J.B. Speed School of Engineering Alumni Fellow

Frank J. Diebold ’73

Born and raised in Louisville, Frank Diebold graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1966 and began his college education at the University of Dayton. After two years, he left school to join the U.S. Army Reserve, serving six months of active duty before enrolling at the University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering. He earned a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1973.

Following graduation, Frank joined his brother at Fabricated Metals, a custom metal fabrication company serving local industries. The business expanded from a regional operation into a nationally recognized manufacturer. Continued growth led to the formation of separate divisions: the Fabricated Metals Division, focused on the railroad industry; Utility Metals, established in 1988, serving the outdoor lighting industry; and Strong Hold Products, established in 1993 to manufacture industrial storage solutions.

Throughout his career, Frank directed the company's manufacturing and engineering operations while leading its expansion into new product lines. These included railroad signal bridges and cantilever structures, street lighting poles for utility companies and industrial storage cabinets for the automotive industry.

Frank served in several executive leadership roles, including Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Fabricated Metals, Secretary-Treasurer of Utility Metals and President of Strong Hold Products. After 30 years with the company, he sold his ownership interest. During his tenure, the business grew from 40 employees to more than 340.

In 2012, Frank began volunteering with WaterStep, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe water solutions in developing countries. He initially assisted with manufacturing before contributing to the design and development of new products. In 2019, Frank and two fellow volunteers were awarded a U.S. patent for the Bleach Maker, an innovative device that produces disinfecting solution for water purification and sanitation. More than 3,500 units have since been manufactured and distributed worldwide.

In October 2023, Frank and his wife, Martha, received the Nicholas Simon Altruism Award from Boys & Girls Haven in recognition of their commitment to service and philanthropy.

Frank and Martha Ballard Diebold have been married for 46 years and reside in Louisville. They are the proud parents of two sons, Phillip and Garrett.