MHEDA CEO Liz Richards announces retirement
After 27-plus years at the helm of the Material Handling Equipment Dealers Association (MHEDA), Liz Richards, CEO has announced that she will be retiring on December 31, 2023. “It has been an incredible experience to work with so many professionals in MHEDA, the Board of Directors, the membership, and of course, the amazing team of associates who work tirelessly to bring value to our members. It has been a great ride for 27 years and I look forward to turning the reins over to the next leader who will undoubtedly bring a refreshing and innovative new chapter to MHEDA! I am honored and humbled to have been able to serve this great industry.” – Liz Richards, MHEDA CEO The MHEDA Board of Directors has hired Steve Riege with Ovation Leadership to assist with the search for her replacement. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the position by reviewing the information on MHEDA’s website.
Diversified Plastics Inc. Business Development Manager elected to the Board of the Opexchange (SCMEP)
Diversified Plastics, Inc., an international rotational molder based out of Latta, South Carolina, announces that their Business Development Manager, John C. Leek, has been elected to the Board of The OPEXChange (SCMEP). The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) is a private, non-profit group that serves as a proven resource to South Carolina businesses, providing them with a range of innovative strategies and solutions. An affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SCMEP operates under the US Department of Commerce to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness. At SCMEP, they use a strategic, hands-on, partnering approach to help South Carolina companies improve their competitiveness, performance, and profitability in today’s increasingly demanding global economy. “We are proud of John’s election to the Board of The OPEXChange,” stated Tommy Wallace, President/CEO of Diversified Plastics, Inc. “He will be a great asset to the board as he has a diverse background with a strong commitment to business and community growth.” Since 1976, Diversified Plastics Inc. has been one of the leading rotational molding manufacturers of custom and standard material handling carts and plastic storage containers. DPI specializes in material handling carts, 1-4 step heavy duty steps, traffic barriers, and column protectors for industrial warehouses, recycling, textile, hospitality, laundry, agricultural and marine industries. DPI also manufactures waste and plastic recycling containers for restaurants, sports venues, stadiums, apartment and condominium complexes, and corporate office buildings.
AutoStore appoints Mats Hovland Vikse as new CEO
AutoStore Holdings Ltd. (AutoStore) has announced the appointment of current Chief Revenue Officer Mats Hovland Vikse as CEO, effective January 1, 2023. Current CEO Karl Johan Lier will retire as part of an orderly and planned transition. Lier will be employed in AutoStore until March 2023. Under Lier’s leadership as CEO, and Hovland Vikse’s tenure as CRO, AutoStore reached over 1,000 systems sold in 46 countries, with over 42,000 robots presenting an impressive ~5 billion bins. “Mats is a key figure behind the AutoStore growth,” said Co-Chairman Jim Carlisle. “Both the Board and Karl Johan agree the his demonstrated strategic leadership, relentless focus on commercialization, and deep internal support make him the clear choice for the role.” “We are well positioned for continued strong growth with outstanding margins given our product capabilities, distribution network, and business model,” Hovland Vikse commented. “I am honored by the opportunity and have unwavering confidence in the future of AutoStore,” he continued. “It has been a privilege to lead AutoStore from the outset and see the products and company grow as it has through great people, culture, and passion. I’m very pleased to leave the CEO role in Mats’ capable hands as he has been an outstanding contributor to the AutoStore journey from his very first day with the company five years ago,” CEO Karl Johan Lier said. “We would like to thank Karl Johan for his leadership,” Carlisle added. “Karl Johan has been pivotal to the company’s success, and we wish him the very best in retirement.”
RBW Logistics welcomes a new Vice President of Sales
RBW Logistics, a provider of contract warehousing, has announced that Mark Lindley has joined the team as Vice President of Sales. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina, Mark spent nearly two decades in wholesale distribution, where he has extensive experience in Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Management. For the past 12 years, Mark was the Customer Service Manager for Europa Sports Products, the nation’s largest sports supplement distribution company. During his tenure with Europa, Mark led 5 divisions with over 40 direct reports across the United States. “I’m very excited to join the team at RBW. Given the current challenges with the supply chain, I’m ready to jump in and help our customers solve their logistical problems right away. RBW’s history of being a trusted partner to our customers is something I admire; I look forward to making a difference!” said Lindley. Frank Anderson, CEO of RBW Logistics, explains, “Mark joins the RBW team at a pivotal time with the many supply chain challenges the world is facing. We are excited to have Mark join our experienced team of professionals that make RBW the best in the industry.”
