After graduating from Lincoln Technical Institute in 1980, Mike Stephens began his career in the tool room at Crown Products Division of Sommer Metalcraft Corporation. He remained in this role until 1983, when he was promoted to Shop Foreman at the Crown Products Veighway Plant—one of the nation’s premier fan guard manufacturing facilities—where he oversaw all aspects of plant operations. In 1987, he advanced to Manufacturing Manager, taking responsibility for all three Crown Products plants. Mike later joined Lincoln Technical Institute, where he led the design and manufacturing of training aids used in classroom instruction. In 1991, he returned to Crown Products as Production Manager of the Plant 3 operation. When Engineered Cooling Systems acquired Plant 3 in 1993 to support fan manufacturing applications, Mike continued in his leadership role until 1997. In 1997, Mike returned once again to Crown Products as Manufacturing Manager while also founding Cornerstone Metal Fabrication. The company’s early work included wire handles for Advantis Medical, specialty racks for International Cryogenics, and wire forms for the Department of Defense. In 2000, Mike left Crown Products to focus exclusively on growing Cornerstone Metal Fabrication. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into one of the most competitive and responsive wire manufacturing operations in the industry, known for its quality, innovation, and customer-focused approach.