Max Moore Award

Max Moore Entrepreneurial Spirit AwardMax Moore, owner and president of Oklahoma Steel and Wire and its affiliated companies, Southwestern Steel & Wire and Iowa Steel and Wire, was a dedicated and enthusiastic leader who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 2000.

Max was elected to the AWPA Board of Directors in 1990 and served in many leadership capacities throughout his tenure with the Association. His enthusiasm for his business, family, employees, and community was evident in his daily life.

An anonymous donation was made to commemorate Max and the energy and enthusiasm with which he lived his life. AWPA member companies and individuals continue to make contributions to the Max Moore Fund annually in conjunction with their meeting registrations. The first award was presented in 2002.

A $1,000 cash award is given in the recipient’s name to a charity of their choice, and an engraved commemorative award is presented at the AWPA Annual Meeting. In addition, AWPA displays a plaque featuring the names of each year’s recipients.

 

Award Criteria

In describing Max and the way he lived his life, his family provided the criteria by which individuals are selected to receive this distinguished honor. When submitting a nomination, we ask that you describe the nominee’s qualities in three areas:

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit in their business life
  • Leadership
  • Community Service

Eligible nominees must be individuals employed by AWPA member companies.

 

Nomination Process

The selection committee consists of two AWPA Board members, two representatives from rod supplier companies, Pat Moore or another family representative she may designate, and the AWPA Executive Director.

To nominate someone for the Max Moore Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, please complete the Nomination Form and submit it to AWPA.

Nomination Form

Past Recipients

2020 Award Recipient

H.O. WOLTZ, III
Insteel Industries, Inc.

Previous Recipients

2025: Fredrick D. Waite, AWPA Counsel (1981–2025)
2020: H.O. Woltz, III, Insteel Industries, Inc.
2019: John W. Martin, III, MAR-MAC Industries, Inc.
2017: Stan Fossick, Mid South Wire Company
2016: Richard Sarver, Paramount Die
2011: Bill Upton Jr., Vulcan Steel Products
Timothy Selhorst, American Spring Wire Corporation
Kent Taubensee, Taubensee Steel & Wire Co.
Milton Magnus III, M&B Metal Products
John Mueller, Laidlaw Corp.
Doug King, King Steel Corp.
John T. Johnson, Mid South Wire
David Libla, Mid Continent Nail