Meet Andy Sharp

About Andy

Andy Sharp is the Quality Manager at Niagara Specialty Metals and has been part of the team for 31 years. He began working at Niagara part-time at just 18 years old, covering night shifts after school before transitioning to full-time work following high school graduation.

Why Ownership Culture Matters

Andy believes employee ownership motivates everyone to continuously improve the company. When people have a stake in the outcome, they’re more willing to adapt, learn, and raise the bar for quality and performance.

What Customers Might Be Surprised By

Customers are often surprised to learn how much cross-training takes place at Niagara. Most employees can perform just about every task aaround the plant.

In the Plant

Andy’s favorite piece of equipment is the plate mill. He appreciates how it can transform nearly any metal into something used in applications ranging from everyday steak knives to highly complex aerospace and satellite components.

Andy would trade jobs with Niagara’s newest employee to see how much training and onboarding have evolved since his first day—giving him perspective on how the company continues to improve the way it brings new team members up to speed.

Outside of Work

Andy’s first job was as a dishwasher. Outside of Niagara, he enjoys sailing, racing and working on boats, as well as snowboarding and wakeboarding.

Advice for New Team Members

Be a sponge for information and stay humble!

Favorite Memory at Niagara

One of Andy’s most memorable moments came shortly after he became the roller on the plate mill. Barry Hemphill told him how different things felt—sharing that he no longer stressed about going on vacation, confident that operations would be in good hands when he returned.