When it comes to choosing the best aluminum extrusion manufacturer that will meet and exceed your requirements, should you steer towards a family-owned or a corporate company? Allow Star Extruded Shapes to explain.
Family-Owned Vs. Corporate
Out of the 28.8 million businesses across America, only 19% are under family ownership. The term “family-owned” refers to any business where two or more family members are involved in its operation and the majority of ownership or control is held within the family. On the contrary, a corporation is a distinct legal entity functioning as a separate business structure. Shareholders own it, and a board of directors, in turn, appoints officers responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business.
In simpler words, a family-owned business is run by members of a family who own and control it. They often prioritize close relationships and long-term commitment. Whereas a corporate business is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders. It’s managed by a board of directors who appoint officers for daily operations, focusing on efficiency and shareholder value.
The Star Family
Star stands out as a steadfast family-owned company, with Owner/President Ken George at its helm since 1981. His enduring presence, still active today, reflects a commitment to continuity and hands-on leadership, ensuring the company’s sustained success.
Benefits of Working with Family-Owned Vs. Corporate Aluminum Extruders
While corporate entities are recognized for their rigid internal frameworks, family-owned businesses exhibit a more adaptable structure. Family businesses tend to transform with family members and values, leading to a stronger company culture than the corporate system.
At Star, we blend the seasoned with the fresh perspectives of new ones. This mixture not only ensures cultural continuity but also opens avenues for mentorship, sparks innovation, and bolsters employee retention.
Additionally, our leadership chain is streamlined, making it easier for employees and customers to access top leadership. This closer proximity allows for easier communication which prevents problems like poor employee morale and flexibility, decision-making delays, accountability loss, and barriers to communication.
Elevated Social Responsibility
Being family-owned gives us the unique ability to deeply understand our customers, thanks to the trust that naturally exists among family members. Family-owned businesses not only boast profound connections within the company but also to their local community—more people-oriented and less number-oriented.
In fact, the Star team emphasizes “owning our own backyard,” concentrating on the 250–300-mile radius from our facility, which has served to be a prime area for customer and prospect engagement.
This approach, coupled with the warm and familiar feeling customers experience, fosters a reciprocal relationship where loyal customers are more inclined to support our type of business. As result, a resilient bond is formed between the business and its community.
This connection gains significance amid the current backdrop of corporations drawing criticism for prioritizing profits and outsourcing jobs overseas. In contrast, family-owned businesses prioritize mutual support and actively participate in social responsibility initiatives. Remarkably, 93% of family-owned businesses incorporate community service into their regular operations.
Intentional Legacy Building
Family-owned companies distinguish themselves by prioritizing long-term goals over immediate profits, ensuring a legacy for the next generation. Our aspiration at Star is continual growth and expanded aluminum extrusion capabilities, as we aim to solidify our presence in the industry for future generations. This orientation makes us the best aluminum extrusion manufacturer, as we are perceived to pursue not only economic success but also non-economic objectives. Unlike most aluminum extruders, Star focuses more on maintaining the integrity and credibility of the family name and customer relationships over purely seeking profit maximization.
Most U.S. aluminum extrusion manufacturers are either large corporations or owned by private equity firms, each carrying a negative stigma, as they create a sense of customer detachment and impersonality. Family businesses, on the other hand, often prioritize meeting customer demands and ensuring stability, while corporations place a higher emphasis on attaining profits and achieving their financial objectives.
Join Star, The Best Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturer
At Star, you are more than just a number. Whether you are a customer or employee, you are considered part of our family. This philosophy underpins our approach to both service and teamwork, reflecting a commitment to inclusive, family-oriented interactions.
With that said, we are actively seeking skilled individuals to become part of our team. If you’re keen on a career with a longstanding, locally-owned aluminum extrusion company boasting over four decades in the industry, visit our career page and apply today! Join us at Star, where every role is a pathway to making meaningful contributions, and every team member is valued as family.
More about Star Extruded Shapes Inc.
Star is a one-stop shop for all things aluminum extrusion and supporting services. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our promise to provide competitively priced, high-quality aluminum extrusions, delivered precisely when you need them. Our passion for transforming your concepts into tangible successes is driven by our superior design and manufacturing prowess. Reach out to Star today to discover how we can support your upcoming aluminum fabrication venture.