Yellow Corporation earns 2023 Military Friendly® Employer designation and NDTA Corporate Distinguished Service Award
The LTL trucking company receives the Military Friendly® designation for the second straight year. Yellow Corporation has been awarded the Military Friendly Employer designation and has also received the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) Corporate Distinguished Service Award. Both awards recognize Yellow’s continued support for America’s military heroes and its focus on the recruitment of veterans. Yellow has been named a Military Friendly Employer for the second consecutive year due to its efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful career paths, community outreach, brand enthusiasm, and enduring partnerships that meet thresholds for applicants, new hire retention, and promotion of veterans and military employees. “Companies earning the Military Friendly Employers designation elevate the standard for military programs globally; they have invested in substantive programs that promote positive outcomes for service members, military spouses, and veterans within their organizations,” said Kayla Lopez, Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. “For these employers, hiring military is more than just the right thing to do; it’s a standard that makes good business sense.” “It’s an honor to once again be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer,” said Yellow CEO Darren Hawkins. “Our veterans’ programs are robust and we’re growing them every year. Our veteran colleagues make us a better company and we’re proud to have them on our team.” At the NDTA’s annual meeting in October, Yellow received the Corporate Distinguished Service Award for its support of the NDTA Foundation. The foundation works to raise funds needed to award scholarship money to high school or college students pursuing an education in logistics, transportation, or passenger travel. “Yellow has excelled at attracting military talent and will continue to set the bar high while striving to be the employer of choice for veterans and their families,” said Yellow’s Military Engagement Program Manager Jason Schenkel. Yellow launched the Veteran Enrichment & Troop Support (VETS) employee resource group in 2021 and focuses on the recruitment, development, and support of military veterans, retirees, and members of the Reserves and National Guard. VETS continues to establish initiatives that contribute to an inclusive environment within our organization.
Women In Trucking Association names Trina Norman of UPS as 2022 Influential Woman in Trucking
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) presented Trina Norman, Southern California Feeder Operations Manager, UPS, with the 2022 Influential Woman in Trucking award. The award is sponsored by Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) and recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry. The winner was announced during the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas. The announcement came after the panel discussion, “When Remarkable Women Do Remarkable Things.” Panelists consisted of the finalists for the 2022 award: Jill Quinn, President, Centerline Drivers, Mari Roberts, Vice President of Transportation, Frito-Lay, and Lindsey Trent, President & Co-Founder, Next Generation in Trucking Association. The panel discussion was facilitated by Kelley Martin, Director of Strategic Pricing, Daimler Truck North America. “While all four finalists were exceptional, Trina Norman stood out due to her passion for giving back to her community while supporting her team and her company as she leads them toward success,” said Ellen Voie, WIT president and CEO. Norman’s employment with UPS spans three decades where she has proven to be a well-rounded leader and a global citizen. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has served as an activity member for 24 years. She also mentors and sponsors young college students to achieve their academic goals while attending college. Her mission is to recruit, empower, mentor, and encourage women to join the elite women behind the wheels at UPS. In 2019, Norman helped to lead the charge and was instrumental in charting the first Women in Operations business resource group in South Cal. In honor of her leadership and game-changing methodology, she was granted the game-changer award in March of 2022. In April of 2022, she was the recipient of the corporate trailblazer award for both Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Women In Operations. In July 2022, she was the recipient of the Visionary Leader Award for excellence in undertaking extraordinary efforts to enhance the operational experience. “On behalf of Daimler Truck North America, a hearty ‘congratulations’ to Trina Norman for earning the recognition as the 2022 Influential Woman in Trucking,” said Kary Schaefer, chief engineer, cab systems and entire vehicle engineering at DTNA and WIT board member. “It was a remarkable field of nominees for this year’s award and all share the distinction of driving the trucking industry forward for all women.”
