Background
Made metal
easy.
Seven decades of one company. Four locations. A career shaped by industry leadership, university mentorship, and community — co-founding the California Winter Special Olympics along the way.
Industrial Metal Supply Company (IMS) was founded in 1948 in Sun Valley, California. The slogan was simple — "Making Metal Easy" — and it stuck for 70 years. IMS grew into one of the largest metals distributors in the Western U.S., serving fabricators, machine shops, contractors, and hobbyists with aluminum, steel, brass, and copper products.
Neil Sherman served as President of IMS through a defining growth era. He expanded the company's geographic reach from its Sun Valley headquarters, establishing new locations in Phoenix (2022) and San Jose (2022) — bringing the total to four locations. Under his leadership the company also deepened its capabilities: expanded inventory, metal-processing services, and an online "buy-cut-ship" program for customers.
In 2018 — the company's 70th anniversary year — Neil transitioned the presidency to Hans Sherman, staying on as Chairman. The anniversary was marked by an article in Metal Center News celebrating the milestone and the multi-generation family business history.
Industrial Metal Supply founded
IMS opened its doors in Sun Valley, California — a metal distributor serving post-war Southern California's manufacturing and construction boom with a simple promise: make metal easy.
President — National Association of Aluminum Distributors
Industry leadership role — leading the national trade association for aluminum distribution and representing the industry's interests at a national level.
President — Joist Division Association
Industry trade-association leadership — chairing the association representing steel joist manufacturers and distributors.
Woodbury University — Executive-in-Residence
Appointed Executive-in-Residence at Woodbury University's School of Business — teaching, mentoring, and sharing real-world business experience with emerging entrepreneurs.
70th anniversary — leadership transition
Metal Center News profiled IMS at 70 — celebrating the milestone and the multi-generation family business. Neil transitioned the presidency to Hans Sherman and stayed on as Chairman. A modern succession executed well.
Geographic expansion — Phoenix & San Jose
IMS expanded to Phoenix and San Jose — bringing the company to four locations and extending its reach across the West Coast and Southwest. The expansion was covered by industry press as a sign of a 74-year-old company still growing.
Chairman & community leader
Neil remains active as Chairman of IMS, while his community and industry involvement continues — from USC Roski to Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra to the Children's Cancer Network. The company that started in 1948 is still growing, and still making metal easy.
"Making metal easy isn't just a slogan. It's a way of running a company."
— Neil Sherman, 2018
Boards & Affiliations
Industry & education
NAAD — Past President
National Association of Aluminum Distributors
JDA — Past President
Joist Division Association
Woodbury University — EIR
Executive-in-Residence, School of Business (since 2017)
USC Roski School
Art & Design — active affiliation and support
MSCI
Metals Service Center Institute — member and industry participant
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Board involvement — adaptive sports for disabled athletes
In the Press
Coverage & profiles
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Metal Center News · 2018
IMS Celebrates 70 Years — Making Metal Easy
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Woodbury University · 2017
Executive-in-Residence — Neil Sherman
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Industry Press · 2018
New President at Industrial Metal Supply Company
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Industry Press · 2022
IMS Opens Phoenix Location
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Industry Press · 2022
IMS Opens San Jose Location
Community & Philanthropy
Beyond business.
Neil's community work spans disabled sports, pediatric cancer, and youth athletics — with a co-founding role in the California Winter Special Olympics.
California Winter Special Olympics
Co-founder of the California Winter Special Olympics — establishing athletic competition and community for disabled athletes across California.
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Board involvement and support for adaptive sports programs serving disabled veterans and civilians through outdoor recreation in the Eastern Sierra.
Children's Cancer Network
Support for the Children's Cancer Network — serving families affected by childhood cancer through direct financial and emotional support.
LAFD — Helmet Program
Support for the Los Angeles Fire Department's helmet replacement program — protecting first responders in the field.