Lowe Porter is living proof of the incredible success that can be created from hard work, determination, and doing business the right way. The middle of five children, Lowe and his family moved to the Atlanta area from Goldsboro, North Carolina, when he was nine years old. His dad was an assistant principal in Dekalb County, and his mom worked for the federal government in downtown Atlanta. Lowe’s first job was working as a school janitor, and later he became an epoxy specialist for Barton Southern.
Lowe founded Porter Steel in 1983 with a welder and an old 1964 Chevy pickup truck. Over the years, he has led the company through numerous market challenges with unwavering commitment and perseverance. Today, Porter Steel is one of the area’s top providers of structural and miscellaneous steel.
He’s also a family man with three sons, Adam, Logan, and Cole (VP of Porter Steel).
David Pararo has always enjoyed construction. From his time at the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in Building Construction, to his current role as President of Porter Steel, David has acquired a vast knowledge of construction over the 38 years he’s been in the industry.
A majority of David’s extensive career was spent working for two Top 25 Nationally Rated General Contractors. Over the years, these jobs took him from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., then to Orlando, and then back to Atlanta in 2000. Two of the highlights of David’s journey were the $360 million-dollar expansion of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and the $250 million-dollar expansion of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Just over a decade ago, David joined the team at Porter Steel, seizing the opportunity to work on the subcontractor side of the business. Although he has been involved in the development of many notable structures, David is still amazed by what Porter Steel’s talented team can create – from custom fabrications and steel frames to ornate/complex railings and bridgescapes.
David lives in Lilburn, Georgia, with his wife of 37 years, Sharon. He also has a 31-year-old son and a 28-year-old daughter.
As you might expect, Cole spent plenty of time working in his father’s business in various roles throughout his youth. However, that didn’t keep him from diversifying his experience and education. Cole went to South Gwinnett High School and then to the University of Georgia, where he graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Spanish. He even started two businesses: one as an organic meat farmer on the family’s land and the other, a social enterprise that provided opportunities to villagers in Rwanda.
Cole joined Porter Steel full-time in 2017, becoming Vice President in early 2020. Today, he is dedicated to helping each employee reach their full potential as leaders and contributors. By pouring into individuals, he elevates the company’s capabilities, leading it to greater opportunities and new levels of success.
Cole has two younger brothers who are not currently in the business. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Kaitlyn, his three children, Amos, Hannah, and Abram, and his dog Heidi.
Being both the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources for Porter Steel takes an incredibly talented and dedicated person, but Becky Alley handles it all with ease. Her rare blend of financial expertise, organizational and management skills, and approachability is essential to the success of everyone on our team.
Becky, who was born and raised outside of Clarkesville, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia State, began her career as an institutional buy-side trader, primarily in Atlanta. She also served on the board as an officer of several local securities industry organizations. After 9/11, Becky left securities and took her financial skills to the construction industry, working for an international lighting design boutique. The financial crisis of 2008 allowed her to focus more on her family for a few years before joining Porter Steel in 2011.
Without a doubt, Becky’s ability to adapt to different economic and personal challenges is a credit to her parents’ strong work ethic and faith. Today, both her family (two daughters) and her “Porter Steel family” are the beneficiaries of all the knowledge and wisdom Becky has to offer.
One of our top priorities is making our company a great place to work. But enjoying your job goes beyond great pay, benefits, and perks. It also requires mutual respect, compassionate leadership, and a shared desire for achieving great things.
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