About us

David Lopez, the founder of DL Metal Design, has been working in the steel industry since 1997. David started his steel career when his brother, a master welder, hired him during his college breaks. He started as a beam line operator and quickly learned to weld, read blue prints, and eventually worked through each department of the company.

He continued to learn and in just a few short years became a project manager at the age of 21 with projects exceeding 2 Million in total value. By the time David was in his early 30’s he had helped shape the team for an up-and-coming ornamental steel player in the New York market and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. David has held executive positions for multiple companies and has managed teams for combined work exceeding 400 Million in Revenue. Most important are the many mentors and teachers David has learned from in the industry over his career.

This knowledge has shaped him into a strong leader and partner for his clients. David enjoys coaching soccer and basketball and is the Vice President of the Southern Lehigh Youth Basketball Association. When he is not at the office or coaching, David enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling with his children Kaylee and David James and his wife Barbara. David holds a B.S. in Business Management from Northeastern University.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” —Thomas Edison

Barbara has been with DL Metal Design since its inception in 2015. She began her career in higher education at Temple University, where she was promoted to an Assistant Director position at the College of Science and Technology. Barbara then transitioned into the construction industry when DL Metal was established. Throughout her tenure with DL Metal, she has held various positions, including Project Coordinator, Estimating and Sales Coordinator, Bookkeeper, and HR Manager, amassing over 15 years of experience in business finance and HR management.

As the Controller for DL Metal Design, Barbara has taken on crucial tasks such as streamlining project billing, managing budgets, overseeing insurance and bonding, and leading the company in updating financial technologies. She earned her undergraduate degree in Risk Management and Insurance, as well as her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Temple University.

Outside of work, Barbara enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has two children who are very active in sports, and when she’s not running between their events, she loves to travel, explore new places, and learn about different cultures.

“The strength of the team is each individual player. The strength of the member is the team.” — Phil Jackson.

Matt began his career in the metal industry in 2008 as a waterjet operator. Shortly after, he transitioned into ornamental fabrication, where he worked with teams to create intricate stairs, railings, and canopies for some of the country’s most exclusive commercial and residential clients.

Throughout his career, Matt has played a key role in opening multiple miscellaneous and ornamental fabrication facilities, including DL Metal Design. His passion for building and creating has been evident from a young age, evolving into a lifelong career in the trades.

Starting at just 14 years old, Matt has held various trade-focused jobs, ranging from fine woodworking to house building, finish carpentry, and metalworking. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, engaging in activities like camping, biking, and hiking.

Nick is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who thrives on new challenges. His passion for building started at a young age, from crafting model airplanes to working on hot rods with his father. Before joining DL Metal Design, Nick graduated from Neshaminy High School and earned a degree in Graphic Design from Bucks County Community College.

Seeking a more hands-on career, he transitioned into the steel industry, where he managed and maintained his family’s transportation business for over 15 years. During this time, he also honed his welding and fabrication skills at various ornamental metal shops.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys working on cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as exploring the mountains through hunting, fishing, and hiking. He is always eager to learn new trades and skills, and he cherishes spending quality time with his family.

Tiffany has been in the construction industry for nearly 20 years. After graduating from college, she spent 10 years in construction administration before transitioning to roles as a project coordinator and assistant project manager. Moving into project management allowed her to get her boots dirty in the field and see firsthand what she had been working with on paper all those years. As an Assistant Project Manager, Tiffany truly fell in love with construction, often driving around NYC and saying, “See that building? I had a hand in that.”

Tiffany earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Long Island University and a Certificate in Construction Estimating from NYU School of Continuing Studies. She is also a proud alumna of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

“If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything”—Unknown

Anthony has been with DL Metal Design for two years, bringing valuable experience from his previous role at a large telecommunications company, where he excelled in customer service and problem-solving.

At DL Metal Design, Anthony serves as the Purchasing and Logistics Supervisor, responsible for procuring materials for all company projects and managing delivery logistics. His short-term goal is to maximize profits while reducing costs by building strong relationships with key material suppliers to secure the best rates. Long-term, he aims to expand his industry knowledge to further his career with DL Metal Design.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Anthony serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. He enjoys playing golf, spending time with his family, and attending comedy shows.

