Meet the key players.
John Ortiz, P.E., President
After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University, John embarked on a traditional career path working for various consulting engineering firms in the Philadelphia area. From bridge design to land development for housing subdivisions and commercial shopping centers, John’s work experience encompassed diverse roles. One such project involved the design of a manufacturing facility (SRP) in Hazleton, PA.
This facility would become the first manufacturing plant in the U.S. to house state-of-the art, computer-controlled resistance welders designed specifically to produce EWWR - production capabilities never before seen in the U.S. When he accepted a position at SRP, John Ortiz became the first engineer at this new facility.
Ultimately, his journey led to the founding of Ortiz Engineered Products (OEP), a distributor of EWWR, where his vision and expertise continued to shape the landscape of engineered solutions for construction projects across the county.
Following the successful acquisition of OEP by the nation’s largest producer of EWWR, John joined forces with past colleagues to launch Steel Reinforcement Systems (SRS). SRS represents the culmination of decades of collective knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field. John continues to redefine standards and revolutionize the EWWR industry landscape, cementing his legacy as a pioneer and innovator.
Tom Plowright, P.E., Executive Vice President
Tom stands at the forefront of the welded wire reinforcement industry, and is widely recognized for his leadership in designing and developing innovative applications.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Virginia Military Institute in 1985. With a career spanning 21 years in the steel industry, Tom has seamlessly navigated various roles encompassing design, construction management, engineering, software development, sales, marketing, and business development.
Throughout his professional trajectory, he has earned a reputation as a trailblazer, leveraging his multifaceted skill set to drive advancements in the conversion of large-scale rebar designs into welded bar mats.
Tom's comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of welded wire reinforcement, coupled with his dedication to innovation, has positioned him as a trusted authority in the field.
Ken Dixon, Senior Design Engineer
With more than two decades of dedicated experience, Ken Dixon stands as a seasoned professional in the field of engineering. As a Senior Design Engineer at Steel Reinforcement Systems (SRS), Ken brings a wealth of expertise and a meticulous approach to every project he undertakes.
Ken’s journey in the industry began more then 20 years ago when he embarked on his career as a Design Engineer at Structural Reinforcement Products Inc. (SRP). It was here that he first cultivated his passion for engineering and laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career. After honing his skills at SRP, Ken transitioned into a Project Engineer role at a precast concrete manufacturer, where he spent six years gaining valuable hands-on experience in the intricacies of precast construction.
Driven by a desire to expand his horizons and tackle new challenges, Ken then joined Ortiz Engineered Products as a Senior Project Engineer. He played a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions and driving the successful completion of complex projects.
Ken is a proud graduate of The University of Wyoming, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. His educational background, combined with his extensive industry experience, equips him with a deep understanding of design principles and a keen eye for detail.
At Steel Reinforcement Systems, Ken’s meticulous instincts and comprehensive understanding of project scope and nuance make him an invaluable asset to the team. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering ensure that SRS remains at the forefront of innovation in the industry.
Sue Driscoll, Senior Design Engineer
Sue Driscoll brings a wealth of experience and a natural wisdom to her role as a Senior Design Engineer at Steel Reinforcement Systems (SRS). With a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic, Sue is admired by her colleagues for her unwavering dedication to excellence.
Sue's journey in the field of engineering began after earning her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. Her early career saw her delve into the manufacturing sector, where she played a pivotal role in designing cabs and bodies for fire trucks. It was during this time that Sue honed her engineering skills and developed a keen understanding of product design and development.
Driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to explore new opportunities, Sue ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a remote drafting business that catered to a prestigious clientele, including General Electric Corp. and FLSmidth. Her ability to deliver high-quality drafting services with precision and efficiency earned her widespread recognition and established her as a trusted partner in the industry.
Most recently, Sue's journey led her to Ortiz Engineered Products, where she served as a Project Engineer. In this role, she leveraged her extensive experience and expertise to oversee the successful execution of various engineering projects, contributing to the company's reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Now, as a Senior Design Engineer at SRS, Sue brings her unique blend of experience, wisdom, and innovation to the forefront. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence and her commitment to delivering superior results make her an invaluable asset to the SRS team. With Sue on board, SRS continues to set new standards of innovation and quality in the steel reinforcement industry.
Paula Leitner, Business Operations Manager
Paula brings more than 15 years of invaluable experience to her role as Business Operations Manager at Steel Reinforcement Systems (SRS). With a passion for efficiency and a keen eye for detail, Paula plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of SRS' operational processes.
Paula's journey in the field of business operations began more than a decade ago, where she quickly established herself as a capable and proactive professional. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex challenges with poise have earned her a reputation as a trusted leader within the industry.
In her role at SRS, Paula oversees a wide range of operational activities, including resource allocation, process optimization, and performance monitoring. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
With her extensive background and hands-on approach, Paula plays an instrumental role in SRS' mission to deliver top-notch welded wire reinforcement solutions to clients across various sectors. Her dedication to operational excellence ensures that SRS maintains its position as a leader in the industry.
Paula Leitner’s commitment to excellence, coupled with her depth of experience, makes her an invaluable asset to the SRS team, driving success and innovation in every aspect of the business.