metals goes out of their way to make sure we get what we need when we need it. Theyre just great to work with.

The customers arent the only ones who benefit from the companys focus on family and service. When Angela Grisham, the companys controller, had her baby girl, Hodesh made arrangements for Angela to bring the baby to the office in lieu of having to find childcare. When things get really stressed around here, all it takes is a big smile from Kacy and we all relax, added Hodesh, We want this to be a family work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Looks like Hot Metals has found the perfect formula for success.

For more information about Hot Metals, please contact David Hodesh at 623-580-1300.