Mid America Metals leadership passes to son from father

Dale Donat is now chairman of the company he co-founded.

Brandon Donat succeeds his father as CEO.

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Mid America Metals co-founder Dale Donat passed the torch to his son.

The elder Donat transitioned to chairman as Brandon Donat became CEO of the Ozark-based architectural restoration company, effective April 1. The younger Donat worked his way up over 14 years from an apprentice refinisher to his most recent role of president, prior to his promotion to CEO, according to a news release.

“It is a great challenge to continue building upon the success and relationships that Dale has grown over the years,” Brandon Donat said in the release.

Mid America Metals District Manager Patrick Fitzgerald said via email Donat gained partial ownership through the transition. Last year, Nashville-based private equity firm Gen Cap America Inc. made an investment in the company for a stake in the firm. The terms were undisclosed, Fitzgerald said, noting the Donat family maintained partial ownership and full operation of the company through the May 30, 2018, “management-led recapitalization.”

Brandon Donat now leads a firm with more than 100 employees and 2018 revenue in excess of $10 million, an 8 percent increase from 2017, Fitzgerald said.

Dale Donat formed Mid America Metals in 1985 with his brothers Dean and Don. He became the sole owner and CEO of the company in early 2011, Fitzgerald said.

The company refinishes architectural wood, stone and metal surfaces. Clients have included the St. Louis Art Museum; Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.; Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington; Kansas City’s Crown Center and Kauffman Stadium; Daytona International Speedway; and UPS World Headquarters in Atlanta., according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

The release indicated Mid America’s growth strategy, boosted by the Gen Cap investment, is to expand product offerings and grow clientele in the Midwest and southeast United States.