Cherry’s Industrial names new inside sales representative
Cherry’s Industrial Equipment has announced the addition of Yarine Velez, an Inside Sales Representative, to its growing Cherry’s Sales team! Yarine will help serve our customers with product selection and excellent customer support. In addition, Yarine has over nine years of sales experience, which will help grow Cherry’s customer base and support. Originally from Mexico, she and her husband love spending time with family, cheering on her daughters with their activities, and living a healthy lifestyle. Yarine holds an Associate Degree in Art and has built her sales experience with Chicago Sales and Marketing as an Operations& Sales Manager; recently, as an Inside Sales Representative and later promoted to Inside Sales Office Manager at Forecreu. Yarine specialized in being a pivotal contributor to Forecreu’s financial growth from a $4 million to a $9 million company in her six years with them. “These past two weeks at Cherry’s, I have been able to trust the magic of new beginnings, starting fresh, and always welcomed by great colleagues that make me feel like I belong. Every day I have been shown that this industry and company is filled with infinite possibilities; I am super excited for what this new journey will bring into my professional and personal life.” “We are excited to add Yarine to Cherry’s! She brings new energy for customer satisfaction to our team.” John Costello, CEO of Cherry’s Industrial Equipment.
AIT Worldwide Logistics appoints Transflo CEO, Renee Krug, to board of directors
Krug’s diverse experience includes multiple executive leadership roles with prominent global supply chain players Global supply chain solutions provider AIT Worldwide Logistics has hired Transflo Chief Executive Officer, Renee Krug, as the newest industry executive to accept a seat on the company’s board of directors. Krug has amassed more than 25 years of executive experience across the supply chain, including executive roles with high-volume shipper Honeywell, truckload carrier Knight-Swift, and 3PL GlobalTranz. She also sits on the board for trucking data and solutions provider SMC3 and served as a senior advisor for AIT’s financial partner, The Jordan Company. AIT’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Vaughn Moore, noted that Krug’s vast knowledge and strong network connections provide AIT’s board with a unique viewpoint. As the CEO of an innovative, data-driven freight software company, she also offers valuable supply chain solutions insight with respect to transformative technology. “I have great admiration for Renee’s accomplishments as an executive and her unrivaled understanding of the logistics industry,” he said. “I relied on her as a trusted confidant when AIT was evaluating new financial partners in 2020, so I’m very pleased to welcome her to the company’s board of directors where she’ll have an immediate positive impact.” “AIT has been remarkably impressive,” Krug said. “I have tremendous respect for the speed and tenacity Vaughn Moore and his team have demonstrated to grow the business exponentially over the past several years. I look forward to leveraging my 360-degree perspective of the industry as an active board member and working closely with the management team to help shape AIT’s strategy.” Krug received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and earned her MBA from Arizona State University. She lives in the Phoenix area, and her appointment to AIT’s board of directors is effective as of October 24, 2022, when she attended AIT’s fourth quarter board meeting.
Integreon Global appoints Hays as new president
Integreon Global, a family of companies that ensures product integrity and protection through innovative materials, testing services, packaging, monitoring solutions, and contract manufacturing, announced that Michael Hays has been named President, replacing Maurice Barakat, effective December 5, 2022. Mr. Barakat will assume the role of Executive Chairman and CEO. Mr. Hays’ new position is the culmination of several decades of leadership in the expandable polystyrene (EPS) industry, most recently as Vice President of Altor Solutions. His career path included management roles in business development, finance, and overall enterprise strategy and board-level involvement. As a long-term employee and eventual Division General Manager, he was integral in the growth of his original company, Premier Industries, which was later consolidated with Foam Fabricators and eventually transformed into Altor Solutions. Through each of these strategic phases, Mr. Hays’ expertise contributed to his teams winning numerous industry awards for clients in the technology, automotive, appliance, construction, and healthcare sectors. These accolades culminated with Michael receiving the EPS industry’s prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2022. “Michael is a people-first leader who comes to Integreon Global with a strong track record of expansion, coupled with a reputation for building a world-class packaging manufacturing group. Michael’s extensive management experience will help our business units accelerate their continuing development as a trusted partner of global manufacturers,” said Maurice Barakat. “I am proud and honored to become a part of the highly successful Integreon Global family,” said Michael Hays. “This is a wonderful opportunity to both lead and to provide outstanding service to our clients. Integreon has a strong, growing, and diversified suite of business units whose purpose is to protect people and products. The company’s unique blend of skilled experts, advanced materials, and innovative technologies across the entire enterprise position us perfectly to rise to the challenges of a global marketplace.” The Integreon group designs and manufactures polymeric foam beads, thermal packaging, and monitoring solutions, and provides testing, contract development, and manufacturing services. Integreon operates in four end markets: Pharmaceuticals, life sciences, perishable foods, and foam processors. Each of Integreon’s companies offers custom-engineered solutions and testing services critical to the end-to-end protection and efficient manufacturing of customers’ products.
