On October 2, 2025, the Daviess County CEO Cohort received a warm welcome at Graber Steel, where Marvin and Nick graciously offered an extensive tour of their operations. The visit provided students with a firsthand look at a business built on personalized service and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Nick opened the tour by emphasizing their dedication to knowing customers by name, a practice that distinguishes Graber Steel in today's competitive marketplace. As Marvin guided the group through the facility, he showcased the company's impressive capabilities, including machining, shearing, forming, burning, and rolling. "No job is too large or too small; all jobs are unique," Marvin explained, illustrating the company's versatility in meeting diverse customer needs.
One surprising discovery was that 90% of Graber Steel's business focuses on the environmental sector. This unexpected specialization highlighted the company's adaptability and commitment to industries supporting a sustainable future.
Throughout the visit, Nick and Marvin stressed several key business principles: prioritizing quality over competition, maintaining exceptional workmanship, embracing the local work ethic, keeping spiritual values aligned, seizing opportunities when they arise, working with passion, and always doing the job right. Nick posed a thought-provoking question to the students: "If we go through life without making a difference, was it in vain?"
Nick shared valuable entrepreneurial wisdom with the cohort, emphasizing the importance of addressing problems directly, identifying a niche, delivering quality at fair prices, and maintaining spiritual grounding. His advice to prioritize family over business obligations added a meaningful perspective to the entrepreneurial journey.
Expressing genuine admiration for the young entrepreneurs, Nick shared his enthusiasm for their generation, comparing them to roses ready to bloom. His encouragement left the cohort inspired and motivated to embrace their potential as future leaders. The visit concluded with parting wisdom that resonated deeply: "Always leave the world in a better place; what you do today will be with you for a long time."
The Daviess County CEO Cohort expressed sincere gratitude to Nick and Marvin for generously sharing their time, expertise, and entrepreneurial values. The visit to Graber Steel left a lasting impression, providing inspiration and practical guidance..