Following an extensive national search, Central States Inc. is excited to announce Kurt Weaver as the incoming chief executive officer for the enterprise business, including Central States Manufacturing, Central States Building Works and Elevate Structures. 

The appointment comes more than two years after current CEO Jim Sliker was elected chairman of the board for Central States Inc. and will enable him to fully transition into his position leading the board of directors. Sliker will work closely with Weaver throughout 2026 to support his onboarding and ensure a smooth transition. Weaver assumes the role on June 1, 2026, at the Tontitown, Arkansas headquarters location, and will begin building relationships with the employee-owners, customers and suppliers upon his arrival.

“Following a comprehensive and rigorous search process, the board is confident that Kurt is the right leader to guide Central States into its next phase of growth,” said Christopher Harrison, lead director on the Central States board. “His track record of scaling businesses, operational depth and alignment with our values make him a strong fit for our employee-owned culture.”

Kurt Weaver

Weaver comes to Central States with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive and flooring sectors, bringing with him a foundation in operational excellence. In his most recent role, president of Mohawk Industries’ Resilient Flooring division, he successfully grew the business to more than $1 billion in annual revenue by focusing on product development, market expansion and operational efficiency.

Weaver has a strong engineering and continuous improvement background, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferris State University and an MBA from Michigan State University. In his previous roles at Toyoda Gosei, a multi-billion-dollar subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Weaver held leadership positions in sales, engineering and administration, before being named President of Toyoda’s truck business. Under his leadership, the business saw substantial growth in both the top and bottom lines. His tenure in the role was characterized by a focus on quality and innovation, as he fostered a culture of excellence within the organization.

He has also served in sales and engineering roles for both Ruecker Engineering and American Sunroof. 

Weaver is known for his ability to rally his teams around a shared vision and consistently seeking opportunities to fix and enhance processes. He has earned the reputation in business of leading with humility, teamwork and genuine care for people, while fostering a high-energy environment that actively pursues continuous improvement. “I am excited to join the team at Central States – recognizing the alignment of the company culture with my team-based leadership style made the decision to join the company easy,” Weaver said. “That decision was further supported by meeting a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. I'm also looking forward to moving to the area and enjoying all the outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer. I would like to thank Jim and the Central States board of directors for making the rigorous recruitment process valuable for everyone.”

Jim Sliker

Sliker has served as Central States CEO since 2013, joining the company after a 20-year career in the automotive industry. Under Sliker’s leadership, Central States entered a period of unprecedented growth, including new manufacturing plant openings in South Dakota, Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, South Carolina and Utah. During this period, Central States also expanded its Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) offering with the opening of a new metal frame plant in Springdale, Arkansas and added construction capabilities and the patented Alpha Framing System™ with the acquisition of longtime customer Storage Structures, later rebranding the company Elevate Structures. 

As chairman of the board for Central States Inc., Sliker will continue to provide leadership for the seven-member board to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability of executive leadership in collaboration with the third-party trustee to represent the interests of the 1,300 employee owners of the company. Sliker will continue to reside in Northwest Arkansas and serve the community and business as needed. 

“Serving as CEO has been a blessing and the highlight of my career,” Sliker said. “I am proud of what the collective Central States team has built together over the years. As I move more fully into this next chapter, I have full confidence in Kurt as our new CEO. He brings a deep background and a strong alignment with our purpose, values and culture. I look forward to supporting him and the leadership team as we continue to innovate to better serve our customers.”

About Central States

Central States, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1988. With more than 1,300 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Central States serves thousands of commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential customers through three operating business units – Central States Manufacturing, a nationwide manufacturer of metal roofing, siding, walls, doors and other components, Central States Building Works, an all-inclusive solution for material-only metal building packages, including self-storage and PEMB and Elevate Structures, a leader in mid-rise, multi-story construction and the developers of the proprietary Alpha Framing System™

By Anna Lockhart.   