Cody Upp joins Numina Group as VP of Strategy to Spearhead Robotic, AMR, and Pack Automation Solutions
Numina Group, an independent systems integrator providing warehouse automation and order fulfillment solutions, has announced the addition of Cody Upp to their management team. Cody has a strong background in both software and in warehouse robotics, most recently as one of 6 River Systems’ first go-to-markets hires, designing and supplying robotic order-picking solutions. Numina Group has experienced rapid growth in AMR and Robotic Goods to Person (G2P) solutions in order picking product movement and sorting for order fulfillment solutions. Cody’s experience brings immediate value to customers, allowing him to focus on next-generation robotics technologies that reduce labor and increase order throughput. The number of vendors in the warehouse automation ecosystem has ballooned in recent years, especially in the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) space, as providers respond to the need to reduce operators’ repetitive manual work tasks and wasted walk time. Numina Group’s extensive automation design expertise and proven warehouse automation software platform integrates multiple technologies, such as ASRS, AMRs, and Goods to Person (G2P) with traditional technologies such as pick by voice, pick to light, conveyor systems, and pack and ship automation into a unified warehouse automation solution. “Numina Group has been at the forefront of automation technologies for over 35 years. We develop real-time, software-driven solutions that increase customer profitability and reduce errors”, states Dan Hanrahan, Founder, and CEO of Numina Group. “Cody Upp is a great addition to our team, bringing expertise in AMR solutions and the Robot as a Service (RaaS) business model to our current family of warehouse automation, unifying order picking AMRs with Numina’s final 100’ of a DC’s pack and ship requirements by automating quality control, documentation, labeling, manifesting and sorting”, added Hanrahan. “I am very excited to join an established automation integration firm with a great reputation for innovation and look forward to drawing on my experience to further accelerate the use of robotics as a component within the overall solution. Defining and implementing systems that reduce our customer’s costs to fulfill an order and lower their risk of missing their customer’s delivery windows are benefits derived from deploying the right mix of AMRs with other warehouse automation technologies. My focus is to continue to productize and scale our automation solutions in order to provide immediate and lasting value in each client engagement,” stated Cody Upp.
John Groth is the new Vice President Pharma at OPTIMA Machinery Corporation
OPTIMA pharma is continuing to strengthen its market position in the USA As of September 26, 2022, John Groth took over as Vice President Pharma at Optima Machinery Corporation. His appointment at the U.S. subsidiary based in Green Bay, Wisconsin further strengthens the Optima Group’s pharmaceutical position in the USA and sets the stage for continued growth. “It feels like coming home,” says Groth, who after seven years with another manufacturer, returns to Optima as Vice President Pharma USA. North America is an important and growing market for Optima, especially for the pharmaceuticals business unit. Reflecting the sustained high demand in the sector for machines, systems, and services, Optima is pressing ahead with the strategic expansion of its regional organizations. “We are very pleased to have John Groth, an experienced manager who is very familiar with the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry and Optima,” says Gerhard Breu, Chairman of the Optima Pharma Division. “It shows that we take our partnership with our customers seriously and that we are doing all we can to continue to expand our market leadership in North America,” says Breu. Enabling growth through legacy and vision John Groth will be responsible for managing all areas of Optima’s Pharma Business Unit in the U.S. “I am very eager to be leading a group of highly talented experts and friends toward new success,” says Mr. Groth. “We continue to grow our presence and lay the foundations for expanding our portfolio.” For him, the empowerment of a great team is the prerequisite for achieving great results. With more than 13 years of experience in aseptic processing, Mr. Groth also brings more than 20 years of commercial finance experience. He recently completed his Master’s degree in Law from Northwestern University Law School and has degrees in Business Administration and Finance. “I understand our history and see the future, which for Optima is indeed very bright.”
