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Michael Vivian Family

Vivian Family

Michael Vivian, President

Michael Vivian is the President of American Western Steel (AWS), where he leads with a visionary approach and a commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, AWS has continued to excel in providing first class steel construction solutions, driven by Michael's strategic leadership and deep industry knowledge.

Beyond his professional role, Michael is deeply involved in his community as a baseball and basketball coach. His coaching is not just about teaching sports but also about mentoring young individuals and instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. His passion for sports and development of youth exemplifies his dedication to nurturing potential both on and off the field.

At home, Michael is a devoted husband and father of three, prioritizing his family above all. His role as a family man is central to his identity, and he cherishes the time spent supporting and growing with his family. Michael's balanced dedication to his professional duties, community involvement, and family life highlights his well-rounded character and his commitment to making a positive impact in every area of his life.

Wilber Umanzor

Umanzor Family

Wilber Umanzor, Senior Estimator

Wilber Umanzor has built a robust foundation in the construction and steel fabrication industry and currently holds the position of Senior Estimator at American Western Steel, a frontrunner in custom-engineered steel structures. With a focus on accurately forecasting project costs, Wilber excels in analyzing plans and working closely with clients to provide precise and competitive pricing that meets project objectives.

His expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from design to execution, contributing significantly to the successful completion of diverse projects, from industrial facilities to commercial developments. Wilber's dedication to delivering quality and efficiency not only meets but often exceeds client expectations.

Reflecting the core values of American Western Steel, Wilber’s commitment to excellence and innovation underpins his approach to every project. His work ensures that client satisfaction remains at the forefront, further solidifying the company’s reputation in the steel industry.

The American Western Steel Story:

In 2006, with a new baby on the horizon and financial pressures mounting, Michael Vivian found that his part-time position at a chemical plant was insufficient to meet the growing demands of family life. With a high school diploma, some college education, and welding skills acquired in agricultural classes, Michael turned his talent into an entrepreneurial venture. He began by constructing carports and barns for friends and family within the ranching and roping communities he was part of. This was the humble beginning of what would soon become a full-time dedication to erecting metal buildings.

By 2008, the economic downturn prompted a strategic pivot for Michael. He expanded his offerings to include concrete and dirt work services. This diversification not only helped stabilize the business during tough times but also set the stage for future growth. Remarkably, two of the first three employees hired during this period are still with American Western Steel (AWS) today, testament to the company's commitment to its workforce and the loyalty it inspires.

2011 marked a significant milestone when AWS began offering comprehensive metal building packages, incorporating both construction and concrete services. This expansion was the official launch of American Western Steel as a full-service provider. By 2012, Michael had forged a productive partnership with Mesco Building Solutions, turning AWS into a top-10 builder nationally for the next five years. The collaboration with Mesco laid the groundwork for future opportunities and growth.

The period from 2018 to 2022 saw AWS initiate a prosperous relationship with Nucor, providing Nucor buildings to a broad base of clients. This collaboration facilitated the development of over one million square feet of space, including a notable 450,000 square foot crane building for a major pipe manufacturer.

In 2022, AWS took a significant leap forward by acquiring its own fabrication facility. Today, the company boasts extensive manufacturing capabilities with multiple panel rolling machines, purlin rolling machines, and trim-making machines, supported by a team of 45 skilled welders and fitters. These resources enable AWS to produce the finest red-iron steel in the industry.

From its modest beginnings to a powerhouse in the steel construction industry, AWS has grown into a company of over 70 dedicated employees. It now offers end-to-end services from design and fabrication to turnkey installation. Registered as a manufacturer in Texas's largest cities and delivering buildings nationwide, American Western Steel stands as a symbol of hard work, innovation, and the American entrepreneurial spirit. We are immensely proud of our roots and our journey, driven by grit and guided by a vision to excel.

As we look ahead, American Western Steel remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence and innovation. Our growth story is not just about expanding our capabilities, but also about deepening relationships with our clients and our community. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and to help our clients achieve their vision, contributing positively to their operations and to the broader community.

Our team at AWS is a family, and like any strong family, we support each other and work together to overcome challenges. This culture of collaboration and support is crucial as we undertake larger and more complex projects. Our employees are not just workers; they are craftsmen and visionaries who share a common goal of creating lasting value through their work.

Looking to the future, AWS aims to not only continue our tradition of quality and service but to also lead the way in sustainable building practices. As environmental considerations become increasingly important, we are exploring innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint and help our clients do the same. This commitment to sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s also good for business, as it drives us to be more efficient and forward-thinking in every aspect of our operations.

American Western Steel's journey from a one-man operation to a major player in the steel construction industry is a testament to the power of hard work, vision, and resilience. We are excited about what the future holds and are ready to face new challenges, build new partnerships, and continue making a significant impact in the industry and our communities. The best, as always, is yet to come.