Steel King Names Nate Guralski as Vice President of Sales

Accomplished commercial and operational leader brings a data-driven approach, strong customer focus, and passion for developing people

STEVENS POINT, WIS. – Steel King Industries, a leading manufacturer of storage rack and material handling products, has named Nate Guralski Vice President of Sales. In this role, Guralski will lead the company’s sales and marketing organization and serve as a key member of the Steel King executive leadership team.

Guralski was selected following an extensive national search. Throughout the process, he distinguished himself through his strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, commercial leadership, operational experience, and ability to translate complex business information into clear, practical action. His combination of leadership experience and hands-on business knowledge will help Steel King strengthen its commercial strategy, increase alignment across the organization, and deliver greater value to customers and channel partners.

“Nate was the clear choice of our leadership team and my personal choice to become Steel King’s next Vice President of Sales,” said Brian Pfannes, President of Steel King Industries. “He impressed us at every stage of the process. His analytical work was exceptional, and his presentation skills were top notch. Just as importantly, his references consistently described a leader who builds trust, develops people, and follows through on commitments.”

Guralski brings experience spanning sales leadership, marketing, general management, and plant operations within the material handling industry. In his previous organization, he advanced from Director of Sales and Marketing to Business Unit Director and General Manager, assuming responsibility across sales, engineering, and operations. His background also includes experience supporting dealer and distributor networks, direct sales initiatives, customer diversification, CRM discipline, quote tracking, pipeline visibility, and cross-functional alignment.

“What stood out was not simply Nate’s ability to analyze the business, but his ability to communicate what the information meant and turn it into a focused plan,” Pfannes added. “He brings a rare combination of strategic vision and an operator’s mindset. He understands that sustainable growth requires alignment among sales, marketing, product management, operations, finance, and, most importantly, the voice of the customer. He also understands that leadership begins with listening, building relationships, and creating an environment where people can succeed.”

As Guralski assumes his new responsibilities, he will build upon the foundation established by Don Heemstra during more than two decades of sales and marketing leadership at Steel King. Heemstra will support the transition in a Business Advisor role through his planned retirement at the end of the year. The structured transition will help maintain continuity across customer relationships, dealer partnerships, strategic initiatives, and internal operations.

“I also want to recognize Don Heemstra for his 23 years of service and the lasting contribution he has made to Steel King,” said Pfannes. “Don helped build one of the material storage industry’s most respected sales organizations and strengthened relationships with dealers and end users throughout North America. His dedication, integrity, industry knowledge, and commitment to our customers have left an important legacy. This transition gives us the opportunity to honor what Don helped build while positioning Steel King for its next chapter.”

In his first months with Steel King, Guralski will focus on listening and learning from employees, dealers, channel partners, and customers. He will work to understand the opportunities and challenges they face, strengthen communication across the organization, improve the overall dealer and customer experience, and identify opportunities to support long-term, profitable growth.

“Steel King has a strong foundation, talented people, respected products, and meaningful opportunities ahead,” said Pfannes. “Nate brings the leadership, curiosity, business discipline, and collaborative mindset we need for the future. We are excited to welcome him to Steel King and confident he will make a lasting difference for our people, our partners, and our customers.”

About Steel King Industries
Since 1970, Steel King Industries has been manufacturing a full line of material handling products, including selective pallet racks, dynamic flow storage systems, cantilever racks, portable racks, and custom shipping racks, along with industrial steel containers and guard railing. Products are made using only U.S. steel. Innovation, customization, and design strength have earned Steel King the reputation as a leader in the material-handling marketplace. Headquartered in Stevens Point, WI, the company has over 500 employees with manufacturing facilities in Stevens Point and New London, WI and Rome, GA. For more information, visit steelking.com.