METALCON 2025 offered attendees a front row view of the latest design trends and innovations hitting the market.  

Live from the trade show floor at the 2025 METALCON expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with a panel of metal professionals to discuss the state of the industry and the latest trends entering the market. This special episode of Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by MetalVue by Sherwin-Willams, featured notable panelists Luiz Sánchez of Sherwin-Williams, Chandler Barden of CIDAN Machinery, Nigel Kreft of Elevate Structures and Anthony Ortega of Viotell Metal Concepts. 

As the largest and only specialized trade show dedicated to the metal construction industry, METALCON was buzzing with exciting new product launches and demonstrations of the latest technologies. The energy was impressive, and the ability to see these up-and-coming innovations firsthand gave attendees a look at the ways they can elevate their business. Nigel shared, “What really struck me, being on the construction side of it, is the diverse product offerings. Roofing types, sheet metal types, colors, finishes, etcetera. The industry has really evolved into a more mature palette with colors and stuff like that, and I think some of the stuff that is out there is really cool.” 

Whether contractor, builder or a professional working in another side of the trade, the trade show floor offered a wonderful opportunity for all metal professionals to network and experience the aspect of community. Chandler shared, “I’ve been coming to the show for the last 14 years. The industry is growing, and it’s great getting to see familiar faces and your friends, getting to catch up and meet new people.”  

The show has also provided exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their products and services firsthand with eager, new customers who might not have seen their offerings before METALCON. Luis explained, “There's a lot of questions that a lot of customers coming by have. They might not know all the things we have to offer and we get to explain to a lot of people all of the options that we offer in every business. It's been very good.” 

Even for installers, the trade show has been a great success. Anthony shared, “It's a little unique for us, because we're coming in as the installers, as the one providing the end product. We always love coming to METALCON because we get to see all the fun toys. It’s really exciting for us to come down here and see what we are seeing in the field and then connect it with great suppliers to figure out if there's a solution out there for our clients or a better way to do it, a way to optimize.” 

Watch the full conversation to get the highlights from the show and the panelists’ big takeaways from their time on the trade show floor.

By Jenny Yu. 

Metal contractors from across the nation highlight growth, regional differences and workforce concerns in a special panel of industry leaders.  

On August 6, 2025, METALCON and MetalCoffeeShop® joined forces to host a special webinar titled “Metal Contractors Share the Real Deal.” The panel featured leaders from RMG Erectors & Constructors, Red Dog’s Roofing, Viotell Metal Concepts and Elevate Structures moderated by Heidi J. Ellsworth, owner of The Coffee Shops™.  

Anthony Ortega, CEO of Viotell Metal Concepts, spoke to the growth of opportunity in the metal roofing industry. “I think everybody here can speak to the crazy amount of opportunity that there is in metal,” he stated. “I think that there’s double-digit growth across the nation for metal, and specifically here in ski resort economies and market footprints like Park City, we’re seeing metal be the preferred choice for roofing and exterior. A lot of that has to do with sustainability, longevity and design intent.”  

While Anthony pointed to rapid expansion in the market, Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, emphasized the growth of consumer knowledge and education. “Our customers that want metal are very much reaching out for it,” Patrick said. “A lot of the time, they’ve done their homework, especially with the metal. They really know what they want.” Patrick explained that these uncertain times are driving educated homeowners to invest in metal for its longevity and resilience. 

Nigel Kreft, vice president of sales at Elevate Structures, pointed to demand differences by region. “The west coast is slow to respond to what we're seeing in the rest of the country simply because the entitlement process is so much longer,” he shared. “But in Florida and into the Carolinas, business is booming because the demand is there, people are moving into those areas. Every market has a very unique perspective. We don’t have a homogenous look at markets.” He observed that environmental concerns and insurance pressures are also fueling adoption of metal solutions as durable alternatives to traditional materials.  