Seeq appoints George Skaryak as Chief Revenue Officer
Seeq Corporation, a provider of manufacturing and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) advanced analytics software, announced the appointment of George Skaryak as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), a new member of the Seeq executive leadership team. Skaryak will lead all aspects of the company’s go-to-market, sales, and business development, focusing on new revenue opportunities. “This is an exciting time of growth for Seeq, and we’re thrilled to add a sales leader with a proven track record of growing SaaS businesses to bring more value to our customers,” says Dr. Lisa Graham, CEO at Seeq. “George’s rich background in enterprise sales and passion for hiring and training sales teams will be an invaluable addition to the executive team.” Skaryak brings more than 30 years of experience leading large teams and driving growth across many industries. Previously, Skaryak served as EVP of Worldwide Sales for Cyara, a leading customer experience assurance platform, where he was responsible for sales growth and leadership. Additionally, he has held various sales leadership roles at large and high-growth software companies, including IBM, 41st Parameter, Monster, and MetricStream. “Seeq has an undeniable product-market fit and an enthusiastic customer base, making this a pivotal time of growth for the company and the ideal time to join,” says Skaryak. “I look forward to collaborating with my Seeq colleagues to align sales, partners, customer success, and marketing through a unified approach to further accelerate Seeq’s global growth.” Seeq enables companies to address their key initiatives in workforce transition, digital transformation, and sustainability with self-serve advanced analytics that can access and leverage vast amounts of historically unused data. Engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations can rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and share insights to accelerate better production outcomes. Seeq customers include companies in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, power and utility, mining, food and beverage, pulp and paper, and other process industries. Investors in Seeq include Insight Ventures, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Cisco Investments. Seeq is available worldwide through a global partner network of system integrators, which provides training and resale support for Seeq in over 40 countries, in addition to its direct sales organization in North America and Europe. Drawing from his broad industry experience, Skaryak will help further Seeq’s revenue growth as its first CRO, advancing the company’s mission of empowering manufacturers to optimize business outcomes with advanced analytics. Skaryak holds a B.S. from California Polytechnic State University and is based in Pittsburgh, PA.
Toyota Material Handling Solutions hires Steve Dolphin as Chief Operating Officer
Toyota Material Handling Solutions (TMHS) has announced the addition of Steve Dolphin to its leadership team. As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Steve is responsible for day-to-day operations and executing the company’s long-term goals. “Steve and I worked closely together for the past seven years as TMHS evolved from a forklift dealer to a total solutions provider. His leadership style and commitment to doing things right impressed me from day one,” said Dr. Shankar Basu. “Steve’s experience in service, material handling, and commercial cleaning, coupled with his background in the military, make him the ideal person to help lead our organization as we change and grow in the coming years.” Dolphin formerly held management positions at Toyota Material Handling, Yale Chase Equipment and Services, and Raymond Handling Solutions, Inc and served as Vice President and General Manager for Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems of Southern California. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel for the United States Marine Corps. Steve earned his bachelor’s degree at Loras College, his master’s degree at The University of San Diego, and passed his doctoral comps with honors in business administration and international business at Argosy University. He currently resides in Long Beach, Calif.
Material Handling Education Foundation announces Cahners Award winner
During the 2022 MHI Annual Conference, the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI) presented the Norman L. Cahners Industry Award to David Lippert, President of Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Company. The Norman L. Cahners award is given to nominees who have continually made extraordinary contributions to the industry throughout their lifetime. Lippert is an industry veteran who has served on the MHI Board of Governors, MHI Roundtable Advisory Committee, MHEFI Board of Directors, an industry representative on the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE), as well as leadership roles for the Institute of Caster & Wheel Manufacturers and participation in the Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment Council. In addition to the Cahners award, MHEFI hosted a fundraiser at the 2022 MHI Annual Conference. MHEFI raised $71,707 over the course of the three-day conference through generous pledged and online donations from Annual Conference attendees and the silent auction. Funds are used to support the mission of the organization to provide financial support for educational programs to engage and retain talent for the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry.
KION NA announces territory expansion of Material Handling Inc.
