John is the third generation of the Axelberg family to own and operate General Stamping & Metalworks, succeeding his father, Jim, as president in 2005. John formally joined the family enterprise in 1984, learning the business through involvement in all aspects of the operation.

As CEO, John continually collaborates with the executive team to promote growth and the continuous improvement of the company, as well as its employees. John is engaged as an active mentor to many of the company employees and enjoys the continuous improvement journey.

John earned a B.A. in English literature from DePauw University and has been actively engaged in board positions and directorships within the South Bend community and the metal fabricating industry.

As President, John provides leadership and day-to-day oversight of the key operations of the business. With a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost, John works to position GSM as the most trusted supplier of metal fabricated components, a standard to which the company is deeply committed.

John joined General Stamping & Metalworks in an advisory board capacity in November 2022 and later joined as President in April 2024. John is passionate about business process improvement, profitable growth, transformational strategy, and building strong teams. His manufacturing background includes experience in a wide array of related industries, including lawn and garden equipment, agricultural and construction machinery, commercial vehicles, grain bins, and controls.

John holds a Master of Business Administration, with a major in Acquisitions & Marketing, from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a Manufacturing Engineering option, from the University of Illinois.

Kellen is responsible for managing the company’s financial strategy, budgeting, and investments to ensure ongoing growth.

Kellen has held various leadership positions at other organizations including Whirlpool, CTB Brock Grain Systems, and Patrick Industries. Kellen has significant AI and business intelligence systems experience to now apply to GSM’s metal fabrication operations.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Kellen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics, along with a Master of Business Administration in General Management and International Business. Kellen also holds a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification.

Lori is responsible for strengthening core systems and processes to drive continuous improvement and lower cost at GSM. Lori has significant experience with change management – bridging the gap between new technology and cross-functional teams through proven, established processes.

Lori is passionate about helping her team serve customers by having clarity on how to solve problems under tight delivery deadlines. Lori joined GSM in 2010 with 16 years of previous manufacturing experience in the areas of customer service, administrative management, HR administration, and accounting.

Lori holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University South Bend, a Certified Administrative Professional designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University South Bend.

As Plant Manager of our Tomah facility, Jeff is responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing strategies and objectives that will increase throughput, overall plant performance, and maximize our return on investment.

Jeff joined GSM in 2008 with almost a decade of experience in metal manufacturing and product design, and was hired to manage the company’s first new, remote facility.

Jeff is a military veteran who holds an A.S. degree in mechanical design from Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a B.S. in industrial management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

As Director of Operations at GSM, Brett oversees the company’s manufacturing operations and leads the implementation of strategies designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and profitability. His work is grounded in developing strong teams, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through lean manufacturing principles.

With more than 30 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, Brett has built a reputation for operational excellence and an ability to drive meaningful change. He has spent his career specializing in plant turnarounds and process improvement, successfully transforming underperforming facilities into high-performing, profitable operations through structured systems and a servant leadership philosophy.

Brett earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and later went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Matt leads the company’s commercial strategy with an emphasis on building strong customer relationships, refining the sales process, and supporting long-term growth. His approach centers on delivering a responsive, customer-focused experience that reflects GSM’s reputation as a trusted supplier of metal fabricated components.

Early in his career, Matt served as a group leader in a metal assembly operation and was recruited into a national account position at Utilimaster and then on to a General Manager position with fabricating and welding operations with a trailer OEM. Matt brings more than 20 years of experience in sales leadership, account management, and manufacturing operations. Matt has built a career around driving growth and performance across diverse industrial markets. He has a proven track record of securing major contracts and leading meaningful improvements in revenue and profitability.

Matthew earned his degree from Western Michigan University and holds an OSHA 30-hour certification.