Our story

Matt Smith

GM of Operations

As we ring in the new year, we’re thrilled to highlight Matt Smith, a key leader in our SteelBlue family who recently transitioned from Production Supervisor to General Manager of Operations at our Kentucky Manufacturing Facility. A dedicated family man from the Bluegrass State, Matt brings a blend of professionalism and passion to the table. Whether he’s streamlining production schedules, fostering collaboration, or ensuring safety across the board, Matt’s leadership sets the tone for excellence every day.

Hometown: Owen County, KY
Interests: Family time, video games, sports
Joined SteelBlue: September 2022

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where you grew up, interests, other bits about your life.

I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes from our facility, Owen County, KY. Spending time with my lovely wife, Sierra, and our 4-year-old daughter, Cora, is my top priority. I also enjoy playing video games—it's a way to unwind at the end of the day or week. I’ve enjoyed following sports.

What role do you have at SteelBlue? When did you start? What is your day to day like?

I’m the Plant Manager here at SteelBlue, and I started in September 2022 as a Production Supervisor. Since then, my role has evolved, and now I oversee the day-to-day operations of the plant. My primary responsibility is ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, from production schedules to team management. The role requires a lot of coordination and adaptability, and I’m always looking for ways to improve processes and foster teamwork.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about your job?

One thing that might surprise people is how fun the job is. There’s a lot more to being a Plant Manager than just overseeing production numbers and solving problems. The level of collaboration across departments is incredible, and I truly enjoy working alongside such a dedicated team. Whether it's brainstorming new ideas, solving challenges together, or celebrating our wins as a team, I find a lot of fulfillment in the daily interactions. It’s not just about the work, it’s about the people and the culture we’re building.

SteelBlue has several core values: Safety, Collaboration, Transparency, Inclusion,and Evolution. Can you tell us which one resonates with you the most and why?

The value that resonates most with me is Safety. For me, safety isn’t just about following protocols, it’s a reflection of integrity, commitment, and accountability to both yourself and the people around you. Ensuring the well-being of everyone on our team is non-negotiable. It’s a foundational value that shapes everything we do. It shows that we care about our people and are invested in their success, not just professionally, but personally as well. That kind of environment builds trust and respect across the organization.

What is the company culture like for you at SteelBlue?

The company culture at SteelBlue is one of continuous growth and support. It’s a place where every team member is encouraged to learn, grow, and share feedback. I really appreciate the open communication and transparency across all levels of the company, it fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. Everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge. The culture is inclusive, and there’s always room for innovation and personal development.

Can you tell us about a moment of pride that you felt while working for the company?

I take pride in seeing the passion our team has for the business and for each other. We’ve grown so much, and I’m proud of the way everyone has stepped up to meet challenges, learn new skills, and support one another. There’s a genuine enthusiasm in the air, whether it’s tackling a tough project or celebrating a milestone, and it makes me proud to be a part of that. It’s the small victories, the everyday moments of teamwork, that really make me feel proud of the work we’re doing here.

If you could swap roles with anyone at SteelBlue for a day, who would it be and why?

I absolutely love my current position, it’s truly a dream come true. I get to lead an incredible team. Every day presents new challenges, but I’m surrounded by people who share the same passion and drive, and that sense of collaboration and shared purpose makes all the hard work worth it. Being able to contribute to both the operational and strategic goals of the company is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a privilege to be in a role where I can help shape the future of SteelBlue

Which work benefit or perk is your favorite and why?

My favorite perk is being part of a growing team. Watching the company grow and evolve so rapidly over the past couple of years has been exciting. From where we started to where we are now, it’s incredible to see the progress we’ve made and the goals we’ve achieved. We’ve built such a solid foundation, and the best part is, we’re just getting started. I love thinking about where we’ll be in the next 6 months, 12 months, or even further down the road. The opportunities ahead are endless, and it’s thrilling to be a part of that journey.

What are some fun facts about you that people should know about?

I did win an award in high school for being the 'Most Well-Dressed.' It’s a fun little piece of trivia that always makes me smile when I think about it.