Tucker Community Spotlight

Steel Mart has been processing and selling carbon steel to structural fabricators and contractors for over a quarter-century in the Metro Atlanta area. As the business has grown, so has the need for more space. They outgrew their original facility in Norcross, then ran into the same problem after resettling in Doraville.

In 2010, they moved to a large tract of land on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. Now Steel Mart has run out of space again. So, are they looking for a new home? “No way”, says co-founder Paul Carling.

“The location here, being close to 285 and 85 with trucks and logistics, you can’t beat it,” he explains.

That’s why Carling and his partner Brian Satisky are growing Steel Mart’s Tucker footprint by building a brand new 47,000-square-foot processing center and distribution warehouse. The facility, which is set to open this summer, will sit on four acres adjacent to their current property.

“We have a need for accessibility, for our trucks to get from Lawrenceville Highway through our property,” Carling says. “The Atlanta area is a hot seat for construction and renovation right now, so we’re seeing a benefit from that.”

Steel Mart, which does business across Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, employs 130 workers – 120 of them right here in Tucker. Last year, Carling says they did $45 million in revenue and – with discussions happening in Washington, D.C. about massive infrastructure investments – they are planning to get even busier in the coming years.

Steel Mart is located at 3476 Lawrenceville Highway.

“This May, Tucker High School will graduate its first class of STEM students thanks to the dedication of science teacher and THS STEM Coordinator, Julie Todd. Since Ms. Todd initiated the program four years ago, she’s been busy volunteering more than 30 afterschool hours weekly working towards the goal of state certification.

“Ms. Todd’s efforts have paid off for our students. The graduating STEM students have traveled as a cohort throughout their school days, using problem-based learning to study science, technology, engineering and math. They have participated and competed in extracurricular VEX (robotics), Science Fair and Technology Student Association activities, as well as athletics and the arts. They are able to impress prospective colleges with their Capstone Projects and internships, in addition to their rigorous AP and Dual-Enrollment classes.

“With no budgetary money earmarked for STEM programs, Ms. Todd and the THS STEM teachers have had to fund the program by applying for private grants. These grants have helped pay for projects for the school, such as the aquaponics greenhouse. Other projects have directly benefitted our Tucker community. Students have teamed with Friends of Kelley Cofer Park to improve the wildlife habitat and lake conditions. Through their continuing work and the work of Ms. Todd, citizens will all be able to enjoy the park for many years to come.

“Thank you, Ms. Todd for bringing this invaluable program to Tucker High School. Our students and our community are lucky to have you!”

Nomination by Jennifer Winterscheidt