Bobby Mesmer, CEO of RMG Erectors and Constructors, shared a global perspective. “In the pre-engineered sector, it’s continuously growing. Everybody wants to go pre-engineered because of its efficiency through design, manufacturing, erection.” Bobby stressed that while pre-engineered metal buildings are expanding globally, success depends on skilled labor, quality control and strict safety standards. 

Despite concerns about tariffs and interest rates, the panel agreed that demand for sustainable, long-lasting products is keeping the industry strong. Their message was clear: metal construction remains a sector of growth and innovation, even in the face of uncertainty. 

Watch the webinar to learn more about the state of the metal industry today, and join the conversation in person at METALCON 2025, October 21-23 in Las Vegas! 

New site is nationwide manufacturer’s 13th plant and westernmost facility, will produce panels, purlin, trim and the exclusive Alpha Framing System.

Central States Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of metal building products in the nation, opened its newest manufacturing facility last week, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to employee ownership. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held September 18, welcomed company leaders, local and state officials and community members to the 100,000-square-foot facility located in the Peterson Industrial Depot. 

The Tooele plant is Central States’ 13th manufacturing facility and its westernmost location to date. It represents a multi-million-dollar investment in the Tooele community and is projected to create more than 90 new positions. 

“This facility is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of our commitment to growth, innovation and the power of employee ownership,” said Jim Sliker, CEO of Central States. “We’re proud to be investing in Tooele and excited to welcome new employee-owners into our family.” 

This manufacturing expansion supports Central States’ fast-growing pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) business, as well as its roofing and siding, post-frame, self-storage, living spaces and metal components operations. The site will manufacture a variety of residential and commercial roof and wall panels in a variety of gauges, a wide selection of accompanying trim and structural purlin. The new plant will also produce the innovative Alpha Framing System, a proprietary framing system that is faster to install than traditional framing methods and is offered exclusively through Elevate Structures, a Central States company. 

The Tooele plant opening marks the first time in company history that Central States has opened two new manufacturing sites in the same year. In August 2025, the company celebrated the launch of its Springdale, Arkansas frame and structural steel plant under its Central States Building Works business. 

“Opening our 13th plant — and our second new facility this year — is a testament to the strength of our team and the trust our customers place in us,” said Doug Watts, president of Central States Manufacturing.

The ribbon cutting also featured remarks from Debbie Winn, mayor of Tooele, and EDCUtah Executive Director Ryan Starks, both of whom praised the company’s investment in the region and its impact on local employment and economic development. 

“EDCUtah was pleased to support the Central States Manufacturing during their site selection process, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate this important milestone alongside them,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “The jobs created here will deliver tremendous benefits to residents of Tooele and the surrounding communities.” 

About Central States 

Central States, Inc. (www.centralstatesco.com) is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With more than 1,400 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities in 2025, the company serves more than 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential contractors and distributors across the United States across three business operating units. Central States Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal building components with 15 metal roofing and wall panel profiles and a full line of trim, accessories and structural purlin. Another new factory opened in 2025: a frame and structural steel plant for Central States Building Works, a business unit that provides material-only building packages for self-storage and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB). In 2023, Central States acquired Elevate Structures (formerly Storage Structures, Inc.), a construction leader in midrise multi-story buildings, offering the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.

By Elevate Structures. 

There’s a reason this product took home the ISS 2025 Best of Business Most Innovative Product Award!  

The inside self-storage industry is bustling with innovation and new practices, consistently bringing professionals new solutions to upgrade their customers’ experiences. One such innovation is turning heads: the Alpha Framing System. From Elevate Structures, a Central States Manufacturing company, the Alpha Framing System brings contractors a quality engineered structural solution designed to bring reliability and durability to primary framing.  

A proven system with a national footprint  

Alpha is a modular light-gauge steel framing system designed to install like a post-and-beam structure that can span up to 18”. The process is straightforward and repeatable: base plates are set, columns are installed, beams are placed and decking is added – delivering a clean, efficient sequence that accelerates framing while minimizing on-site complexity. 