KION North America has expanded territory in central Kentucky and Tennessee with dealer partner Material Handling Inc. (MHI). In addition to a territory expansion, Material Handling Inc. appoints an existing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, as an authorized Linde Material Handling and Baoli sales and service location. Material Handling, Inc. is authorized to sell KION North America’s portfolio of Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are proud to grow our territory with Material Handling Inc. into central Kentucky and Tennessee,” said Rick Schiel, Director of Distribution Management. “This organization has spent many years building its portfolio of exceptional products and services and is known for providing dependable solutions for its customers’ material handling needs. We are eager to see the positive impact of this expansion.” Since 1975, Material Handling, Inc. has provided custom material handling solutions for its customers. And by continuously putting its customers first, Material Handling Inc. has built the reputation of a trusted solutions provider throughout the areas they serve. Material Handling Inc. proudly offers forklift solutions, including warehouse products and repair and maintenance services. “We are excited to represent the full range of Linde Material Handling products to the important Knoxville, Tennessee, and central Kentucky markets,” said Mike Sain, Material Handling Inc. (MHI) President.
Shawn Marken Honored with PTDA Foundation’s 2022 Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award
Shawn Marken, BDI, has been honored as the 2022 recipient of the PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award. The award recognizes a woman who has established herself as a critical contributor to her company’s success and has affected positive change in the power transmission/motion control industry at any level in her career. Marken’s career began at Bearing Service Co. at a time when women were not given many opportunities for advancement. During her 40-plus-year career, she advanced into various leadership and management positions—from personnel supervisor to insurance administrator, to database editor, and many more. Today, she works as the manager of BDI’s Priority Accounts Data Support Team. She and her team manage large customer files ranging from 500 to 40,000+ lines. “Shawn has built a foundation of excellence in data management and process automation that has been taught to many others within our company,” says her colleague, Bill Shepard, vice president. “She is one of the primary resources that has enabled BDI to grow the priority accounts business over the past 15-20 years––one of our largest and fastest growing segments. There are not any significant priority account relationships that Shawn hasn’t played an integral role in winning, implementing, and optimizing.” Shawn is a sought-out colleague for her business acumen as well as her desire to grow the knowledge and experience of her team. As one colleague described Shawn in a letter to BDI’s U.S. president: “Shawn is not a manager. She is a leader. She has shown an abundance of patience, kindness, and understanding. She is constantly busy with her work, but always makes time to not only answer questions our team has (and we have a lot), but she makes it a point to TEACH us the answers.” The Wendy B. McDonald Award was established by the PTDA Foundation in 2014 to honor its namesake––Wendy B. McDonald––a true power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry pioneer. Read more about Shawn and this award at ptda.org/WendyBMcDonaldAward
PTDA Foundation presents Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award to Hafeez Hameer
Hafeez Hameer of Garlock Sealing Technologies has been recognized as the second recipient of the Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award. Hafeez currently serves as business development manager, Garlock Sealing Technologies –KLOZURE® Seals, a role he assumed in early 2022. His industry peers describe him as someone who “leads with integrity, excitement, and sincerity at Garlock and the PTDA Foundation.” He is not afraid to try new and innovative ideas and presents his well-thought-out ideas with enthusiasm and logic. Hafeez’s self-proclaimed fulfillment lies in building connections with people, opportunities, and products—earmarks of a true leader. Hameer began his career in the power transmissions/motion control (PT/MC) industry in 2014, joining now Freudenberg-NOK as a national account manager for North America. Hafeez’s strong business ethics, hard work, and relationship-building resulted in double-digit sales growth for the company over several years. He was instrumental in implementing data cleansing/analytics market analysis and new products initiatives with one of the largest distributors, also resulting in increased sales. Hafeez demonstrates a dedication and desire to better the PT/MC industry. He speaks with passion about making the industry more accessible to those who may not know about it and improving it for those who currently work in it. Hafeez is an avid supporter and promoter of the industry and currently serves as a Vice President of the PTDA Foundation Board of Trustees. The Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award was established in 2021. Its namesake—past PTDA Foundation president and 25-year PTDA Foundation Trustee Bob Callahan (formerly of SENQCIA MAXCO LLC)—passed away in 2021. In recognition of Bob’s commitment to advancing new talent within the PT/MC industry, the PTDA Foundation established this award to recognize a young leader who exhibits a true passion for and desire to grow within the industry. The first award was bestowed in October 2021. You can read more about Hameer and the award at ptda.org/CallahanAward
