Faster-Than-Ever Lead Time: Current Average is 5 Working Days!
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Bales President Stacey Bales is the recipient of the 2024 Bertram A. Stone Award from the Chicago Midwest Chapter of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding service to the finishing industry. Stacey’s strategic brilliance and passion for finishing have helped Bales and the Chicago Midwest Chapter of NASF become the thriving organizations they are today.
Stacey has been part of the surface finishing community since childhood. Her father, Steve Bales, founded Bales Metal Surface Solutions with his brother Mike in 1978. She has worked in every facet of the company, from answering phones to masking and blasting on the floor.
In 2009, Stacey and her sister, Sara Mortensen, became the second-generation family owners of Bales after their father’s sudden passing. Since then, they’ve grown the Bales legacy of finishing excellence and customer satisfaction.
Under Stacey and Sara’s leadership, Bales has accomplished numerous milestones, including:
- Launch of the new company brand
- Certified Women’s Business Enterprise credential
- Multiple “Best Place to Work” awards
- Development of proprietary engineered coatings
- Continuously improving lead times
- Installation of two new nickel lines
As Bales’ president, Stacey has also served on the leadership team of the Chicago Midwest Chapter of NASF. Stacey played an integral role in founding the chapter and served on its board of directors for eight years. She was the president during the coronavirus pandemic, helping the chapter navigate change while continuing to support businesses and professionals in the surface coatings industry.
Stacey also received the 2018 NASF Award of Merit and the inaugural Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) Young Leader Award in 2016.
