Meet Phyllis Smith, selectively the most influential person that works for Eagle Metalcraft. Phyllis will be celebrating her 57th work anniversary on January 3rd and has been with the company since 1966. She started when the first owner would bring his sons, around 10 and 11 years old, to the office to play. She was there when those two little boys grew up and took over the business. And she was there when those “boys” retired. As the Office Manager, Phyllis has been a staple on the Eagle Metalcraft team and continues providing significant value under the new ownership of Michael Bower.
Phyllis humorously suggests she “hollers” when charged with keeping the rest of the team in check. She has always kept herself busy, doing a little bit of everything while on the job including keeping everything up to date and helping those who need it.
Phyllis heads out to the production area occasionally to help the team. She’s found a greater need for her services under the new ownership as Michael has implemented new technology. She used to have to log team members’ time manually, collecting information from each employee directly – “and boy was it a hassle!” Michael arrived with new programming that has made that part of her job so much easier. He has also invested in many new machines that provide safer working conditions for team members.
Having spent 57 years at Eagle Metalcraft, Phyllis has intimate knowledge of the changes to the industry. She said the main thing the company needs to make sure of is that everyone is adhering to OSHA regulations, and the new technology has made it a lot easier for team members to adhere to safety precautions.
Aside from the technology, Phyllis said it is business as usual – same business, same loyal clients. The Eagle Metalcraft team has decades of experience to make sure clients are thoroughly satisfied. That knowledge is being passed on to a new generation of employees – or as Phyllis says, newer faces 😊 And employees have the opportunity to move around and try different positions that may be better suited to their talents. Overall, Michael is always looking for energetic people that are willing to learn on the job.
When Phyllis is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, especially her two great grandchildren. She also really likes watching the Game Show Channel, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy.
About Eagle Metalcraft
Founded in 1953 as Eagle Manufacturing Company, Jack Helmer and his sons developed Eagle Metalcraft into what it is today. In 2022, Michael Bower acquired the company to carry on the legacy of quality work in sheet metal, machining, welding, powder coating, and finishing artwork.
Michael has since made strategic improvements to the company, including achieving Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business certification, which creates more contract opportunities. Additionally, Michael was named the 2023 Veteran Owned Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year for upstate New York.
As the premier sheet metal fabricator, Eagle Metalcraft can amplify your brand. Our one-stop solution combines precision sheet metal fabrication with vibrant powder coating and custom silk screening to create durable, high-quality components delivered on time, every time. Experience seamless craftsmanship and exceptional customer service with Eagle Metalcraft – where precision meets excellence. We look forward to teaming up with you. Contact us today!
Eagle Metalcraft
Phone: 315.437.8323
3550 Burnet Avenue
East Syracuse, NY 13057-2316
Email: info@EagleMetalcraft.com