Tim began his career in the construction industry in 2012 as an assistant project manager at a miscellaneous metal fabrication firm. Over the years, he has broadened his expertise by working as a project manager for various specialty subcontractors, including those in steel, precast, facades, and elevators.
Tim is passionate about construction for the thrill of new projects, the challenge of problem-solving, and the continuous learning it offers. He values collaboration with diverse teams and takes great satisfaction in witnessing a project evolve from initial concept to completed structure.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children. He also has a passion for baking breads and desserts, which has become a cherished pastime for him.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”—Peter Drucker

After graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Computer Science, Mike embarked on a successful decade-long career in technology sales. His focus on operations and efficiency allowed him to hone his skills in management, sales, technical repairs, and customer service, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. In the summer of 2023, Mike brought this diverse experience to DL Metal Design, where he quickly developed a passion for the fabrication process. He now manages logistics and single-part production, programming multiple CNC machines, including the plasma table, CNC hydraulic brake, and tube bender. Mike is always looking for ways to optimize the shop’s production.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Caitlin, and their two young children. He also loves experimenting in the kitchen, 3D printing, flying his drone, and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.

Andrew has been a part of the DL Metal Design team since 2022. He began his career in higher education, dedicating nine years as the Technical Director at Lehigh University, where he taught carpentry, welding, management, and CAD drafting. He also spent two years at the University of Findlay in Northwest Ohio. In addition, Andrew has three years of experience designing, building, and programming automated fuel oil pump systems. Overall, he has accumulated over two decades of experience as a carpenter, welder, and metalworker.

Originally from South Florida, Andrew has lived in Ohio, Connecticut, and Vermont before settling in Pennsylvania, where he has resided for the past 15 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master’s in Technical Design and Production from Yale University.

As a professor and mentor in graduate school once said, “The role of a Project Manager is to bring order to chaos.” Outside of work, Andrew is a proud father of two children who are active in sports and scouts. When he’s not attending practices, games, or meetings, he enjoys spending time outdoors swimming, hiking, and kayaking.

TRicardo Cruz joins the DL Metal Design team as the new company Controller, bringing 31 years of experience in the finance industry. New to metal fabrication and construction, Ricky began his career as a data entry clerk at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) and worked his way up to Operations Manager for a local trading firm.

He later learned to trade options on the PHLX trading floor, where the fast-paced environment helped him develop the skills to tackle complex issues while maintaining an efficient work ethic. Before transitioning to the construction field, Ricky served as a stock and options execution broker for a local trading firm just outside of Philadelphia. He firmly believes in four key principles for success: teamwork, communication, hard work, and selflessness. These cornerstones guide him in both his professional and personal life, making him an excellent fit for our growing team.

Despite the challenges of a significant career change, Ricky embraces the opportunity to learn something new and is excited to begin this journey. His passion for personal growth and development motivates him to contribute to the success of DL Metal Design. His willingness to teach others has opened various doors in the past and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future, as it has become a source of joy for him.

Family time for Ricky often includes annual excursions to Phillies or Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs games, as well as occasional day trips to ballparks. As outdoor enthusiasts, they also enjoy fishing, bike riding, camping, and trips to the shore during the summer. A huge fan of sports, Ricky particularly loves football, baseball, and basketball, and he always prioritizes coaching his boys and being involved in their activities.

“If everyone is moving forward together,then success takes care of itself.”—Henry Ford

Giovanni joined the DL Metal Design team in the spring of 2024. He began his professional career as a member of the United States Marine Corps, where he was part of an infantry unit. During this time, he developed valuable skills in leadership, multitasking, and problem-solving under pressure—skills that are essential in his new role at DL Metal.

Currently, Gio serves as a Purchasing Agent, overseeing the procurement of materials for all company projects. His short-term goal is to strengthen the business relationships with current suppliers established by his predecessor while also fostering new partnerships as the company grows. Long-term, he aims to expand his knowledge of the industry to open doors to other roles within the company. Collaborating with the experienced team members at DL Metal Design will provide him with numerous new opportunities.

In his spare time, Giovanni enjoys visiting shooting ranges, spending time with his family, and attending NFL football games.