Nestled in the heart of the Gulf Coast, Weigh Tech has been a precision-driven force transforming industrial measurement since 1995. They've grown from a local business into one of the region's largest independent industrial weighing equipment providers, reshaping the landscape of industrial measurement.
At the helm are Jodie Stewart, President, and Sharon Freytag, Sr. Vice President, who redefine success in the industrial weighing industry through a unique approach that puts people at the center of every scale. We recently sat down with Stewart and Freytag to discuss their people, leadership, and how they've built a thriving business that balances expertise with employee ownership.
Measured by People
For Weigh-Tech, success is measured not just in scales sold but in their people's prosperity. Their people-centered approach has created a workplace where team members are the company's greatest asset - a philosophy that was strengthened by their transition to an employee-owned business model. One thing that sets Weigh Tech apart from their competitors is their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), implemented in 2020, a program that allows every team member to have a stake in the company's success.
"Our transition to an ESOP reinforced my belief that when employees have a stake in the company's success, performance and commitment, we can reach new heights," Stewart shares. "Weigh Tech means empowering our team and investing in continuous improvements and upholding the integrity that has built our reputation."
This transition has created a workplace environment where leadership and team members share both responsibility and purpose. "The fact that I get to work with our team every day and support them - to me that's wonderful," explains Freytag. "We have a team that loves to come to work because they're part of the ESOP and because they enjoy what they do."
This unified approach has fostered a company culture where collaboration drives innovation. "There's not any 'I' in our company. We're 100% team - every aspect of every single thing that we do takes our entire team," Stewart concludes. Freytag reinforces this sentiment, adding, "We could not do it without them at all, every single one of them."
Women Tipping the Industry Scale
As leaders in the industrial sector, Stewart and Freytag bring complementary perspectives that have elevated Weigh Tech. Together, their expertise spans operational leadership, technical knowledge, and financial strategy - a powerful combination that enables them to navigate challenges and identify opportunities.
Together, they've developed a balanced approach to leadership. When asked about their perspective on female leadership, Stewart notes that "There's now more recognition of the value that diverse perspectives bring to problem-solving and innovation. You see more women now in executive roles proving that competence and leadership, are not defined by gender, but by vision, execution and commitment to excellence."
As successful female executives in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Stewart and Freytag offer unwavering encouragement to other women pursuing technical leadership roles: "Your voice matters. Your skills and mindset are needed, and your leadership will shape the future. Keep going. Because, let me tell you, sister, we belong here, and we're very capable."
Balancing Relationships
Weigh Tech thrives through strategic industry connections and strong community ties that amplify their success. It’s these connections that have enhanced their technical capabilities but have also opened doors to new markets and opportunities across the Gulf Coast region.
"Strong industry partnerships have been a critical factor in our success," explains Stewart. "They’ve expanded our market presence and reinforced our reputation as a trusted leader in the weighing industry”.
With a solid foundation of industry relationships and technical expertise, Weigh Tech is now focused on regional growth. Their strategic plans include new locations in Louisiana and Corpus Christi, along with potential acquisitions to strengthen their service offerings and Gulf Coast market position.
Financing Growth Together
Finding the right bank is crucial for any growing business, but especially important for companies with unique ownership structures like Weigh Tech's ESOP model. Their relationship with Stellar Bank exemplifies how a strong banking relationship goes beyond traditional transactions to become a strategic alliance that fuels growth and innovation.
For more than seven years, Stellar Bank has worked closely with Weigh Tech to support their expansion initiatives. This collaboration has facilitated key capital investments, from infrastructure development to equipment upgrades, that have strengthened Weigh Tech's operational capabilities.
"We were able to build a building in Beaumont. We're right now in the process of replenishing our fleet, and they've been there for us," Freytag notes about the tangible outcomes of this banking relationship.
What makes this collaboration particularly valuable is the personalized approach Stellar Bank offers. "With the community bank, we get that personalized service and relationship-based banking," Stewart appreciates. "They helped us get the funding for the new building and our new trucks, as well as supporting the unique needs of our ESOP."
Freytag emphasizes that having a local banking relationship provides more than just financial services - it offers a collaborative approach to business planning.
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