A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Andrea Koenig
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: January 14, 2026
Andrea Koenig serves as Ratner Steel Supply Company’s office manager and inside sales manager. She has been with the company for over a decade. She cherishes her work with Ratner and with the Portage area where Ratner is located.
“I’ve been with Ratner Steel for 11 years, with the hopes of another 11 years or more,” she said. “I have grown up in the steel industry. I started in the industry at 16 years old through a high school work program.”
One of the reasons Koenig loves her career with Ratner is the team-oriented culture. Its workplace has a very supportive environment, and she has a strong camaraderie with her colleagues.
“Ratner is a family-owned business that values family,” she said “The way everyone rallies around each other to make sure everyone is supported is the most rewarding part of being on the Ratner team.”
Ratner lives in Illinois and commutes every day to Portage for work. As a result, she has really gotten to know Portage and its community.
“In the 11 years I have been commuting to Portage, the area has grown exponentially – new homes, restaurants, businesses,” Koenig said. “It is wonderful to watch a community grow.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Koenig is a bit of a foodie and loves sharing a great meal.
When Koenig started at Ratner, she was well-mentored. Grateful to those who helped her, she loves giving back and paying it forward by mentoring others herself.
“The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to learn and grow within the steel industry from many mentors and teachers,” Koenig said. “It is now my turn to offer the same mentorship to the next generation. Steel may not be glamorous, but it is an industry that will always be around.”
Koenig believes action is the key to success. Great mentorship can help to fuel such action.
“A college education will only take you as far as you are willing to apply yourself,” she said. “Self-motivation, willingness to learn, the ability to take direction, and seeking out good role models is what it takes to be successful with or without a degree.”
Koenig also believes that taking risks is another key to growing and becoming successful.
“Never be afraid to try something new whether you think you are qualified or not,” she said. “If you can convey that you are willing to learn, there is someone out there that will give you a chance.”
Such an opportunity was given to Koenig, and she leverages it in her day-to-day work to put out the best work product and be her best self.
“Someone gave me a chance and I will be forever grateful,” said Koenig.
As Koenig continues her work with Ratner, she will be positively impacting its business and economic landscape and also driving future growth by mentoring young talent in the steel industry.