ISS appoints Addison Bridges as Regional Business Manager
Former Eagle Eye Networks strategic account rep to drive company’s sales efforts in the western U.S. ISS (Intelligent Security Systems), a global provider of video intelligence and data awareness solutions, is pleased to announce that Addison Bridges has joined the company as a Regional Business Manager for North America. In her new role, Bridges will be responsible for spearheading the company’s business development efforts across the western U.S. Prior to joining ISS, Bridges served as a Strategic Account Representative for Eagle Eye Networks, one of the industry’s leading providers of cloud video services. A graduate of Texas State University, Bridges joined Eagle Eye in 2020 as an Account Manager, beginning with inside sales before quickly transitioning to work with some of the company’s national accounts. “I am excited to join the ISS family and look forward to the journey ahead with one of the leading artificial intelligence companies in the world,” Bridges said. “Addison will be a great resource to our partners and end-users alike. Her experience, combined with the ISS mission of delivering high-trust AI, will be incredibly valuable to our partners and end users in the western U.S. as we expand in the North American market,” added Matt Powell, Managing Director of North America at ISS. “I’m extremely glad to have her on our team and look forward to the value she brings to our growing organization.” Bridges is the third Regional Business Manager hired by ISS since early September, joining Jacob Jablonski (southeast) and Matt Tomao (northeast). She can be reached at addison.bridges@issivs.com.
Sara Vincent joins JLG and JERR-DAN as Director of Marketing
Oshkosh Corporation companies JLG Industries, Inc. and Jerr-Dan Corporation, LLC have hired Sara Vincent as the new Director of Marketing for the Access segment. In this role, Vincent will lead marketing and communications initiatives for JLG® mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, as well as Jerr-Dan® towing and recovery equipment in North America and Latin America. Vincent brings nearly 20 years of communications and marketing experience to this role, most recently as the Vice President of Marketing for Arete, a global cyber risk company. She also has vast experience in the telecommunications industry, having led branding, public relations, channel marketing, and new-market initiatives for both T-Mobile and AT&T. Vincent holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and is a student in the Master of Business Administration program at the University of Baltimore. “Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to this role that will support JLG’s and Jerr-Dan’s continued leadership in North and Latin America,” says Tim Morris, JLG senior vice president of sales, marketing, and customer support. “She understands how to create strategic marketing initiatives to achieve our goals, and as she gains deeper knowledge of our businesses and operations, she’ll be a valuable resource for the company in reaching our customers.” “I am excited to join the JLG and Jerr-Dan teams and look forward to contributing to our continued success,” says Vincent. “It’s an exciting time to bolster the team’s efforts to increase the presence of these iconic, innovation-driven brands in the Americas.” Vincent takes over the company’s efforts from Jennifer Stiansen, who has transitioned to her new role as Vice President of Global Branding and Communications for Oshkosh Corporation.
Michael Cinquemani, Master Power Transmission, honored with PTDA Warren Pike Award
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Michael Cinquemani the 31st recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. He received the accolade during the PTDA 2022 Industry Summit on October 28 in Nashville. Established in 1984, the Warren Pike Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding, continuous, long-term support of PTDA and the PT/MC industry and is only presented when an individual’s achievements merit this prestigious recognition. Warren Pike Award recipients are selected by the PTDA Board of Directors. Michael’s dedication to the industry began early in his career with Rockwell Automation. The 2007 sale of the company to Baldor Electric Company gave him the opportunity to demonstrate his acumen in leading people and building relationships. In 2010, Michael bought Master Power Transmission, where he inspires and motivates his team on a daily basis. Michael began attending the PTDA Industry Summit in 2004 and was quickly tapped as a volunteer on the Membership Committee. From there, Michael served on more than nine committees and task forces, including leading as the Manufacturer Council as chair and serving on the PTDA Board of Directors for multiple terms. With a passion for giving back and building the next-generation workforce, Michael facilitated a full-day workshop at the Leadership Development Conference in 2016. In his acceptance speech, Michael shared, “Working with friends makes for trusting relationships which elevate our performance. This makes us more effective in our jobs. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work in this industry with my friends.” The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.