The Legend of Worthington Industries

Worthington Industries was created by opportunity and a $600 loan against a 1952 Oldsmobile. In 1955, a young steel broker named John H. McConnell saw a niche opening in the market for processed steel. The huge integrated firms that dominated the business were turning away customers with smaller, specialized orders. McConnell recognized this tremendous potential, borrowed against his car and founded The Worthington Steel Company. Today, Worthington Industries is a $2 billion enterprise now under the direction of John P. McConnell, the founder's son.