November 2013
| Business World Magazine | 45
better they are than I was when it comes to
day to day operations ... they really under-
stand what they’re doing and over the last
few years, though we’ve always been a high
quality manufacturer, I’ve seen us become
more rejuvenated,” says Reese. He adds that
the next generation of workers can also be
found operating within the plant. “We have
the next generation of people at all levels ...
a critical mass for the next 15 to 20 years.
We’ve got all the pieces in place and the only
thing that held us back for a time was the na-
tional economy, but it forced us to become
leaner, more efficient and more flexible. To-
day, we’re leaner and better than ever.”
Another contributing factor working for
the benefit of Overly is the simple fact that
their work is so specialized. Whether it’s a
radiation shield for a nuclear plant, a bullet
proof door or window, or metal roof capable
of withstanding hurricane winds, these are
products which undergo rigorous testing
and must comply with exacting standards of
certification before ever entering the market.
As Reese says, “We have very highly special-
ized people who produce highly specialized
products ... it’s not like anyone can just open
a new business and do what we do.”