Installed in over 450 buildings nationwide, Alpha has delivered repeatable results in diverse climates, spaces and market conditions. With a six to eight-person crew, builders can install up to 15,000 square feet per week, making Alpha one of the fastest framing systems in the industry. 

Why does this matter? In construction, delays are expensive. Labor shortages, scheduling gaps and site confusion are constant threats. Alpha helps solve these challenges with a simplified system that reduces dependencies on multiple trades and minimizes the number of handoffs. That speed translates directly into earlier openings, faster revenue generation and reduced labor costs. 

Designed by builders  

With Elevate’s decades of experience and expertise, the Alpha system was designed to eliminate common primary framing headaches like inconsistent steel quality – such as varying gauges, improper galvanization or out-of-spec components that can cause delays, structural concerns or rework – along with time-consuming install methods and misaligned components. Every Alpha package comes pre-assembled and pre-punched to match your exact job, eliminating guesswork and re-work in the field. 

“We’re not just providing framing. We’re offering a repeatable process that delivers project certainty” says Richard Allen, president of Elevate Structures. 

The advantage of a vertically integrated partner 

As a division of Central States Manufacturing, Elevate Structures isn’t reliant on third-party steel producers or outsourced logistics. Our vertically integrated supply chain means we own the process – from steel mill to manufacturing, logistics, engineering, pre-construction and construction. That means fewer disruptions, more control and giving our partners unmatched reliability and responsiveness. Elevate is 100% employee-owned, which means every project is powered by a dedicated regional service team that’s personally invested in delivering excellence. 

Storage is our foundation – now we’re building on it 

While Alpha has become the framing standard in self-storage, its value is rapidly being recognized in other sectors like living spaces, hospitality and education – sectors where speed, design efficiency and site predictability are critical. Our Alpha System is a strong fit for: 

• Repetitive layouts like hotels, apartments or dorms 
• Tight timelines with fixed turnover dates (think: school year start) 
• Design-build projects where collaboration with the architect and GC early can solve challenges before they hit the field 

Built to be better 

When it comes to framing, builders want fewer delays, tighter scopes and predictable outcomes. Alpha ensures cleaner installs, faster timelines and a stronger system built to outperform in the field.  With 450+ successful projects, employee-owners who care, more collaborative partnerships and leadership that personally shows up we deliver on our mission for every project: on-site, on-schedule, all the time. 

Original article and image source: Elevate Structures

Newly added products join two roll-up door models and a hallway system creating one-stop-shop convenience for customers.

Central States Manufacturing announces new products to its door and hallway product line, furthering its leadership in self-storage metal building solutions. The Central States Sentry™ swing, locker and faux doors are now in full production and available anywhere Central States products are sold, including local, regional and national building products distributors, Metal Central retail locations, as part of Building Works complete metal building systems and self-storage building packages and as an addition to Elevate Structures’ construction offerings.

“We are rapidly growing our Sentry line to give our customers the full storage offering they need for their projects,” said Andrew Wilson, Central States VP of innovation. “With the addition of swing and locker doors, customers now have solutions for their storage projects with minimal or obstructed headroom.”

Sentry swing doors and lockers    

The Central States Sentry swing and locker doors feature innovations that provide customer value and extend the useful life of the product:

• Lock compatibility with the same stainless-steel latch found on the Sentry roll-up door models provides a consistent look throughout the facility.
• No extra side or headroom requirements to fit in tighter spaces where a roll-up door cannot.
• Useful for enclosing storage closets or mechanical rooms
• Heavy duty “X” bracing on the back of the Sentry locker and swing door creates a more fortified and durable entry.
• The Sentry swing door hinges enable the door to open 180-degrees, providing the tenant maximum entrance to rental space for easier storage experience.
• Available in the same color palette of the 6500 and 7500 model roll-up doors.

Sentry faux doors

In addition to swing and locker doors, Central States Sentry faux doors economically allow storage owners and operators to visibly showcase storage availability to local consumers passing by their business.

