On May 4th 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of visiting DC Metal along Highway 50, where they received a warm welcome from Kenneth Swartzentruber Jr. During the visit, Kenneth shared the remarkable story behind DC Metal’s success and growth over the past 41 years. What began as a small operation has expanded into a thriving company employing more than 125 people, a milestone Kenneth proudly credited to the dedication and hard work of the company’s employees.
Throughout the tour and discussion, Kenneth emphasized the importance of persistence, strong values, and a willingness to work hard. He encouraged the students to ask questions, seek understanding, and never stop learning. According to Kenneth, one of the greatest assets any business can build is a strong reputation. He explained that trust and consistency often become a company’s best form of marketing, far outweighing traditional advertising efforts.
He also offered an encouraging perspective on competition, explaining that healthy competition pushes businesses to improve, innovate, and continue growing. Rather than viewing competitors as obstacles, he believes there is opportunity for everyone who is committed to delivering quality products and excellent service. He stressed the importance of understanding customer needs, listening carefully, and focusing on service and quick response times instead of simply trying to make a sale.
One of the strongest messages shared with the cohort centered on personal and professional growth. Kenneth encouraged the students to remain adaptable, continue learning, and approach every opportunity with a positive attitude. He spoke about the value of showing up on time, being dependable, and taking pride in producing quality work rather than simply trying to offer the lowest price. He also reminded the students to continually build relationships and connections, noting that many people are willing to help and share their knowledge with those eager to learn.
The visit concluded with heartfelt appreciation to Kenneth for investing his time, wisdom, and encouragement into the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. His openness and passion for mentoring left a lasting impression on the cohort and reflected the strong spirit of support and collaboration that defines the Daviess County CEO program.