Meet this year’s winners!
CODY BEAL
“He’s super intelligent, very respectful, and has the traits of a leader—and that’s exactly what we’re looking for,” said Jim Nixon, president, QCM. “With a team-first attitude that inspired those around him, Cody is not only focused on where he wants to go, but how to bring others with him.”
Leader of the Year
Driven. Disciplined. Dependable.
Talk to anyone about Cody Beal, and three things come up fast: He’s driven. He’s helpful. And he genuinely cares. That’s the kind of leader Cody is—and why he’s being honored with an Emerald Award as a Leader of the Year.
In a relatively short time and at a relatively young age, Cody’s already made a big impact at the Cambridge, Ohio, Quanex Custom Mixing (QCM) location. He started as an operator just over four years ago and has since earned 11 of 14 possible qualifications. His steady climb from operator to production technician and now to supervisor in late 2023 reflects his commitment and capability.
“He says he wants my job,” laughed Darren Burrow, production manager, QCM, and Cody’s manager. “That’s the kind of driven approach we appreciate.”
But Cody’s leadership goes well beyond ambition. He’s known for being approachable, calm under pressure, and always ready to lend a hand even on a shift that isn’t his.
“He’s eager to learn and eager to help,” Darren added. “He’ll stay extra to support others when they need it—and it sets an example to the crew. One who says, ‘We’re a team working together’.”
Cody’s experience in the military plays a big part in how he leads. His discipline, mission focus, and steady demeanor cascade to his team, helping to create a workplace built on confidence rather than chaos. “He doesn’t get rattled, regardless of the situation,” Darren noted. “He treats every day like a mission—one he intends to succeed at.”
And he does. Cody is deeply respected by his team, not just for his work ethic but for the way he listens and connects. “He always seems cool, calm, and collected when any issues arise,” one of his nominators noted.
He built those relationships early on, working shoulder-to-shoulder with his team before becoming their supervisor. Now, he strikes a balance between being supportive and productive, between knowing when to step in and when to trust his team to run.
“He doesn’t rush to make decisions, but he doesn’t stall either,” Darren said. “He gathers the facts and does what’s best for the company and his team.”
Outside of work, Cody’s just as proactive. He’s part of the Guernsey County Adult Leadership Program, and on his own, he jumped into raising money for the county’s fireman and policeman ball, for which he also volunteered to emcee.
Congratulations, Cody! Your drive, your discipline, and your dependability make a huge impact at QCM!
Jeff Sieg
The results of Jeff’s leadership are clear. Team morale is high. Performance is strong. As a nominator put it: “We do so well because we love our jobs, and that’s because of Jeff.”
Leader of the Year
His Office is Empty. Jeff Sieg is always on the move.
Some leaders drive performance. Some leaders build strong teams. Some leaders elevate the culture. Then there’s Jeff Sieg, plant manager at Quanex’s Rice Lake, Wisconsin, facility, who does all that and more. And he’s always on the move.
After 17 years with Quanex, Jeff continues to check off ALL the boxes in what people like, expect, demand, and appreciate from a leader. He builds outstanding teams by finding the right candidates and giving them the freedom to do what they do best. As Dan said, “He knows when to get behind the team and help push them. And he knows when to be out in front to lead and protect them.”
He’s strategic, steady, supportive, and deeply invested in his people. And now, he’s an Emerald Award winner for Leader of the Year. Here are a few boxes Jeff checks as a leader:
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He’s resourceful: “Jeff’s biggest asset when it comes to problem solving is his resourcefulness,” Dan said. “He knows the skill and abilities of his team and knows how to implement the network of Quanex resources.”
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He’s a coach and a teacher on the job: Jeff gives teams the instruction and tools to work and follows up with ongoing coaching and one-on-one direction to keep people on the right path.
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He’s safety first: Jeff pushes for higher safety standards, and his leadership has been critical in guiding newer team members toward a culture where safety is taken seriously and personally.
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He builds teamwork and elevates culture: One of Jeff’s first questions during the hiring process is always, “How will this person fit in with the team?” That mindset has helped Rice Lake favor a respectful, team-first culture where everyone contributes and grows. “Jeff has always been one of those people who’s easy to talk to,” says Daniels. “It’s really important to him to make sure that nobody feels like they’re on an island.”
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He’s approachable and values transparency and communication: Jeff brings an outgoing personality, genuine care for this team, and an ability to listen. Whether it’s a work-related concern or a personal one, he’s always available—and always sincere.
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He lives the CREED: Jeff embodies the Quanex CREED from driving continuous improvement, to treating others with respect, to making sure safety investigations are thorough and meaningful. He’s a strong advocate for doing and saying the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing.
