Who We Are

Founded in the heart of steel country in 1985 by industry pioneer Jack Schwer, Rubicon Refractories has grown from a local supplier into a trusted partner for steel mills and foundries across North America. Now led by second generation President Tom Schwer and third-generation Vice President Jack Pupillo, Rubicon remains an industry leader, focused on delivering high-performance refractory solutions and excellent customer service.

Our team brings deep technical knowledge with decades of experience and a hands-on approach. We serve the steel, foundry, and aluminum industries with custom design work, in-house fabrication, and a responsiveness that makes us feel like an extension of your own operation.

Our name—Rubicon—embodies our approach: committed, decisive, and ready to take on challenges others avoid. We are committed to delivering solutions that industry leaders can count on when timing and performance matter most.

Meet the Team

  • Close-up portrait of Tom Schwer, president of Rubicon Refractories, wearing a black patterned shirt and a light gray sweater against a plain white background.

    Tom Schwer

    PRESIDENT

    Tom has worked for Rubicon for over three decades and has led as president since 2016. Tom has continued the legacy started by his uncle and company founder, Jack Schwer. Under his leadership, Rubicon has grown into a trusted partner for steel, foundry, and aluminum shops across the US and Canada. With deep industry knowledge a hands-on approach, and a degree from Purdue University, Tom oversees operations, engineering, strategy, and customer relationships to ensure the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

  • A picture of Jack Pupillo, Vice President of Rubicon Refractories, wearing a white hard hat, safety glasses, and an orange safety vest with yellow reflective strips, smiling.

    Jack Pupillo

    VICE PRESIDENT

    As the grandson of Rubicon’s founder, Jack has been immersed in the company and the steel industry from an early age. He began hands-on work in the shop during college summers in 2009, later spending two years as a welder before transitioning into sales in 2015. Jack now assists Tom in overseeing Rubicon’s sales, operations, and growth strategy. A graduate of Indiana University, Jack brings a strong understanding of both the technical and business sides of the refractory industry.

  • Headshot of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a blue button-up shirt, against a plain white background.

    Paul LaPradd

    PLANT MANAGER

    Paul LaPradd brings over 30 years of manufacturing and operations experience to his role as Plant Manager at Rubicon Refractories. Paul is instrumental in driving efficiency, improving safety protocols, and ensuring consistent product quality on the shop floor. His leadership, attention to detail, and deep understanding of refractory production has made him a vital part of Rubicon’s continued success.

  • Ryan Shawver

    LOGISTICS AND QUALITY MANAGER

    Ryan plays a critical role at Rubicon, overseeing logistics and quality assurance to ensure products are delivered on time and to the highest standards. Ryan has done it all at Rubicon and has a strong background in supply chain coordination and process control. His problem-solving mindset and commitment to customer satisfaction help keep Rubicon’s operations running smoothly and efficiently.

  • A young man with glasses, brown hair, a full beard, and a friendly smile, wearing a brown shirt, standing against a plain white background.

    Ryan Milly

    LEAD PROJECT ENGINEER

    Ryan oversees the design and development of Rubicon’s refractory solutions for clients across the industry. With a Master’s degree from Purdue University and a hands-on approach, Ryan works closely with both the production team and customers to ensure each project meets exacting specifications and performance standards. Ryan plays a key role in driving innovation and maintaining Rubicon’s reputation for engineering excellence.

  • Monica Crownover

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Monica keeps Rubicon’s office running smoothly, overseeing daily administrative operations with efficiency and attentiveness. She ensures everything from billing and payroll to vendor coordination and internal support is handled with precision. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and friendly professionalism make her a trusted resource for both the Rubicon team and its customers.

  • A woman with long dark curly hair smiling, wearing a black top, against a white background.

    Marie Puente

    ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

    Marie ensures that vendor relationships and financial transactions are handled accurately and on time. She plays a key role in maintaining Rubicon’s trusted partnerships by making sure every detail is accounted for and every invoice is processed efficiently. Marie’s positive attitude and attention to detail make her a valued member of the Rubicon team.

  • A woman with long wavy gray hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing a peach blazer, white top, gold chain necklace, and gold earrings, standing against a plain gray background.

    Krystal Brennan

    ACCOUNTS MANAGER

    Krystal handles office support for the Rubicon’s largest customers. She is dedicated to understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering responsive, reliable support. She works closely with both the sales and production teams to ensure orders are accurate, on time, and meet the highest standards. Krystal’s commitment to communication, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction makes her an essential partner to Rubicon’s clients and a vital member of the team.

Let’s Build Together

Contact us to solve your toughest challenges and experience the Rubicon difference.