Steve Ford

Executive Vice President

Email: sford@cbs-global.com
Mobile: (920) 376-0002
Phone: (920) 432-1166 ext 144

Steve started his career in the hotel-restaurant industry as the Assistant Manager of a hotel-restaurant. After holding this position for two-years, his father invited him to join Lapham-Hickey Steel. Steve worked for the company 46-years.

During his time with Lapham-Hickey Steel, he held various management positions and retired as the Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President. Among his responsibilities, he reviewed the proposed acquisition of businesses to add to the company’s profile of locations. Steve enjoyed this aspect of the business and after retiring, decided to stay active in the manufacturing, fabrication, steel, and distribution industry.

Over the years, Steve maintained a close relationship with Michael Schwantes, the Founder and CEO of CBS-Global/Creative Business Services, a mergers and acquisitions firm headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Viewing this relationship as a natural fit for his professional expertise and industry activity, Steve welcomed the opportunity to join the M&A firm.

Steve, along with seventeen other professionals, founded a community bank in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he sat on the board of directors, and the credit, governance, and audit committees for thirteen years. This experience further provided Steve with the expertise he now utilizes as M&A Advisor.

Furthermore, Steve holds numerous positions on the board of directors within the manufacturing, fabrication, steel, and distribution industry, including the Fabrication Manufacturing Association (FMA), the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation, as well as the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Steve is on the Supplier Board of the Farm Equipment Manufacturing Association.

Education:
Attended University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, focusing on Business studies
Six Sigma Black Belt

Steve’s homelife consists of spending time with his four children, eight grandchildren, golfing, and downhill skiing.

Testimonials

From start to finish, it was clear the entire team at CBS-Global prioritized the relationship between us rather than simply the transaction. The team’s concerted efforts to go beyond my immediate needs and align the acquisition based upon my long-term vision surrounding globally and creatively impacting others made the complete process welcoming and exciting. I will certainly be returning to the team at CBS-Global for any consultative or acquisition needs as I continue to develop my overall business strategy.

DJ Richmond, Jr, Buyer

All Sports Marketing USA (B2314)

I enjoyed working with Michael Schwantes and his team from Creative Business Services / CBS-Global in selling my industrial ten acre property in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park. Michael is very dedicated in finding the correct buyer for a curtain piece of property. He never gives up and works seven days a week in promoting sales. I recommend him and his company to anyone interested in selling or buying property.

Gerry Lamer, Seller

S Neenah Ave Parcel

Michael and Karen played an instrumental role in helping me achieve a lifelong goal of being a restaurant owner. Throughout the entire process the service, expertise, professionalism, and guidance, Michael and CBS provided was truly top notch. I highly recommend Michael and the Team at Creative Business Services as they help make dreams become reality.

Cory Lehman, Buyer

Mill Supper Club

Executive Vice President

Steve Ford

Testimonials

Successful Transactions