Dustin Smith has served as Chief Commercial Officer for Copperweld since 2022. He joined the company in 2015 as Global Sales Manager, then advanced to VP Sales two years later. As CCO, he is responsible for sales and marketing ideation and strategic direction, including product development and market placement. His 'secret power' lies in disrupting the norm in order to deploy the exceptional. As a market disrupter, Dustin thrives on positioning unique but proven products in markets where they provide a distinctive advantage.
Dustin chose to work with Copperweld because of the opportunities the company and product presented, not just for his career but for the industry. "Copperweld is different because the product is different. While it occupies a common commodities space, it provides intrinsic value for the customer. Consumer perception is moving from viewing our products as an another solution to the preferred solution that checks all the boxes: performance, economy, efficiency, weight, theft-deterrence, conservation of copper. It's a smart product, and it's impossible not to be excited about; it's like flipping on a switch when a prospective customer sees the Copperweld advantage."
"The impact of our product on the availability of copper for the global market is significant. There's a lot of value in bringing an alternative solution to the world's requirement for a critical metal. By using more of our product, you are freeing up copper resources for other products. We are not so much about competition, but about solution." And, that solution is creating a bigger pie for everyone, including others in the copper commodities industry.
Since Dustin has joined the company, annual sales have increased by more than 500%, and Copperweld has advanced from a company that is known in the industry to a company with brand equity. He sees himself as a steward of a century-strong business, with the responsibility of assuring that the company not only survives another 100 years, but prevails.
Background
Dustin mixes the gritty, 'can do' mentality of a former marine with the business acumen of an MBA. He served in active duty as a U.S. Marine from 2000-2005, completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State in 2006, and began working in the metals industry the same year. Initially gaining experience in distribution and market expansion before joining Copperweld in 2015. Overall, Dustin has 17 year’s experience in the metals industry, with an focus in sales, marketing and distribution.
Education
Lipscomb University – MBA, 2014
Florida State University – BA, 2006
Marines – Active Duty, 2000-2005
Personal
Married and a father of 5 children, Dustin is an avid outdoorsman with an interest in golf and hunting. When not traveling, he spends his free time in the woods and on the lake or beach with family. His roots are in the southeast, with strong ties to Tennessee, and Florida.