METALCON Online Presents… Steel & Aluminum Tariffs Uncovered: What This Means for the Future of Metal Construction & Design

Ken Simonson has been Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, the leading construction trade association, since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations, and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to more than 20,000 subscribers. Ken has over 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues. He currently serves as an advisor to the Census Bureau’s construction data re-engineering initiative. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and he is co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, a professional meeting group he co-founded in 1982. Ken has a BA in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MA in economics from Northwestern University.

Tony Bouquot is the General Manager of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). Tony has been a leader in the building products industry for over 30 years. A talented and engaging presenter, Tony brings life to topics through his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for metal building systems.

Keith is the Chief Commercial Officer at Flack Global Metals. Keith joined Flack Global Metals in January of 2022 and is responsible for all commercial activities in the company, as well as increasing market awareness of the financial tools available to reduce price volatility and helping customers implement risk management strategies as a complement to their current supply chains.    Prior to joining Flack Global Metals, Keith was the Chief Commercial Officer at Big River Steel and was instrumental in leading BRS’s extremely successful startup and expansion. At BRS, he was responsible for sales, marketing, and technical services. He was also heavily involved in Big River’s metallics procurement efforts. Keith joined BRS in early 2016 as a Regional Sales Manager where he helped refine the startup commercial strategies and begin implementation prior to the production ramp up.  Keith advanced to GM Carbon Product Sales and then ultimately to CCO in May of 2018.   Prior to joining Big River Steel, Keith spent 18 years at United States Steel Corporation. Over his tenure at USS, he advanced through many sales and marketing positions in both the United States and Europe.   Keith holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Alabama, with a major in Management Information Systems and a minor in Computer Science.

Robert’s passion for creating positive change fuels his daily endeavors. As a visionary in the Metal Building Systems Industry, Robert is at the forefront of transforming the perception of metal buildings from the colloquial “pre-engineered metal box” to innovative, custom-engineered structures. Robert is a fervent advocate for collaboration and innovation within industry associations. As the President of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) and the Chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Architects Committee, he leverages his insights and extensive network to connect peers and promote best practices. Robert’s efforts have resulted in significant advancements in industry standards and a broader acceptance of metal building systems as versatile, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. In his role as the National Accounts Manager at Silvercote, a leading provider of custom insulation solutions, Robert spearheads foundational customer relationships across the USA and Canada. He plays a pivotal role in driving market interactions and fostering connections with designers, specifiers, and end-use owners, which are critical for shaping the future of the industry.

Ian Waddell is a Regional Manager at JFE Shoji America, where he oversees Coated Products, Tin Mill Products, and Cold Roll. Since Joining the company in 2022 as a Steel Trader, Ian has played a role in sales, outlook, market strategy, and supply chain optimization.   Prior to joining JFE Shoji America, Ian worked in Investment Banking & Wealth Management with Morgan Stanley, consumer tech and at a Steel Service Center. He is passionate about market trends, product innovation, responsible trade practices, and fostering sustainable growth within the steel industry.