About Us
Paragon Steel – It’s Business. It’s Personal.
Paragon Steel was born out of a need for a different kind of steel distributor. Our founder, Jim Stavis, after 16 years in the automotive aftermarket industry, identified a gap in the way steel was being supplied to manufacturers.
From Frustration to Innovation: Building a Better Way
Prior to Paragon Steel, Jim’s experience managing Pace Setter Industries, a leading muffler manufacturer, highlighted the inefficiencies of the traditional steel distribution model. The vast amount of steel tubing, aluminized steel, and coils required necessitated working with over a dozen different vendors, each specializing in a specific type of steel. This fragmented approach created logistical challenges and hindered just-in-time production.
In 1988, driven by the lessons learned at Pace Setter Industries, Paragon Steel was established in Long Beach, California. Our core principle was simple: provide exceptional quality and service, going beyond what any single vendor could offer. We broke the mold of specialization by offering a one-stop shop for any metal product, regardless of size or specification.
Customer Focus: Delivering When and How You Need It
Paragon Steel revolutionized the industry by prioritizing the customer’s needs. We challenged the old paradigm of steel distributors dictating delivery schedules and quantities. Instead, we offered flexible delivery options, tailored to the specific needs of each project.
Adapting to the Evolving Landscape
While the steel industry has seen significant changes, our commitment to building strong relationships remains a cornerstone of our philosophy. We recognize that technology has empowered customers to source online and manage requisitions electronically. However, we believe that fostering personal connections is still vital. We see ourselves as an extension of your purchasing department, a trusted partner offering value beyond just metal products.
The Future of Metal Distribution
The ongoing consolidation within the steel service center industry presents a unique opportunity for Paragon Steel. Unlike larger, more rigid companies, we have the agility to adapt to changing market conditions. We are confident that our commitment to exceptional service and personalized relationships will continue to set us apart.
In an industry increasingly focused on efficiency, Paragon Steel remains dedicated to the human element. We believe in building trust and exceeding expectations. There is a lot more to steel distribution than commodity pricing. We invite you to partner with us and experience the Paragon Steel difference.
Meet the Team
Jim Stavis
I am not just a President & CEO — I am also a triple transplant recipient, surviving a surgery that is both incredibly rare and risky. How did I manage Type I diabetes, the transplant wait list, running a successful company and caring for a family? Here’s a hint: It has to do with HOPE.
I share this story of hope through my award-winning documentary Source of Hope as well as through professional speaking engagements across the nation. To request a copy of my documentary or learn more about booking me as a speaker for your next event, visit www.jimstavis.com. You can also follow Jim Stavis Speaks on my official Facebook page. Or sign up here to be added to the distribution list for Paragon Steel’s quarterly insightful business newsletter where I also share stories of hope.
–Jim Stavis, President & CEO, Paragon Steel
Blake O’Brien, Vice President
Years with Paragon Steel: 29
What I love most about Paragon Steel: Every day is different. Always different ways to help clients
Family Fun Fact: Married with 2 sons
In my free time, I enjoy: Cooking and lifting weights
Blake O’Brien, Vice President
Years with Paragon Steel: 29
What I love most about Paragon Steel: Every day is different. Always different ways to help clients.
Family Fun Fact: Married with 2 sons
In my free time, I enjoy: Cooking and lifting weights.
Noelle Lee, Outside Sales Rep
Years with Paragon Steel: 7
What I love most about Paragon Steel: Getting to meet all sorts of people from different industries and backgrounds
Family Fun Fact: Born and raised at the Jersey Shore
In my free time, I enjoy: Decorating shells I find on the beach, and then hiding them for people to find
David Ko, Business Development Representative
Years with Paragon Steel: 4
What I love most about Paragon Steel: You can make a mistake and still be encouraged to hold your head high
Family Fun Fact: Very blessed that we all get along and are extremely talented actors
In my free time, I enjoy: 49ers, Lakers, Walking, K-Dramas, and K-Pop
David Ko, Business Development Representative
Years with Paragon Steel: 4
What I love most about Paragon Steel: You can make a mistake and still be encouraged to hold your head high.
Family Fun Fact: Very blessed that we all get along or are extremely talented actors.
In my free time, I enjoy: 49ers, Lakers, Walking, K-Dramas, and K-Pop
Aida Estrada, Bookkeeper
Years with Paragon Steel: 7
What I love most about Paragon Steel: I love the work atmosphere. How close knit we are. We work like a fine-tuned machine
In my free time, I enjoy: Shopping
Laura Garcia, Receptionist
Years with Paragon Steel: 7
What I love most about Paragon Steel: Here at Paragon, we treat each other like family, and work together to give our customers the best service
Family Fun Fact: Single mother of 3 kids
In my free time, I enjoy: Spending quality time with my kids and my parents
Laura Garcia, Receptionist
Years with Paragon Steel: 7 Years
What I love most about Paragon Steel: Here at Paragon, we treat each other like family, and work together to give our customers the best service.
Family Fun Fact: Single mother of 3 kids
In my free time, I enjoy: Spending quality time with my kids and my parents.