A message from Mike Hubbell, CEO of American Piping Products
As we begin 2026, I am very optimistic about the road ahead for APP and for the steel industry as a whole. Current market activity, combined with the scale of projects coming to market now and in the foreseeable future, provides a strong foundation for continued growth and long-term opportunity. Demand across data centers, power generation, natural gas, and other key segments continues to increase, and we are well positioned to support this growth through our robust inventory, expanding footprint, and wide range of value-added services.
At APP, we take our role in connecting the supply chain seriously and are deeply grateful to our customers and vendors for their continued trust and partnership. The abrupt — and at times dramatic — market shifts driven by trade over the past year only reinforced our belief that strong relationships are critical to our collective success. While 2026 will undoubtedly bring new hurdles and challenges, our team stands ready to share what we are seeing and expecting, and we look forward to learning from your insights as well.
As with any successful organization, a strong and dedicated team is essential. It is truly an honor to lead such an incredible group, and I am extremely grateful for their hard work and determination. While every team member has made meaningful contributions to our success, it is an APP tradition to recognize a select few in honor of a remarkable man, Walter Lucas. Each year, we acknowledge individuals who exemplify some of Walter’s most admired qualities: selflessness, a positive and optimistic outlook, and creativity in advancing the business.
This year’s recipients are:
- Corey Renaud
- James Schmedeke
- Victor Santana
- Raul Gonzalez
- Miquel Cardenas, Sr
Thank you all and we look forward to a successful 2026 together!
Respectfully,
Mike Hubbell