Looking back on 2025 and reflecting on the progress of each of our companies and Ambassador Supply as a whole, it’s evident that everything we’ve accomplished is the result of your commitment, skill, and dedication. We experienced significant challenge at each of our organizations and yet we remained profitable and saw meaningful growth in our culture and shared purpose. Despite navigating a difficult and uncertain economic environment, both our steel and residential businesses worked together to meet those challenges head-on and deliver solid, positive outcomes. It’s incredibly rewarding to work day-in and day-out with people like you who give your all for the success of this team.
Brad Crawford, David McDonald and I all appreciate your response to the re-alignment of the organization under Rival. Your continued commitment to teamwork, innovation, and results has kept us moving forward. I have no doubt that this attitude and spirit will carry us through to the future and even greater achievements.
As the year draws to a close, this season gives us an opportunity to slow down and consider the deeper foundations that guide our lives and work. It’s a time to think about the values that shape who we are, the purpose that motivates us, and the hope that sustains us through both challenges and victories. Now, just beyond Christmas, we are reminded that true growth is not measured solely by achievement, but by the way we invest in one another, show compassion, and remain grounded in what matters most.
We are also reminded that the heart of the Christmas story is the birth of Jesus—Immanuel—which literally means God With Us. The life He lived as God in human flesh and the Word He left with us continue to reflect the power of love, grace, and renewal. His message of peace, generosity, and unconditional love encourages us to bring those same principles into our relationships and responsibilities each day.
With Christmas celebrations behind us, now looking to the new year, we hope this time inspires a spirit of togetherness and optimism, strengthening our resolve to serve Him and others, uplift our communities, and work collectively toward a future filled with meaningful impact and lasting good.
Randy Carman
President of Rural & Commercial
a note from the LMD team
All best-in-class operations have learned a critical lesson over time: preventive maintenance matters—whether we are talking about equipment or people.
In our operations, we would never intentionally run vehicles, machinery, or tools without a maintenance plan. We know that deferred inspections, skipped lubrication, or ignored warning signs eventually lead to breakdowns, unplanned downtime, and significantly higher costs.
The same is true for our teams, and the same is true for you.
When development, training, feedback, and coaching are delayed or treated as optional, the impact may not be immediate—but it is inevitable. What happens when we delay or defer team and personal development?
- Skill gaps widen
- Engagement erodes
- Safety risks increase
- We are forced into reactive “firefighting” rather than proactive leadership
- And much more
Just like equipment failures, people challenges are far more expensive to fix after the fact than they are to prevent.
The challenge for 2026 is this: ensure preventative maintenance processes are firmly in place—not only for our equipment, but most importantly for you, and if you happen to lead a team, for those under your leadership. Build regular rhythms for learning and growth.
The Leadership & Management Development (LMD) team exists for this very reason. When individuals grow and thrive, so do our teams. Be proactive and engage consistently in order to keep running at your best.
Let’s be best-in-class.
Sean Weda
General Manager at Straight Line
SLMB is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Weda as its new general manager.
Sean’s career includes 6 years leading Marines in the infantry and over 13 years of progressive leadership in the manufacturing industry, with a proven record in leading teams to maximize productivity, training and development.
Spotlight
Earlier this year we shared how Ideal Steel kicked off a big project in the Bahamas. Check out the pictures below of how this building turned out. Scott Quebodeaux, Ideal’s Sales Manager, shared this content via LinkedIn in which he mentioned this building is 100,448 sq/ft of enclosed stackable boat storage for more than 400 boats. Hats off Ideal team!
As of January 1, 2026, we have united our portfolio of companies under the one “Rival” brand: Rival Residential, Rival Commercial, and Rival Rural. Same team, same service—now just better together.