These faux doors are both aesthetically pleasing and can help drive storage owners’ businesses by giving the impression of a storage unit even though the actual entrance of the unit is on an adjacent wall. Faux doors are available in the same popular color options for consistency across an entire new project or addition

As the industry leader in metal building products, Central States is a quality-focused innovator with a culture of continuous improvement. The company is 100% employee-owned and prioritizes customer experience and enhanced business value. For customer convenience, Central States is the only national metal manufacturer delivering roll-up doors, metal frames, roofing and wall panels as a single-source supplier, giving customers a full line of high-quality products. Self-storage developers, contractors and erectors and owners will appreciate the ease of purchase, quality product, and partnership for which Central States is known.

For more information about all of the Sentry door and hallway products, visit HERE or contact your sales representative at Central States Manufacturing, Metal Central, Central States Building Works or Elevate Structures.

Alpha Framing accelerates timelines, reduces labor costs and enables quicker revenue generation.

Elevate Structures, a Central States company, proudly announces that its Alpha Framing System has again been named the winner of the Inside Self-Storage (ISS) 2025 Best in Business Award for Most Innovative Product. Elevate Structures and the Alpha Framing System were also named winners of this award in 2020.

This prestigious recognition underscores Alpha Framing’s transformative impact on the self-storage construction industry. Engineered for speed, precision and scalability, Alpha Framing has redefined how facilities are built – delivering cleaner, faster and stronger results across more than 450 projects nationwide.

“Alpha Framing was designed by builders to solve the real-world challenges of self-storage construction,” said Richard Allen, president at Elevate Structures. “This award validates the hard work of our employee-owners and the trust our partners place in us to deliver a system that performs in diverse climates, spaces and market conditions.”

With the ability for a single six-to-eight-person crew to install up to 15,000 square feet per week, Alpha Framing accelerates timelines, reduces labor costs and enables quicker revenue generation.

As a Central States company, Elevate Structures is vertically integrated and controls the entire supply chain – from steel production to on-site delivery – ensuring unmatched reliability and responsiveness. Elevate is 100% employee-owned; every Alpha project is powered by a regional service team personally invested in its success.

While originally developed for self-storage, Alpha Framing has been adopted in multifamily housing, hospitality developments, student housing and educational facilities proving its value across a wide range of construction sectors.

“This is just the beginning,” Allen added. “Thank you, ISS. We’re honored by this recognition and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in framing innovation.”

Learn more about Alpha.

Watch our Alpha video.

By Dani Sheehan. 

The metal construction industry is evolving – are you keeping up? Join METALCON Live! on August 6 for a dynamic panel discussion. 

MetalCoffeeShop® (MCS) is coming to METALCON's online webinar Live! this August 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET! Join us for an engaging contractor panel discussion to talk about the state of the metal industry. From steel erectors to general contractors and roofing and siding professionals, this conversation dives into what’s really happening in the field, and what’s coming next. Panelists include Bobby Mesmer, CEO and founder of RMG Erectors & Constructors, LLC; Patrick Cochran, CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing; Nigel Kreft, VP of sales at Elevate Structures; and Anthony Ortega, COO of Viotell Metal Concepts. 

Facilitated by MCS President Heidi J. Ellsworth, the panel will explore the state of the metal industry through the lens of the professionals building with it every day. Attendees can expect an honest perspective on: 

• What sectors are driving demand for metal and why 
• How labor shortages, code changes and safety requirements are impacting jobsite productivity 
• The role of sustainability and customer expectations in material selection 
• Why more contractors are investing in their own fabrication shops 
• Predictions for where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead 

This session will be packed with practical insights, hard-earned advice and real-world examples you won’t hear anywhere else. Stick around for a live Q&A at the end of the discussion to ask your own questions and connect directly with the panelists. 

