TOP 100 MAGAZINE

BJ Evans

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Leading with Data, Grounded in the Trades

 

BJ Evans has never viewed technology as simply a department, it has always been a way to better understand how a business operates. That philosophy has shaped a career spanning more than 30 years and ultimately led him to an unconventional destination: chief operating officer of Mid-State Industrial Maintenance.

 

Unlike many COOs who rise through traditional operations roles, BJ built his career leading business transformation through technology. Over three decades, he has served as CEO, CIO, managing director, entrepreneur, and consultant for private equity-backed and family office portfolio companies across mining, industrial services, healthcare, and technology. His experience includes founding 828 Advisors, a consulting firm focused on business transformation, and Aridea Solutions, an Internet of Things startup dedicated to environmental stewardship. He also served as global head of mining solutions for Tata Consultancy Services, helping mining organizations around the world leverage technology to improve operations.

 

Today, as COO of Mid-State Industrial Maintenance, BJ is responsible for companywide profit and loss, safety performance, and project delivery quality. Founded in 1973, Mid-State has grown from a family-owned machine and welding shop into one of the nation's premier industrial maintenance providers, serving customers in 43 states from multiple Florida and Ohio locations. With more than 1,000 employees, over 45 acres of facilities, and extensive engineering, fabrication, repair, and field-service capabilities, the company has built a reputation for solving complex industrial challenges.

 

BJ believes sustainable growth begins with understanding the story behind the numbers. Financial reports alone cannot explain why a business succeeds. The real value comes from connecting operational data with the people and processes that generate it. That mindset has helped Mid-State strengthen decision-making, improve operational visibility, and continue expanding while maintaining the high level of quality customers expect.

 

Equally important is the company's investment in its people. Throughout his career, BJ has taken the greatest pride in helping others advance professionally. He has mentored dozens of leaders into larger roles, including five recent promotions to Vice President positions along with numerous director and divisional leadership appointments. Watching others achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach remains one of his most rewarding accomplishments.

 

Despite his extensive executive experience, BJ has never lost touch with his blue-collar roots. Raised in a family where hard work was a way of life, he developed a deep respect for skilled trades that continues to shape his leadership philosophy. He believes the best leaders spend time listening to the people closest to the work, understanding their challenges, and creating opportunities for them to succeed.

 

With a Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering technology and an MBA, BJ combines technical expertise with operational strategy. More importantly, he understands that technology should never replace experience or craftsmanship. Instead, it should provide better information, remove unnecessary complexity, and help people make smarter decisions.

 

As Mid-State continues expanding its national footprint, BJ remains focused on building an organization that grows intelligently, invests in its workforce, and delivers exceptional service. By combining data-driven leadership with a genuine appreciation for the skilled professionals who keep America's industries running, he is helping position Mid-State for continued success while creating opportunities for the people who make that success possible.

 

Q&A with BJ

 

BJ, you have a nontraditional background. How did your transition from CIO to COO happen?

 

I spent nearly 30 years delivering technology solutions across several industries, but early in my career I realized technology wasn't the objective; it was a tool for running the business better. When I joined Mid-State as its first CIO, we had plenty of data but very little actionable information. We built reporting and dashboards that helped support significant revenue growth while giving leadership visibility into what drove margins, customer success, and operational performance. When the COO position became available, I already understood how the business worked from the inside out. My technology background gave me the ability to translate data into operational decisions, which made the transition a natural fit.

 

What makes Mid-State Industrial Maintenance unique?

 

We're one of the few companies that can truly serve as a turnkey industrial partner. We support customers from equipment removal through repair, fabrication, installation, recommissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Our electricians, millwrights, welders, mechanics, and boilermakers are backed by more than 200,000 square feet of shop space and decades of expertise. Many companies perform only one piece of that work. We provide the complete solution, helping facilities minimize costly downtime while ensuring the work is done safely and correctly the first time.

 

How has your background in mining and the skilled trades influenced your leadership style?

 

My father worked as a mechanic in the coal mines, and I grew up around people who worked with their hands every day. Later, I spent time underground installing and testing mine communication systems, so I understand firsthand the realities our field teams face. That experience made safety personal and reinforced my respect for skilled tradespeople. I believe leaders should be visible and approachable. Every one of our employees has my cell phone number because I want them to know they can reach me whenever they need to.

 

How is technology helping drive Mid-State's future growth?

 

Technology allows us to scale intelligently. We've consolidated critical business information into near-real-time dashboards that provide visibility into utilization, backlog, bookings, billing, and future demand. We're also implementing a modern ERP platform and field-service management system that captures information closer to the source. Better data allows our leaders to make faster decisions, improve efficiency, protect margins, and continue growing without adding unnecessary overhead. Ultimately, that means we can remain competitive while continuing to invest in our employees and deliver greater value to our customers.

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BJ Evans
COO
Mid-State Industrial Maintenance 

Website: https://midstateindustrialcorp.com  

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/b-j-evans-11a17313