Our Very Own Man of Steel
Meet Jonas Bolstad Scheie! Our CEO, steel enthusiast, and loyal supporter of Bryne FK.
Jonas officially took the helm at Arctic Steel in 2021 after the steel department forged its own way by becoming their own company, but his story in the steel world started long before that. In fact, you could say it began with a purchase order for 4140 tubing back in 2012 – a humble yet heartfelt start to a steel-filled career.
From forged parts to forming strategy
Jonas’s steel journey began in Aarbakke’s purchasing department, where he focused on forged goods from Italy. Working side by side with production, he developed a deep appreciation for the process – how raw materials are transformed into precision parts with real-world impact.
– It was a great foundation. You learn quickly when you’re that close to both the technical details and the people who make it all happen, Jonas reflects.
Fast-forward a few years, and Jonas found himself leading Arctic Steel – a growing company that supplies specialty materials to industries where quality and reliability are non-negotiable.
– The transition from Purchaser to CEO has been both exciting and demanding. Arctic Steel has had the benefit of being part of the Aarbakke ecosystem starting out as a department in the company. Later, we’ve had the chance to carve out our own path and building a business identity of our own, he admits.
A CEO who leads from the middle
Jonas’s leadership style isn’t about corner offices or top-down commands. It’s more about alignment, accessibility, and knowing when to step in – and when to step back.
– As CEO, I’m responsible for setting the overall strategy and making sure our team has what they need to succeed. That means staying close to both the people and the numbers, he explains.
He’s quick to credit the team for Arctic Steel’s momentum.
– We have a group of incredibly capable, committed people here. It’s easy to lead when the team is already this strong.
Culture, connection – and just the right amount of chaos
If you ask Jonas what really makes Arctic Steel tick, he won’t hesitate: it’s the people.
– There’s something special about the culture we’ve built here. We’ve got a strong sense of unity, a lot of mutual respect, and a shared willingness to help each other out – no matter what comes up, he says.
This culture isn’t just something that happens organically. It’s shaped every day through collaboration, transparency, and a shared pride in the work.
– Everyone here knows their role, but we also pitch in across departments. We celebrate wins together – big and small – and we’re not afraid to laugh at ourselves once in a while.
That sense of humor shows up often, especially on Mondays after a weekend of football.
Football rivalries and Friday laughs
In a workplace full of strong opinions, one debate consistently reigns supreme: football.
With colleagues supporting local rival teams like Viking FK and Bryne FK, and Manchester United and Liverpool in the Premiere League, it’s safe to say things can get lively.
– There’s definitely some healthy competition when it comes to football. Andre and I don’t always see eye to eye on which team deserves the glory, but it’s all in good fun, Jonas explains with a laugh.
He proudly waves the Bryne FK flag, while also managing to keep the peace – most of the time.
– The national team breaks are the only weeks we all agree on something. But once Eliteserien is back, the gloves come off. In the most collegial way, of course, he jokes.
Listening, learning, and long-term relationships
When it comes to customers, Jonas and the Arctic Steel team approach every collaboration with care.
– We put a lot of effort into understanding what our customers actually need – not just what they’re asking for. Whether it’s a standard product or a rare steel grade with tight tolerances, we aim to deliver the right solution, on time, every time, Jonas explains.
That level of dedication is why many clients return again and again.
– Long-term relationships are everything in this business. And those relationships are built on availability, trust, and follow-up. We work hard to stay close to our customers, not just in the sales phase, but throughout the entire process, Jonas explains.
A soft spot for 4140
In case you were wondering: yes, Jonas has a favorite steel grade. Of course he does.
– It’s 4140 tubing. It was the first material I ever purchased back in 2012. There’s a bit of sentimental value there, he says with a smile.
He might joke about it, but there’s something fitting about a CEO who remembers his first steel order as fondly as most people remember their first car.