The Family Business CEOs to Watch Class of 2024 comprises 20 exceptional business leaders who are charting the course for long-term success of their enterprises. They include members of the second through fifth generations of family ownership as well as non-family leaders.
Steven Lopes
CEO | Third generation | L&M Corrugated Container, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Steven Lopes grew up in his family company, which designs, manufactures and distributes packaging material. He began his career in 2006, starting on the shop floor as a machine assistant in Zion, Ill., in what was then the company's only location. Later in 2006, L&M expanded with a facility in Platteville, Wis. Lopes oversaw the management and sales growth of that plant, taking it from startup to $5 million in sales annually in the first five years. In 2012, he was instrumental in the move of the original Zion facility to a new 100,000-square-foot facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
After working in almost every position during his time with the company, Lopes officially took over as president in 2022. He continues to lead the organization, which was founded in 1979, with a focus on innovation and commitment to continuous improvement, consistently adding new state-of-the-art pieces of equipment.
“Steven has served in just about every role there is at L&M,” says Donna Marino, a family business executive coach and psychologist. “He has ensured that the company stays true to its values and begins every leadership team meeting with each leader choosing a value to discuss, with examples of how the company demonstrates those values. Steven puts employees first and wants them to pursue their dreams. He cares deeply about customer service and is always willing to make things right. He steadfastly believes in leadership development and supports the continued education of his staff both by bringing in outside consultants to teach and coach the staff as well as offering reimbursement for educational expenses. He is also dedicated to his own continued growth as a leader, participating in his own leadership development activities.”
Marino says Lopes is willing to roll up his sleeves and work alongside employees when needed. “Never seeing himself as above anyone else, he is a humble leader without a hierarchical leadership style. I have never seen a leader so dedicated to his team, his company, his customers and his own growth. As a result, he and the company have grown tremendously over the past years and continue to hit record numbers.”
“Our purpose statement at L&M Corrugated is that we are ‘a passionate family making a positive impact on the world,'” Lopes says. “We strive to live that purpose every single day, as we know that every interaction we have within our company as well as externally can have a spiderweb effect throughout the community and the world. At L&M we don't have time for politics, bureaucracy or red tape; we just want to get the best ideas for how to service our customers and employees at a level unmatched in our industry. We have three rules at our meetings to expedite that process: Be brutally honest; no shame, no blame; and disagree and commit. Those rules allow us to move quickly to find the best solutions and implement them in a timely manner.
“My favorite part of leading L&M is watching the growth of our employees. Watching someone grow their skill and impact both professionally and personally is what drives this passionate family business. Employees are encouraged to take ownership and hold themselves accountable to the highest standards, and I take great pride in being able to lead by example.”