Stephen Fleming
CSP, Inc.
Website: www.centralstatesproducts.com
Industry: plastic extrusion
Education: Lindenwood University (BS), Fontbonne University (MBA)
Family: wife, Kim, and two sons, Cameron, 25, and Jackson, 20
What is your mission?
To deliver leading-edge polyethylene and polypropylene products to the market at a fair price.
What was your first job?
As CSP has been a family business, my first job was working in our vinyl calendaring plant at CSP.
What was your worst job?
I filled in delivering newspapers for a friend for a period of time. It was a really great job until it rained.
What led you to your industry?
My father’s car.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
We revised our quality-review process. In our mission to always deliver the very best product possible, making sure our quality review was the very best it could be was a top priority for us.
Who is your industry role model?
My father.
How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?
We don’t want to produce commodity products. Innovation is what drives our business. We want to push the limits of our equipment, try to produce items that change the industry.
What’s the hottest trend in your industry, and are you going to jump on board?
Producing one-off graphic pieces is the biggest development. We are continually working to make our stock a go-to media.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Finding new outlets, we don’t always know all of the end uses for our products. Our products are so multifunctional, the possibilities are endless.
What’s the best part?
The relationships we’ve been able to build. We have done business with some of our customers for more than 30 years, so these are now friends and not just customers.
What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?
Focus on one product at a time, do it well and don’t take no for an answer.
What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
Food – we love Salt and Smoke and Retreat Gastropub. Destination – can’t beat the City Museum.
What book is on your nightstand?
“Three Days in January” by Bret Baier.
What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?
We found a niche, were not afraid to evolve and keep looking for the next place to be. Regarding St. Louis, it is our staff; on average they have been with us for over 16 years. Our people are truly our greatest asset.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy golf and working with the Boy Scouts.
Submitted 7 years 238 days ago