In the world of manufacturing, achieving long-term success is no small feat. Many aspire to grow from humble beginnings into industry leaders, but only a select few manage to build something truly transformative. For William Polacek, that journey began with a legacy rooted in grit, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

 What began as a modest welding service in the back of a truck has grown into one of the most respected manufacturing firms in the region. Through vision, diversification, and unshakable values, Polacek has built JWF Industries into a benchmark of modern manufacturing excellence.

 From a Garage to a Global Supply Chain

 Back in 1957, John Polacek Sr. launched Johnny’s Welding in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to support his family. Thirty years later, his son William took the reins, rebranded it as Johnstown Welding and Fabrication, and moved operations into a small two-car garage. That humble garage marked the start of a journey that would eventually position the company as a critical player across industries like defense, energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

 Today, the company is known as JWF Industries—a name that reflects the breadth of its capabilities. With over 1.2 million square feet of production space, JWF offers advanced services in fabrication, welding, machining, coating, engineering, and full-cycle project management.

 Building a Manufacturing Powerhouse

 JWF Industries has established itself as a trusted partner in sectors ranging from ground mobility to aerospace and renewable energy. Their expansion into vehicle manufacturing in collaboration with Flyer Defense marked a historic moment, becoming the first company in western Pennsylvania to produce an entire vehicle under one roof.

 The organization has been recognized for its contributions with accolades such as the Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania, Smart 50 Award for Sustainability, and repeated listings in PA Business Central’s Top 100 Organizations. Their success is further underscored by consistent profitability and a workforce of more than 400 employees across locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina.

 Smart Strategy Meets Practical Innovation

 JWF Industries operates with a clear understanding of market dynamics. The company keeps a close eye on federal defense budgets, public company trends, and industry shifts to proactively manage its business pipeline. Their internal forecasting tool—dubbed “GYRO”—helps the team plan two years ahead by evaluating contracts, bids, and emerging opportunities.

 According to William, having a diversified portfolio is key. By treating each market as a vital component of a multi-cylinder engine, the company is able to remain agile and shift focus as needed. In slower economic times, JWF is prepared to bring outsourced work back in-house, helping maintain stability and efficiency.

 Leading With Vision and Values

 William Polacek’s leadership style blends innovation with integrity. From a welding degree to becoming a regional manufacturing leader, his journey is driven by curiosity, hands-on learning, and unwavering dedication to his values. He has pursued professional development through seminars, financial strategy courses, and continuous improvement workshops.

Under his guidance, JWF Industries has cultivated a culture that promotes from within, values collaboration, and encourages every employee to contribute to the company’s mission. His approach has not only shaped the organization but has also earned him personal recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate from St. Francis College and the Legion of Honor’s Humanitarian Award.

 Revitalizing a Community, One Step at a Time

Beyond business, William’s impact is felt across Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he leads the Vision Together 2025 initiative. This effort focuses on renewing the city through incremental, strategic investments designed to restore pride and create opportunities. From revitalizing the riverfront to transforming Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly hub, his approach emphasizes community-led change.

The initiative addresses everything from youth mentorship and education to infrastructure, business recruitment, and environmental cleanup. William envisions a thriving Johnstown that attracts families with its quality of life, affordability, and scenic surroundings.

The results are already visible. The city has seen financial stability after years of deficits, and collaborative efforts with institutions like the University of Pittsburgh are building new educational and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Driving Technology Forward

In an era where speed and precision are essential, JWF Industries has embraced digital innovation. Their cybersecurity systems ensure data security for both clients and internal operations, while new quoting software has drastically reduced turnaround time from weeks to hours.

JWF also utilizes AI to analyze machine performance and production data, providing real-time feedback and streamlining decision-making. These technological advancements support both productivity and transparency across the board.

A Culture of Opportunity and Inclusion

The company’s employee-focused model is a cornerstone of its workplace culture. JWF offers in-house apprenticeship programs, a clear succession planning path, and educational reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually. The team operates within a fully transparent financial model, ensuring that every employee understands company goals and shares in the success through profit-sharing.

As the company continues to scale, internal promotion remains a priority. This philosophy has positioned JWF as a preferred employer in the region and was recently highlighted in a national publication for its innovative hiring strategies.

William believes in removing emotion from operations by relying on real-time data and performance metrics at every station. This approach has helped foster an inclusive and accountable environment that drives continuous improvement and innovation.

Charting the Future

Looking ahead, William and his team are focused on expanding JWF’s capabilities while remaining nimble and responsive to evolving client needs. Their roadmap includes achieving NAVSEA qualification, increasing self-funded growth, and building a smart factory infrastructure powered by AI and digital tools.

William’s broader goal is to continue cultivating future leadership, strengthen community ties, and deliver high-quality turnkey solutions that elevate the company further up the manufacturing value chain.

Quote: “The foundation of every decision I make starts with prayer. From there, my faith defines my values.”

Quote: “Success favors those who act. Waiting may bring something, but it’s usually what’s left behind by those who moved first.” – Abraham Lincoln

Quote: “My guiding principle has always been: In God we trust. Everyone else brings data.”

Quote: “Midday workouts help me recharge. I’ve learned to compartmentalize, focus on what matters, and not let the small stuff steal my energy. That’s how I balance business, family, and faith.”