JOE BRIESE, BRIESE IRON WORKS, INC.
CEO Profile
CEO Profile: Joe Briese Taking an in-depth look at Briese's career path, progression, and achievements
What experiences have had a significant impact in shaping you as a leader? In 2021, I experienced a particularly difficult period of depression that had a lasting impact on how I approach leadership. During that time, my ability to connect and relate with others was greatly limited, which reinforced for me just how essential human connection is. I believe meaningful relationships are essential to success at work and in life. One of my primary goals as a leader is to help our people succeed. Everyone faces difficult days or personal challenges at some point, and being aware of where people are—and supporting them through both the good and the difficult moments—is something I take very seriously. This is a people industry, and people matter. What changes in trends and needs within the steel fabrication industry have you seen? In recent years, the industry has experienced a significant wave of retirements among welders and shop personnel, and this trend is only going to continue. As a result, recruiting, training, and retaining talented people has become increasingly critical. At the same time, we are seeing continued advancement in automated welding and fabrication technology. Machines are now capable of performing tasks that were once entirely manual. For example, we have equipment that can bevel plate for CJP welds, plasma cut slots in tubes,
Tell us about your career path to becoming President of Briese Iron Works, Inc. Briese Iron Works has been part of my life and family for as long as I can remember. Our roots trace back to 1948, when my great-grandfather, Erwin Briese, was serving as secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce. At that time, a representative for a Quonset hut manufacturer was looking to establish a dealership in southern Minnesota. Erwin took the opportunity and founded Briese Steel and Building Materials Company. From that company, my grandfather, Elliott Briese, established Briese Iron Works in 1974. Following his passing in 1991, my father, John Briese, assumed leadership of the business. I grew up in Rochester and attended St. John’s University, where I graduated in 2007. Following college, I spent a year teaching English in China, which was a formative experience both personally and professionally. In 2009, I joined Briese Iron Works as an estimator and later worked in project management and human resources. I was promoted to General Manager in 2018 and became President in 2022. In addition to learning from my father, I was fortunate to be mentored early in my career by several individuals my grandfather hired and relied on—Dave Hackbarth, Marty Heins, and Al Gotmer. I am grateful every day to work alongside such kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and hardworking people throughout our organization.
14 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker