Fritz Larkin: 50+ Years of Know-How, Hard Work, and Doing Things Right

Some people spend their careers learning a trade. Others help define it. Fritz Larkin has spent more than 50 years doing both.

A respected expert in refractory installation and inspection for blast furnaces and stoves, Fritz has built a career that spans some of the most recognized steelmaking facilities in North America and beyond. His experience, work ethic, and no-nonsense approach have earned him the respect of generations of steelworkers and industry professionals.

From U.S. Steel, AK Steel, and Republic Steel to operations at Burns Harbor, Indiana Harbor, Gary Works, Edgar Thomson Works, and countless others, Fritz has been there, done the work, and shared his knowledge along the way.

His expertise has also taken him around the world, including assignments at the Hoogoven plant in Holland and the B.P. Gold Smelter in Mali, West Africa.

But ask anyone who has worked alongside Fritz, and they'll tell you there's more to the story than an impressive list of jobsites.

Fritz is known for his straightforward personality, loyalty to his team, and the kind of hands-on experience that simply can't be taught in a classroom. He knows the work, respects the people doing it, and has never needed the spotlight.

In fact, Fritz would probably respond to all this recognition with one of his trademark lines:

"I need recognition like a moose needs a hat rack."

That's Fritz.

At Songer, we're fortunate to have people like Fritz on our team. People who bring decades of experience to the job, share what they know, and help the next generation carry the industry forward.