Meet our Leadership
Michael Hackley
Owner | President
Michael Hackley, USAF SSGT/ 1985-1994, founded BBQGuys in 1998, growing it into a $300M company, along with Blaze Outdoor Products, a $115M grill brand co-designed and manufactured with Richard Stewart. Both brands were sold in 2020. Together, our founders bring over 32 years of experience in manufacturing, customer demand, and supply chain management—with over 100 patents that reflect their ability to innovate, scale, and support strategic partnerships.
Richard Stewart
Owner | Chief Executive Officer
Richard Stewart founded Metal Fab Guys after leading product design and supply chain operations at BBQGuys and Blaze. Drawing on deep expertise in global sourcing, lean manufacturing, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), he helped shape industry-leading grills like Blaze and Traeger. His work with standards bodies such as ETL, CSA, and UL reflects a career-long commitment to quality, innovation, and efficiency.
Kary Pope
Chief Operating Officer
Kary Pope is the operational force behind Metal Fab Guys. She joined the company in August 2024 to support the executive officers, initially stepping in as Executive Assistant to bring structure and efficiency to the administrative backbone of the business. Her impact was immediate. Kary quickly advanced into the role of COO, where she now drives day-to-day operations, aligns teams, and ensures the organization runs with the same precision as the work produced on the shop floor.
Metal Fab Guys®: In The News
Read more about Metal Fab Guys® in the news below and see how we’re shaping the future of American fabrication. For behind-the-scenes updates, project spotlights, and company announcements, visit our Blog and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter to stay in the loop on everything we’re building here in Louisiana.
Intelligence Entrepreneur:
Metal Fab Guys CEO, Richard Stewart
January 3, 2025 Source
Big milestone: Metal Fab Guys® is now trademarked
September 30, 2025
Newly launched Metal Fab Guys fills niche for U.S.-based automated metal fabrication
January 9, 2025 Source >
Newly launched Metal Fab Guys fills niche for U.S.-based automated metal fabrication
Sept 16, 2025 Source >
Newly launched Metal Fab Guys fills niche for U.S.-based automated metal fabrication
January 9, 2025 Source >
Metal Fab Guys Awarded Large Business of the Year
January 23, 2026 Read More >
Metal Fab Guys® Blog: Built Here
Connect with Us: Your Behind-the-Scenes Pass
Want to see MetalFabGuys in action? Follow us on our social media platforms to get an exclusive look at our latest projects in progress, peek into our bustling shop life, and meet the skilled craftsmen who bring your ideas to life. It's the perfect way to truly get to know the precision, passion, and people behind MetalFabGuys.