Member Spotlight: Seneca Foundry – Celebrating the First Anniversary of Lori Mason’s Ownership
This year marks a significant milestone for Seneca Foundry as Lori Mason celebrates her first full year as owner and President/CEO of one of Webster City’s most enduring manufacturers. A proud continuation of a legacy 116 years strong, Seneca Foundry stands today as a shining example of what happens when family values, loyal employees, and community stewardship drive a business forward.
As the first female President and CEO in the foundry’s long history, Mason stands as a quiet trailblazer in what remains a male-dominated industry. Nationally, only about 30% of manufacturing leadership roles are held by women, and fewer still at the executive level. But Mason says she’s never been made to feel “different” thanks to a culture of mutual respect.
Lori’s story began over 20 years ago in the foundry’s accounting department. “When I started, I didn’t even know what a cast iron mold was,” Mason admits. Fast forward to today—Lori is not only leading the organization but continuing the Seneca Foundry legacy founded on a family business, along with her husband, Brandon, and their five children Taylor, Austin, Tristan, Miley, and Waylon. The Masons represent the next chapter of a business that has been deeply rooted in the Webster City community since 1916.
Seneca Foundry was previously owned and operated by the McCullough family for over a century. Five years ago, a succession plan was initiated between Lori and then-owner Kirk McCollough, which gradually transitioned Mason from minority to full ownership. When asked what motivated her to take that final step, Mason is quick to credit her team: “The support from the team drove the decision.” Mason prides the longevity many of the Seneca Foundry members have demonstrated, credited as a committed and dedicated core group. “Some have been with us for 40 years. When they stay, they stay for life,” added Mason.
Investing in Team and Community
Lori’s leadership philosophy is simple: “Support your team, and your team will support your business.” Seneca Foundry walks that talk through countless small but meaningful gestures—providing tickets to local fundraising meals, covering costs for employees and their families to attend events like Rotary’s Turkey Dinner (benefiting Meals on Wheels), Sundaes on Sunday by the Hamilton County Fair Foundation and more. These are not just perks—they’re expressions of appreciation and community values.
The foundry is also a Champion sponsor of the Hamilton County Fair, and Lori serves on the Hamilton County 4-H Foundation board. Each year, Seneca Foundry pays $10 for every local 4-H youth member to ensure free participation in this vital youth development program—just one of the many ways the company gives back.
Seneca is also a regular sponsor of community events such as JunqueFest and Tour de Webster, and they made a $50,000 gift toward the community splash pad project—believing that quality-of-life amenities help attract and retain talent.
Built to Last – And Built to Grow
Unlike some manufacturers that outgrow their hometown roots, Seneca Foundry’s future is firmly planted in Webster City. “We’re not looking to relocate or open multiple locations. There’s still opportunity right here,” said Mason. Future plans include expanding the current footprint and investing in new equipment and technologies—all while staying true to the values that have sustained the foundry for over a century.
At its core, Seneca Foundry is more than a workplace. It’s a family business, a community partner, and a cornerstone of Webster City’s industrial heritage.
Congratulations to Lori Mason on one year of ownership—and to the Seneca team—for proving every day that dedication, longevity, and community commitment never go out of style.
