Leadership Strategy and Resilience in the Construction Industry With Rocky Castro

​Rocky Castro is the Owner and CEO of Golden State Grating (GSG) Inc., a family-owned business specializing in the manufacturing and fabrication of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and fiberglass gratings. Under his leadership, GSG has expanded its product line to include expanded/perforated metal, wire mesh, and safety grating, serving clients across various industries. With a commitment to service, innovation, and integrity, Rocky has upheld the company’s tradition of excellence since its establishment in 1987.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [3:49] Rocky Castro shares his journey from serving in the Navy to leading Golden State Grating (GSG)
• [6:50] How studying philosophy shaped Rocky’s leadership approach and problem-solving mindset
• [12:00] Challenges Rocky faced as he stepped into the family business during the 2008 recession
• [15:12] The importance of contracts and due diligence
• [23:52] GSG’s role in the construction industry and what sets them apart from competitors
• [28:43] How technology and automation are evolving steel fabrication and construction efficiency
• [35:40] Rocky’s experience working on high-profile projects like Tesla’s lithium refinement site and SoFi Stadium
• [41:27] The power of industry networking and how associations helped GSG expand
• [46:41] Rocky’s key advice for business owners looking to scale

In this episode…

Navigating a rapidly changing industry while leading a growing business requires adaptability, strategy, and resilience. How do successful leaders overcome challenges, embrace innovation, and scale their companies while maintaining a competitive edge?

According to Rocky Castro, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep industry experience, the key lies in strategic thinking, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with the right team. He highlights how leveraging modern technology and refining internal processes have helped him scale Golden State Grating while maintaining efficiency. By embracing an open mindset and applying lessons from his diverse background, Rocky has been able to make sound business decisions under pressure.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Victor Huynh sits down with ​Rocky Castro, Owner and CEO of Golden State Grating (GSG) Inc., to discuss leadership, strategy, and resilience in the construction industry. Rocky shares how he transitioned from military service to leading a successful steel fabrication business, the impact of industry networking, and the role of technology in scaling operations. He also offers insights into overcoming business obstacles and building a strong foundation for long-term success.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Victor Huynh on LinkedIn
• Ready Artwork
• Rocky Castro: LinkedIn | Email
• Golden State Grating (GSG) Inc.
• “Kickstart Your Business With an SBA 504 Loan With Jacky Dilfer” on RAW Spotlight
• “Building Community and Navigating Crisis With Dylan Feik” on RAW Spotlight
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
• USC Bridges to Business Success Program
• Tony Robbins Business Mastery
• National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC)
• Roger Fisher on LinkedIn
• Tekla PowerFab

Quotable Moments

• “Having a flexible mindset to approach something in a unique way can provide the solutions that we want.”
• “The first time is the scariest. That’s exactly what it is.”
• “It gets pretty intimidating. But after a while, just like anything else, you just kind of get used to it, and then it becomes kind of normal.”
• “We’re trying to make the evolution of a construction project a lot faster. And the thing is, there’s no one system that captures all.”
• “If you’re a process-oriented person, trust in yourself. And set up the proper processes in place.”

Action Steps

1. Develop a flexible mindset for problem-solving: Adapting to challenges with an open and analytical approach allows leaders to find innovative solutions.
2. Establish clear contracts and agreements: Avoiding handshake deals and ensuring thorough documentation can protect businesses from financial losses and legal issues.
3. Leverage technology to streamline operations: Implementing digital tools and automation reduces inefficiencies, improves accuracy, and enhances overall productivity in business processes.
4. Engage in industry networking and mentorship: Building relationships with industry peers and learning from experienced professionals can open doors to new opportunities and best practices.
5. Prioritize structured processes before scaling: Ensuring operational frameworks are in place before expanding prevents unnecessary stress and helps sustain long-term growth.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Ready Artwork, where we deliver uniquely tailored B2B digital marketing services to facilitate the long-term growth of your business.

At Ready Artwork, we combine data-driven insights with innovative design to help your business thrive in the digital age. From SEO and digital advertising to web development and email marketing, we have experts who help companies uncover growth in unexplored and extraordinary ways.

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