NORRISTOWN, PA, October 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Chester J. Capinski Jr. has been recognized for his achievements and longstanding contributions to the steel industry.

Mr. Capinski's distinguished career spans more than five decades and is characterized by entrepreneurial vision, perseverance, and a commitment to the steel industry. Since 1979, he has served as chief executive officer of Capow Inc., doing business as Eastern States Steel. He remains actively involved in the company, working three to four days each week and overseeing operations, negotiating contracts with steel mills, and maintaining relationships with customers and suppliers.

Under Mr. Capinski's leadership, Eastern States Steel developed into a nationally recognized steel service center, distributing steel products throughout the United States. The company built a reputation for reliability, industry knowledge, and long-standing relationships with customers and suppliers.

Long before establishing his career in business, Mr. Capinski developed a strong foundation of leadership, discipline, and service. Growing up, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. The achievement reflected his commitment to leadership, personal responsibility, service, and perseverance—qualities that would remain important throughout his professional and personal life.

Mr. Capinski attended La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on a soccer scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. During his senior year, he was named to the All-Mid-Atlantic Conference soccer team. Following college, he continued to play soccer semi-professionally in the Philadelphia area for several years.

Following his graduation from La Salle, Mr. Capinski gained valuable experience in the steel industry at Daily Tube. He initially served as an assistant to the director of purchasing for approximately nine months before moving into the sales department. His experience in both purchasing and sales provided him with a broad understanding of the steel business and helped inspire him to pursue entrepreneurship after recognizing an opportunity to build a successful business of his own.

Mr. Capinski's entrepreneurial journey began in 1974, when he co-founded Capow Inc. with Robert G. Powell. The company's name was derived from the names Capinski and Powell. Initially established as a mail-order business, Capow expanded during a period when private mail and alternative delivery services were emerging as commercial alternatives to traditional postal services. In 1975, Capow acquired and operated a mail center and continued the business until its sale in 1978.

This early experience gave Mr. Capinski his first opportunity to build and operate a business, exposing him to the demands of managing employees, serving customers, overseeing operations, and developing business relationships. The experience helped shape his entrepreneurial approach and provided the foundation for his next venture.

In 1979, Mr. Capinski established Eastern States Steel, utilizing the existing corporate structure of Capow Inc. and registering Eastern States Steel as a fictitious name doing business in Pennsylvania. What began as a new entrepreneurial venture developed into a nationally recognized steel service center.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Eastern States Steel was included in Purchasing Magazine's annual listing of the Top 100 Steel Service Centers in the United States. Eastern States Steel remained on the Top 100 list through 2008, representing approximately 16 years of national recognition among leading steel service centers.

A defining period in Mr. Capinski's career came during the economic downturn of 2008, when the steel industry faced significant challenges resulting from the nationwide construction crisis, rising freight costs, and disruptions throughout the financial and supply-chain sectors. It was the only year in which his company experienced a reported loss. With the support of TD Bank, Mr. Capinski secured additional financing by leveraging company properties, helping restore the company's financial stability. Among his proudest accomplishments during that difficult period was ensuring that the company met its financial obligations and that no debts were left unpaid.

Eastern States Steel has also contributed materials to significant construction and infrastructure projects throughout the United States. Among the company's notable projects was the supply of steel reinforcing bar associated with the reconstruction of the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Over the years, Eastern States Steel has supplied steel products to major contractors, manufacturers, and other customers throughout the country.

Mr. Capinski's commitment to his community and to supporting individuals with disabilities was recognized in 2022 when he received the Cynthia E. Welder Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service, presented by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). The award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication and contributions support special education students and children with disabilities throughout Montgomery County. The honor recognized Mr. Capinski's service to the community beyond his professional responsibilities.

Mr. Capinski attributes his longevity and accomplishments to hard work, perseverance, personal commitment, and a willingness to remain involved in the day-to-day challenges of running a business. His career reflects not only the growth of a successful family-owned enterprise, but also a lifelong commitment to the steel industry, his employees, customers, and the community in which he built his business.

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