According to William Downey, passion must be within the individual. “I grew up within a large family and had little resources available for growth, and I had to learn to stretch and find every resource available,” said Downey. “I learned that one must go after your dreams and never give up; at times it may seem impossible, but never give up and settle.”
These words continue to drive Downey today as the president of Arlington Structural Steel. Since purchasing Arlington Structural Steel in 2019, Downey has transformed the company, founded in 1945, from a family-run operation into a regional powerhouse. The firm specializes in providing structural steel for mid-sized construction projects, including warehouses, hospitals, hotels and office buildings under six stories.
Downey’s journey to his current role was shaped by decades of experience. After earning a degree in electrical engineering, he began his career at Underwriters Laboratory, quickly rising to team leader. He later joined a family welding shop, where his strategic vision helped grow the workforce from 15 to 60 employees. After the shop was sold to private equity, Downey stayed on, advancing to president.
Over 20 years in private equity, he navigated economic challenges like the 2008 recession, streamlined operations, and drove growth, increasing the company’s workforce from 60 to over 110 employees by 2019. That same year, Downey left private equity to purchase Arlington Structural Steel, ready to apply the lessons he had learned.
Downey led efforts to modernize the company’s operations by replacing outdated equipment, some over a century old, with cutting-edge technology, making Arlington one of only four companies worldwide capable of producing 100-foot I-beams. Downey also embraced outsourcing for less efficient processes, focusing the company’s efforts on its core strengths. These changes drove the company’s revenue from $31 million in 2020 to over $98 million in 2023.
Downey attributes much of Arlington’s success to its workforce. He has prioritized creating a safe, supportive, and modern work environment, providing on-site training, fostering open communication, and valuing employee input to build a motivated and skilled team.
“As a leader, one needs to share with the employee the direction of the company and make them feel secure in their position as the company maneuvers through economic times, both good and bad,” said Downey. “I continually walk the floor of the company and engage with each employee learning about their lives and ask for recommendations to help improve the organization.”
Passionate about entrepreneurship, Downey encourages aspiring business leaders to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams. “Our next leaders need to know that being an entrepreneur is still obtainable,” he said. “Even though at times this may seem daunting, tough and discouraging, one must continue the pursuit.”