Did you know that METALCON also offers certificates of completion and the opportunity to earn AIA credits for both Live! and on-demand webinars? Check out their extensive library of educational resources and stay up to date on the latest industry news, tradeshow and conference events, business strategies and more! 

Don’t miss your chance to tap into the momentum of metal construction. Register now for free and join the conversation shaping the future of the industry. 

Florida’s product approval process is among the most stringent in the country, ensuring that building components can resist the state’s extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms.

We’re proud to announce that our wind-rated Sentry Series Model 7500 has officially received Florida Building Code Product Approval as of June 10, 2025, under FL Approval #47173-R1. This milestone affirms the Model 7500 meets the rigorous requirements of the Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023) — one of the most demanding construction codes in the United States, especially for products exposed to high winds and severe weather giving building professionals and building owners the confidence to install the product in a wide variety of climates and regions.

Why Florida approval matters

Florida’s product approval process is among the most stringent in the country. It ensures that building components can resist the state’s extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms. The approval of the Sentry 7500 means:

• Proven performance: The door has been tested to meet the ASTM E330 standard for structural performance under uniform static air pressure and ANSI/DASMA 108, ensuring it can handle the wind loads typical of coastal regions.
• Certified wind load ratings: The 7500 product line is rated for up to +40.0/-51.0 psf, making it suitable for most Florida jurisdictions.
• Code compliance: Fully compliant with the Florida Building Code, the 7500 is now approved for use across the majority of the state, giving builders and developers confidence in its reliability and safety.

Built for strength, security and simplicity

The Sentry 7500 is engineered for environments where performance matters most:

• Strength: Features high-carbon galvanized steel alloy springs manufactured to ASTM A228 standards, offering superior fatigue, shear, tensile strength and outstanding corrosion resistance. The 26-gauge, double-seamed curtain enhances durability and environmental resistance.
• Security: Equipped with stainless steel latches compatible with commercial key locks and Bluetooth^® smart locks.
• Ease of installation: A slotted mounting system eliminates the need for bolts, while factory-installed brackets and latches simplify setup. Same-sized fasteners reduce tool requirements and installation time.
• Color and warranty: Available in 32 standard colors with up to a 40-year limited warranty, ensuring long-term aesthetic and structural performance.

Where to find it

The Model 7500 is available through all Central States sales channels, including:

• Central States Manufacturing’s network of national and local distributors
• Metal Central retail locations
• Building Works complete metal building systems
• Elevate Structures construction services

For more information about the full line of Central States Sentry doors, please click HERE.

New capabilities extend to multifamily, hospitality, student housing and education sector; builder adds new executive staff and updated website to reflect market expansion.

Elevate Structures has long been recognized as the nation’s prominent single source provider in the self-storage industry, known for its innovative construction solutions and customer-first focus. However, the company is now embarking on an exciting new chapter, expanding its capabilities beyond self-storage to include multifamily residential, student and workforce housing, hospitality and education sectors.

"At Elevate Structures, we are thrilled to expand our capabilities into multifamily, hospitality, student housing and education sectors while continuing to be a major player in the self-storage industry where we started,” said Richard Allen, president of Elevate Structures. “Our commitment to quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of developers, architects and general contractors across the building industry. We look forward to bringing our expertise and innovative solutions to these new markets." 

Expanded applications of Alpha Framing

The driving force behind this expansion is Elevate Structures' innovative Alpha Framing System. This system, designed for efficiency and speed, is now being leveraged to deliver value across various high-growth sectors where construction schedules, repeatable layouts and predictability are critical. The Alpha Framing System installs up to 15,000 square feet per week with a single eight-person crew, making it an ideal solution for developers and general contractors seeking smarter structural solutions. Unlike traditional subcontractor models, Elevate Structures is vertically integrated with its own manufacturing facilities — ensuring tighter quality control, faster lead times and dependable material delivery across every project.

Expansion projects underway

While self-storage remains a major part of Elevate Structures' business, the company is now offering scalable structural solutions across a variety of mid-rise markets — with several active and upcoming projects nationwide.

