CEO Steve Lewis Announced a Planned Succession in UFI’s Executive Leadership Team

On May 2, 2023, United Forming, Inc. (“UFI”)’s Chairman and CEO Steve Lewis announced a planned succession in UFI’s executive leadership team.  After more than 44 years in the construction industry, 22 of which have been with UFI, Steve Lewis will retire from the position of CEO effective June 30, 2023.  Mr. Lewis will continue to serve as Chairman of UFI’s Board of Directors while Stephen Krause, Senior Vice-President and Western and Southern Region Manager, will assume the duties of CEO.  

Steve Lewis is a Purdue Boilermaker who worked for more than 22 years for both concrete specialty contractors and general contractors in the construction industry prior to joining UFI in 2001.  Steve served as Florida District Manager, VP of Operations, VP/General Manager, and Sr VP/Chief Marketing Officer for UFI prior to his promotion to CEO in 2008.  Under Steve’s leadership, UFI experienced its largest revenue and profit numbers, maneuvered through the challenging times of the great recession, and has strategically positioned UFI for long term profitable growth and success.  Of his time with UFI, Mr. Lewis recently stated, “I have been very fortunate and blessed to be a part of an exceptional organization and have worked with many talented and dedicated individuals. At UFI we have always tried to create an enjoyable family type work environment where we work hard and play hard, while giving all our employees the opportunity for growth and advancement.”

Stephen Krause first came to UFI as an engineering intern out of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and was hired as a Formwork Engineer in 2001.  Over the next eight years, Stephen moved up through the Engineering department to the position of District Engineer in our Pensacola office. During that time, Stephen was also able to obtain his PE license in 2006 and an MBA in 2009.  In 2009, Stephen went to work in the shoring/formwork rental business where he held progressively higher leadership positions within this industry. Upon his return to UFI in 2018, Stephen held the positions of Western Regional Manager, VP/ Regional Manager, SVP/Regional Manager and is also an Officer of the company. As the leader of the Western and Southern Regions, he has continued to support the growth of the region's footprint in Texas and rebuilding of the Southern Region. In his new role he will provide overall leadership and direction for the company while continuing to develop the next generation of leadership.  

United Forming is excited to congratulate Steve Lewis on his retirement, and Stephen Krause on his promotion to CEO.  We are fortunate to have these talented leaders in our organization and we are excited to see the next generation of leadership ready to take United Forming forward with continuing profitable growth.