Oxford Alloys isn’t just Mark Ashworth’s passion. It represents his shared success and pride in being able to build on what his father started.
Ashworth grew up in his father’s business in Baton Rouge, which was called Southern Welding Supply when it was founded in 1970. After graduating from Providence (R.I.) College with a degree in accounting, he joined Accenture as a business process consultant and worked in business improvement projects with several Fortune 500 companies.
Seven years ago, Ashworth’s father, Owen, agreed with Mark that it was time to implement a new business model for the company, and Mark stepped in.
“I love what I do, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Ashworth says. “I am very proud of all of our employees for our recent accomplishments. Transforming Oxford Alloys into a leading global supplier of corrosion resistant welding alloys is truly a labor of love for me.”
Drawn to the challenge of growing a business, Ashworth says he easily averages 60 to 70 hours a week there. He’s a self-proclaimed “workaholic” in his efforts to make the Oxford Alloys a “world-class company.”
He has expanded the company’s corporate facility in Baton Rouge to more than 40,000 square feet, opened a new 15,000-square-foot distribution center in Houston and is planning a second distribution center in Indianapolis.
The company’s recent success was recognized with President Bush’s “E Award” for export sales achievement, which was presented by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.
“People have to drag me out of the front door to go home,” he says. “I wake up in the morning, and I’m excited. I’m very fortunate in that regard. I have an awful lot of pride in transitioning our company that my father started into an internationally recognized industry leader.”
What is the best advice you ever received?
“Anything bought right is half sold.”
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