Planting Seeds
Adam Clark and Mason Burchette had worked in the metal industry for years when they decided to open their own metal shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, in February 2022. They saw that the industry was underserved and thought they could be part of the solution.
The partners were very intentional about the business they were building. They started with the name and spelled out what the company’s shared values were to be. TRUE stands for Trust, Respect, Uprightness, and Excellence.
In the beginning it was rough. With only three employees, Clark, Burchette, and Blake Gibson were the manufacturing department, sales, delivery, etc. They did it all. While it was hard, it was also very fulfilling, because they were building something that was truly theirs, heart and soul.
Nurturing and Growing
The company now has 26 employees, and they sell their products nationwide. Their biggest market niches are roofers, builders, and DIYers. They offer metal siding, building accessories, and pole barn kits. However, metal roofing comprises the vast majority of their sales. They have three profiles of standing seam and three through-fastened profiles, plus seven metal shingle styles.
Burchette likes to think that their success has largely been because of their early investment in marketing; they brought on a Marketing Manager, Shannon Clark, who has been a great help getting out the word about True Metal Supply.
Mason Burchette,
True Metal Supply Owner
Adam Clark,
True Metal Supply Owner
All photos courtesy of True Metal Supply
Nurturing and growing the company is synonymous with nurturing and growing their relationships with customers, vendors, and everyone they come in contact with.
“We strive to make each experience relational rather than transactional,” Burchette said. “We become friends with our customers. For instance, we had a contractor who was in a jam; he needed to move his materials from one location to another, so we moved them for him. These were materials he purchased elsewhere, but he needed help, so we helped him. He has been a valued customer ever since.”
According to Burchette, there have been employee challenges along the way, such as knowing when to hire. Hiring prematurely can put a strain on finances, while delaying too long places undue pressure on existing staff. Then there is the question of who to hire.
“We have an intentional culture here, so vetting people is important,” Burchette said. “Faith in Christ and his teachings drive us, so while people do not have to share our faith to work here, they do have to share our values.”
When both Burchette and Clark interview candidates, they grade them first based on “GWC.” This translates to, “Do they GET it? Do they WANT it? Do they have the CAPACITY to do it?” If they pass this test, then Burchette and Clark explain what TRUE stands for, and they gauge the candidate’s sincerity based on their dedication to these principles.
These values inform the keys to good business: People before profits. Treat people right in every interaction. Burchette says it is important to stay humble and remember that the opportunity to serve people has come from God — and it is a blessing.
Moving Into the Future
“The current business climate is very encouraging,” Burchette said. “People seem optimistic about the economy, and we expect an extended period of success for the metal industry over the next few years,” he added. Along with the trend of moving toward metal exteriors, Burchette sees that people are excited about textured coatings and wood prints.
True Metal Supply is focused on growing and helping their customers grow along with them. They look forward to expanding their manufacturing footprint and product lines through research and surveys to ensure that they are responsive to customers’ needs.
Clark and Burchette also wanted to extend their thanks to their employees who all work together to make it happen.
“Behind all the dedicated employees are families who have been very supportive, and both Adam and I are grateful,” Burchette said. RB
