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Home > About Us > Operating Committee

Joe Edge - PresidentJoe Edge - President

Joe Edge, Star's President, began his career as a helper on the panel line in Star’s now defunct Cedartown, GA plant in 1968. He also served as estimator, drafter, and project manager for a Star Builder in the early 70s. Joe began his Star sales career as District Manager, first in Louisiana and Mississippi and later the Georgia/Tennessee district. He was promoted to Northern Regional Manager in 1985 and relocated his family to Missouri. In 1989 the Edges packed up once again, this time moving to Oklahoma City and Joe’s new responsibility as Director of Customer Service. Later he became Director of International Sales and promoted Star products in Asia and Europe for several years. In 1994 he was promoted to Vice President of Sales, and in 2003 became the tenth President of Star Building Systems.

Joe has a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Georgia College. Hobbies include fishing, reading, bike riding, scuba diving and traveling for business or pleasure. When not working, Joe can often be found in his bass boat which is always ready to go in his backyard slip. He is very proud of his three grown children Julie, Joel, and Meredith who now live in Georgia, Texas, and Alabama respectively. Julie and her husband Shane Redden have three children of their own, making Joe a proud Granddad.

Larry Cornell- Vice President of Manufacturing (RCC)Larry Cornell - Vice President of Manufacturing - RCC

Larry Cornell, Vice President of Manufacturing, came to Star in 1990 as Plant Engineer in Monticello, IA. He was promoted to Assistant Plant Manager in 1992, then to Plant Manager in 1993. In 2000, he was appointed as Star’s Director of Manufaturing, then in 2005 he was named Vice President of Manufacturing. Since 2006 Larry has held his current position as Vice President of Manufacturing for all of Robertson Ceco Corporation. The role keeps him busy comparing production numbers, costs, and procedures. Larry's efforts have earned recognition as the most efficient plants in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association on numerous occasions. Larry is an engineer by training, and has spent his entire career in manufacturing everything from toy tractors to metal buildings. He says his earliest memories are of taking his toys apart to see how they worked.

Jack Eskew - Vice President, Human Resources (RCC)Jack Eskew - Vice President, Human Resources - RCC

Jack Eskew started in 1977 as a Purchasing Agent for Star. Jack has held the positions of Builder Service Representative and Office Services Manager in his time at Star. He moved to Human Resources in 1981 as Personnel Supervisor and was promoted to his current position in 1992. Jack has responsibilities for other divisions of Robertson Ceco Corporation, in addition to his primary responsibility for Human Resources at Star. Jack received his MBA from Oklahoma City University.

Phil Symes - Vice President of Sales & MarketingPhil Symes - Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Phil Symes is a metal building industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He came to Star in 1989 as the Central Regional Sales Manager and was appointed Director of Sales in March, 2003. Phil's educational background centers on the University of Wisconsin with studies in economics. He remains a dedicated Badger fan. Phil and his wife, Penny, have two grown children. His interests and hobbies are varied. Phil spends time investing in the securities market and enjoys golf, fishing, and boating. He and Penny are bikers . . . as in motorcycle.

Carolyn Johnson, C.P.A. - ControllerCarolyn Johnson, C.P.A. - Controller

Carolyn Johnson, CPA, came to Star as Accounting Manager in 1976. She has been Controller since 1992, and is responsible for all finance aspects for both Star and Robertson Ceco Corporation, Star's parent company. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. When away from the office, Carolyn enjoys playing golf or reading a good book. She has numerous original art pieces, and usually takes the time to check out the local galleries in her frequent travels. She is a gourmet cook, but she also knows the best places to dine, locally as well as in many major U.S. cities.

David Alexander - Director of Customer ServiceDavid Alexander - Director of Customer Service

David Alexander came to Star as a programmer analyst in 1989, where he worked mainly on the Star Builder System software. He later moved to Director of Builder Systems, and since 2002, has been Director of Customer Service. He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Management. When away from the office, David enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Sherry, and three sons, Drew, Caleb and Jacob. The three boys keep David and Sherry very busy with sports and activities.

Gene Bell, P.E. - Director of Pricing & Production ControlGene Bell, P.E. - Director of Pricing & Production Control

Gene Bell, P.E. joined Star in 1973 as a Design Engineer I after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Gene has worked as a Design Engineer, Sales Engineer, Chief Engineer, Chief Sales Engineer, Manager of Estimating, Team Manager, Director of Customer Service, and is currently Director of Estimating, Pricing Administration, Buyout Purchasing and Plant Scheduling. When not working, Gene enjoys golf, running, kayaking, adventure racing, mountain biking and spending as much time as possible with his nine grandchildren.

Dustin Cole, P.E., S.E. - Director of EngineeringDustin Cole, P.E., S.E. - Director of Engineering

Dustin Cole, P.E., S.E. began his career at Star in 1985 as an engineering intern while attending the University of Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor’s of Civil Engineering degree in December 1986 and after a brief tour as a highway engineer in Texas returned to Star in March, 1988. He has worked as a Design Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Regional Team Manager, Engineering Manager and is currently Director of Engineering. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in 47 states and 4 provinces in Canada. Dustin and his wife enjoy birding, hiking and working in their yard.

Dan De Kalb, P.E. - Director of Quality & Product DevelopmentDan De Kalb, P.E. - Director of Quality & Product Development

Dan DeKalb, P.E. came to Star as an estimating intern in 1987 while studying engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduation in 1988, he officially joined Star as a Design Engineer. Dan later spent one year as Star's District Sales Manager in Cincinnati, OH. He returned to the Oklahoma City office the following year as Chief Sales Engineer. His most recent responsibility was Manager of Engineering for the Eastern Region. Late in 2004, Dan was appointed Director of Quality. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, and is licensed in 20 states. Dan took over Product Development responsibilities in January of 2006. Dan received his MBA in September of 2006. When not at work, he and his wife enjoy numerous hobbies, mostly involving their two children.

Bill Hood - Director of DraftingBill Hood - Director of Drafting

Bill Hood has over 35 years of experience with Star in positions ranging from Drafter, Checker, Squad Leader, Supervisor, Chief Drafter, Manager, and his current position of Director of Drafting Services. Bill coached his daughter's softball teams from the time she was big enough to play until she graduated from high school. Now he gets to sit on the sidelines and enjoy watching his grandchildren play.

Dave Rutherford - Director of Business AffairsDave Rutherford - Director of Business Affairs

Dave Rutherford came to Star in 1973 working second shift in the plant while attending Rose State University on a wrestling scholarship. Over the last 35 years Dave has held many positions at Star: Shear Operator, Customer Service Rep, Qsuality Superintendent, Director of Quality, Safety and Environmental (all RCC plants) and Plant Manager at Lockeford, CA. Dave’s current position as Director of Business Affairs has him dealing with Star’s legal affairs among other duties as assigned by Joe Edge. Dave has been active with the MBMA and is former Chairman of the Manufacturing Committee and was a member of the Construction Committee. He is a 20-year member of the American Welding Society and Certified as a CWI. Dave and his wife, Peggy, own an acreage in Moore, OK. They have three grown children and two granddaughters with many photos in Dave’s office to show everyone the most beautiful grandchildren in the world, in Dave's estimation. Dave is an avid “bird” hunter with his field trial English Pointers and also enjoys a good round of golf when time allows.


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