Randy Haefli: A self-starter who became a trailblazer of innovation in the metal construction industry

With an illustrious career spanning nearly six decades, Haefli has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering construction techniques and advocating for advancing metal building systems.

Few individuals have left as profound an impact on the metal construction industry as Randy Haefli. With an illustrious career spanning nearly six decades, Haefli has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering construction techniques and advocating for advancing metal building systems.

Randy Haefli’s journey into the construction industry began in 1962 when he worked as a carpenter while completing college. Graduating from Bradley University in 1967 with a degree in Building Construction, he wasted no time launching his professional career. Three days after graduation, he packed his family into a Camaro and headed to Texas, where he joined Butler Manufacturing Company (BMC) as a sales trainee. He noted that while another company—Armco Steel—had offered him a 25 percent higher salary, Butler’s faster training program would have him selling 18 months earlier. On top of this, he was tired of the cold.

“It was the furthest point south, and I was tired of the cold and gray Midwestern winters,” Haefli recalls.

While at Butler’s sales training program, Haefli demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for sales and innovation. Within months, he was outselling seasoned professionals, earning him the prestigious BMC Cup Club award and the title of Rookie of the Year in 1968—the youngest recipient in the company’s history. However, his ambition extended beyond sales; he sought to redefine how metal buildings were designed and constructed.

In 1970, Haefli took a leap of faith and established Component Construction Co. (CCC), a Butler builder dealership in Fort Worth, Texas. His deep belief in the potential of prefabricated construction led him to secure groundbreaking projects, including a revolutionary 20,000-square-foot open-concept school. By 1977, he was pioneering new structural designs, such as three 32,000-square-foot single-slope structures showcasing the durability and versatility of metal buildings—designs that remain functional today.

Haefli’s vision and ingenuity continued to drive innovation. Recognizing a competitive threat to Butler’s MR-24 roof sales, he founded Building Structures Inc. (BSI) in 1980 to promote Butler’s roof systems and pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) products. This decision reinforced Butler’s market dominance while providing builders with superior roofing solutions.

His influence only grew with time. By 2016, Haefli and his colleague Jim Bailey led the charge in roof replacement innovations. Their expertise caught the attention of FM Global, who enlisted their help for a massive 19-acre reroofing project. Haefli’s team devised an efficient metal roof recovery method that eliminated the need to remove existing structures, significantly reducing costs and installation time. The project was a resounding success and remains a benchmark for large-scale reroofing efforts.

Beyond his contributions to construction techniques, Haefli has advocated for safety and education. In the 1980s, he developed a wire netting system that enhanced roofing installation safety, earning him a National Safety Award from the Metal Building Dealers Association (MBDA). His commitment to industry improvement extended to education, as he conducted training sessions for architects, engineers, and school administrators, promoting the benefits of metal roofing.

“I can think of no greater honor I have received over my 58 years in this industry than to be included in this group of industry leaders,” he exclaimed. “I personally know several of the prior inductees and know several others by their legendary reputations in this industry. I look forward to getting to know those folks I haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet!”