Aaron Dallek’s entrepreneurial journey began at an early age with a passion for business that led him to launch his first business, AD Computing, at 14. These early experiences provided Dallek with the foundation to pursue larger ventures, sparking a lifelong desire to innovate and solve problems through entrepreneurship. He bootstrapped several companies, from a printer cartridge recycling and broker company that achieved 617% organic growth to an eye care technology company that developed the first online eye exam capable of delivering a prescription remotely, securing $9.5 million in venture capital.
“What truly excites me about entrepreneurship is not just the challenge of turning ideas into reality but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world through the products and services we offer,” said Dallek.
In 2017, Aaron joined MD Metals, the steel service center founded by his father, Michael Dallek, in 1990. MD Metals is a family-owned and run steel service center in Bedford Park, Illinois that provides slit and edged coil and flat bar steel products to customers nationwide. The firm supplies customers with HRPO, HR, CR, galvanized, stainless steel, and aluminum and offers toll processing.
Initially focused on sales, marketing, and operations, Dallek led a comprehensive restructuring effort that modernized the company’s operations and improved its organizational culture. His emphasis on direct sales, digital marketing and continuous improvement helped drive MD Metals from $5.6 million to $32.4 million in annual revenue over five years.
“Aaron stands as a titan in multiple industries, embodying the essence of innovation, impact and leadership across the sectors he operates in,” said his staff. “In an industry that often sees little innovation, Aaron’s drive to push the limits of what is possible makes him a transformative figure.”
Dallek’s leadership at MD Metals has ensured the company remains competitive in the steel industry while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. His latest venture, Dmaterial, leads the development of a new class of ultra-lightweight and strong inflatable products using advanced materials such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite fabrics.
As a leader, Dallek said regularly engaging with his team is essential to motivating his passion for the business and the industry.
“I reignite my passion for business by continually working toward goals that go beyond just financial success – I believe in creating a culture of innovation and ownership, where everyone feels empowered to take the initiative and bring their best ideas forward,” said Dallek. “Supporting our customers and employees and creating products that have a positive impact are at the heart of what keeps me motivated.”