Between a continuing global pandemic, supply-chain crises and labor shortages, 2021 has been an interesting year. Rolled Threads Unlimited is dedicated to continuously providing quality service and products – even during such times. As 2021 comes to a close, Ted Ladky, President of Rolled Threads Unlimited, shares some thoughts on 2021, but also what he’s excited about for the future.
What was one new thing that you learned this year?
That even in good times when orders and bookings are strong— business is delicate. There are so many factors out there; some that you have control over and some not, and that impacts business. Sometimes you see these things coming and sometimes you don’t. When the economy is good, many people say that business is easy, but sometimes it is actually more challenging. You need to be even more present and more in tune with what your customers’ needs are.
2021 had a lot of disruption (COVID-19, supply chain issues and more), how did Rolled Threads Unlimited overcome these issues?
We overcame these issues by being very active and listening to our suppliers. We have close relationships with them, and we pay attention to what they are saying. It can be difficult sometimes to separate emotions from certain news, but as a business owner you need to react prudently to address whatever that news might be. We talked to many of our steel providers and saw issues on the horizon, so we placed orders in advance. That didn’t solve all issues, but it helped mitigate many of them. In conjunction, we reached out to our customers to let them know what our suppliers said so they could be aware. Opening up the lines of communication between both sides was key.
What would you say the biggest accomplishment was for you or for Rolled Threads Unlimited this past year?
We’re especially proud of retaining employees and hiring new ones in a very competitive market. A lot of other companies were and continue to advertise for positions with big sign-on bonuses or highly competitive wages. We treat our employees well, but reacted quickly to the new marketplace and invested a lot in our team. In the process, we added some new employees to our shop and front office. These new hires have been very successful, but that comes from hiring great people and treating current employees well.
Along with that, we’ve continued to add new customers that have great potential for ongoing relationships. It’s not just about transactions—relationships are our goal.
What are some of Rolled Thread Unlimited’s initiatives that you find particularly exciting?
Looking at this in an ongoing way, we are always upgrading machinery and expanding some of our machinery capabilities. Also, while very much in the infancy concept phase, we are exploring some automation opportunities. We may not go through with it if we find it isn’t a good investment, but it’s exciting to consider it. It’d be pretty cool.
Additionally, we are acquiring some new space in the near future which would make room for more equipment and allow for other future growth.
As we look to begin 2022, what are your priorities in the New Year?
Professionally, we need to keep our eye on growth opportunities as well as expand and grow our sales arm (we have lots of momentum here and want to keep it going).
Personally, I want to get more physically active. I sit at a desk most of the day. I let it slip for a while, but I really like how biking and yoga help me unwind a bit. It’s a big priority to stay active. And I need to read more – book reading and less phone reading.
Tell us something that others may not know about you, professionally or personally or both.
I’m getting married this summer! Wedding planning is going pretty well.