Three charter schools in Florida and the Carolinas will provide American Learning Academy and Imagine Schools’ facilities more than 250,000 square feet of learning space for almost 4,000 students. All three of these projects are set to break ground in the summer and early fall of this year. 

In addition to education, Elevate is actively engaged in new project pursuits across the country. In the hospitality sector, hotel developments are in pre-construction planning in Tennessee, Georgia and Louisiana. Elevate is also collaborating with the Florida Housing Authority on a workforce housing initiative and pursuing a student housing development for a Division I university. Additional multifamily and mixed-use opportunities are in progress across multiple U.S. markets.

These efforts underscore Elevate Structures’ readiness to partner with national developers and general contractors and demonstrate the company’s evolution into a trusted collaborator in hospitality, housing and institutional sectors — building lasting relationships and innovative structures from coast to coast.

These projects demonstrate Elevate Structures' readiness to serve national developers and general contractors in broader markets. Projects like these also demonstrate the reputation for relational and technical excellence that Elevate Structures has earned in the building industry, establishing them as an innovative and trusted partner for architects and builders alike.

Strategic leadership additions

Elevate Structures' growth is supported by new additions to the executive leadership team. Ben Aune has joined as vice president of construction and Darby Owenby has been promoted to vice president of operations. 

Ben will lead Elevate Structures’ construction and field operations, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Darby, previously Elevate’s director of construction, has been promoted to vice president of operations, leading estimating, engineering and drafting and pre-construction, ensuring seamless coordination across the early stages of project development. As Elevate Structures continues to expand its product offerings and capabilities, the addition of these talented leaders supports an already experienced team focused on innovation and customer service.

A new digital experience

As Elevate Structures expands its construction capabilities, the company’s digital presence is evolving too. The newly enhanced elevatecs.com now features dedicated pages for multifamily, hospitality, student housing and education construction sectors. These new web pages showcase Elevate’s framing innovations and integrated project delivery approach, offering developers, architects, engineers and general contractors a clear view of how Elevate’s systems can accelerate project timelines, optimize budgets and deliver consistent results across a wide range of mid-rise developments.

The updated website reflects Elevate Structures’ growing role as a trusted partner beyond self-storage — delivering smarter framing solutions for today's most demanding markets.

Commitment to excellence

As a 100% employee-owned company, Elevate Structures prides itself on higher accountability, lower turnover and stronger field relationships. This ownership model translates into pride in craftsmanship and communication that clients can trust. Elevate Structures is not just a vendor; it is a strategic partner and affectionately called a “super sub” by loyal architects who have experienced their commitment to delivering excellence in every project.

Elevate Structures stands out in the market due to their vertically integrated steel framing capabilities. Unlike many competitors who either fabricate or install, Elevate Structures provides a full-scope, end-to-end metal building solution that includes pre-construction coordination, in-house structural engineering, factory-fabricated framing systems and on-site execution and quality checks. This integrated approach means fewer handoffs, tighter project control and true accountability from concept to closeout.

Looking ahead

Elevate Structures' expansion into new sectors is a testament to their proven framing technology and field expertise. The company is ready to scale with developers, architects and general contractors looking for faster, more efficient structural solutions. With projects already underway and leadership aligned, Elevate Structures invites the market to join them in this exciting new chapter.

Elevate Structures is building more than storage; it is delivering scalable solutions across high-growth sectors, reshaping what is possible in mid-rise construction, and positioning itself for national growth and long-term impact.

About Elevate Structures

Elevate Structures, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Villa Rica, Georgia, is a Central States Company, the nation’s leading metal building products company, with dedicated teams of construction experts who specialize in the design, manufacture, supply and installation of metal products. Elevate’s unique suite of services includes full-service steel frame installation for commercial and multifamily structures in a wide variety of industries. From concept to close-out, their innovative products and dedicated employee-owners deliver on a promise to be on-site, on-schedule, all the time.