Here are the latest hirings and promotions in the commercial vehicle industry for April 2023.
Bartec USA hires Midwest field service rep
Bartec USA, a wheel and tire service supplier and developer that provides tire pressure monitoring system solutions, has hired Jason Miller as field service representative for the Midwest. Miller is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and first began his career in the automotive industry as a lot attendant. Miller has spent over 17 years in the auto industry, prior to which he served as a Continental Connection pilot in Florida. A Penn State Erie graduate in business and managerial economics, Miller has served as a general manager for Lithia Motors, Inc., and a finance manager for North Hills Toyota.
"We are excited to have Jason join the Bartec Team, he brings a top level of professionalism and strong work ethic that matches our existing team,” said Bartec Director of Sales Ed Jones.
Blaine Brothers names new president
Tim Grabow has succeeded Dean Dally as the president of the Blaine Brothers Family of Companies, which offers truck and trailer repair, parts, mobile service, and towing. Dally served with Blaine Brothers for over 44 years, serving in various roles before becoming the company’s sole owner in 2006. Meanwhile, Tim Grabow first joined Blaine Brothers in 2001, eventually ascending to VP in 2012 and overseeing sales and operations at every Blaine Brothers location from then onward. Additionally, Grabow has also served as a board member for HDA Truck Pride since 2019. Dally will keep his position as a board member for the company.
“A lot of work has been put into preserving the culture and the new leadership team has excelled in showing the values Dean built. The company will continue to sustain the family values the company was founded on,” said Tim Grabow, “and I'm excited to see what we can do next, together, to continue to serve our customers and the future of the companies.”
FleetPride gets new CEO
FleetPride, a distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts, appointed Kevin Weadick to succeed Mike Duffy as the company’s CEO, who is continuing to hold his role as executive chairman and lead the company’s board of directors.
Prior to taking on this role, Weadick most recently served as president for Zoro.com, a subsidiary of W.W. Grainger Inc., and held other roles with Grainger as well. These included VP of supply chain and marketing for Grainger Europe, VP of Americas SAP, and VP product management for Grainger Canada. A graduate of the Wisconsin School of Business, Weadick began his career as an assurance manager before joining Grainger, where he served in various managerial roles before progressing to directorial roles, and then his first VP position at the end of 2009.
"As we continue to accelerate our digital transformation, Kevin's strong track record of success leading technology and operations functions will be critical in driving innovation, and executing our long-term growth strategy for FleetPride as we continue to lead as the nation's largest distributor of truck and trailer parts and service in the independent heavy duty aftermarket," Duffy said.
Kinedyne finds new VP of sales and marketing
Ellie Ramey has accepted the position of VP for sales and marketing with Kinedyne, a producer of cargo securement and control technology. In her new role, Ramey will direct sales and marketing for Kinedyne’s Core Cargo, Curtainside Solutions, and Decking Solutions segments in the U.S. and Canada. This will include expanding sales and marketing efforts for the Defend brand, as well as holding indirect sales and marketing responsibilities for all the company’s segments in Mexico. Prior to joining Kinedyne, Ramey served as the VP of sales at Global Finishing Solutions, as well has holding various positions in sales leadership and account management at Akzo Nobel and General Motors’ accessory distributor, VIP Distributing Company.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of Spring Hill College, Ramey is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the same institution.
“Adept at challenges in new markets, Ellie is a natural fit for Kinedyne due to her extensive history of increasing market penetration through distribution platforms across North America,” said Dan Schlotterbeck, Kinedyne president. “I am confident that her business acumen managing distribution channel sales and extensive experience in talent development and quantitative analysis, will help Kinedyne achieve our sales goals and drive our overall strategic plan.”
LCI Industries executive VP and CFO
LCI Industries, via its subsidiary Lippert Components, Inc., an automotive component manufacturer, appointed Lillian D. Etzkorn to the position of executive VP and CFO, succeeding Brian Hall, who will stay on as an advisor during the transition period. Prior to her new role with Lippert, Etzkorn served as Covia’s chief financial officer and held multiple financial leadership roles such as CFO at Shiloh Industries and CPI CARD GROUP. As well as this, Etzkorn previously served in several senior positions at Dana Holding Corporation, including VP and treasurer; and Ford Motor Company, such as director of investor relations and controller for Ford’s truck, SUV and commercial vehicles. Etzkorn also currently serves on the board of directors for Matthews International.
“Lillian has had an esteemed career, solidifying her financial acumen and industrial and manufacturing expertise,” said Tracy D. Graham, chairman of Lippert’s board of directors. “In her past roles, she has demonstrated her ability to create positive change and produce results, efficiently aligning internal teams to enhance profitability and cash generation. Lillian’s numerous accomplishments give us great confidence in her ability to extend our financial and operational leadership.”
Lubrication Specialties (LSI) hires marketing director
Bud Prenatt joined Lubrication Specialties (LSI), an oil, lubricant, and additive manufacturer, as the company’s latest addition to its marketing team, serving as the marketing director. Formerly a product marketing manager for Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc., Prenatt will now oversee and develop promotional strategies for Hot Shot’s Secret across several channels. Prior to this, Prenatt spent nearly 20 years in sales and marketing after earning his MBA from Ohio Dominican university, after which he began his career as an entry-level operator at Beach Mold & Tool, Inc., before pivoting to account manager at Nifco America Corp and, later, product marketing manager at Core Molding Technologies.
Bud’s background fits squarely with our goals to capitalize on his heavy-duty industry knowledge and his ability to recognize unrealized potential in new markets,” said LSI President Brett Tennar. “We are very excited to have him on board and look forward to implementing his ideas for growth.”
Merchants Fleet names manager of EV charging infrastructure
Merchants Fleet, a company that focuses on fleet optimization, has appointed Patrick Mitchell as manager of EV charging infrastructure, during which he’ll support Merchants’ move toward sustainability and fleet electrification alongside VP of fleet electrification and sustainability Hari Nayar. This will include supporting the company’s clients with planning, assessment, and deployment of EV charging and infrastructure. A former fleet manager, Mitchell served as senior fleet manager at Enel North America for nearly seven years during the company’s transition to hybrid and EV vehicles, prior to which he worked as the facilities specialist for Enel Green Power North America, Inc.
“Patrick’s expertise, energy, and vision are tremendous assets to our electrification initiatives,” said Nayar. “He is joining the Merchants team at a pivotal time, where his vast industry knowledge is essential to helping our clients navigate the evolving EV landscape.”
Meet Phillips Connect's new VP of enterprise sales
Jerry Mensinger has joined Phillips Connect, a telematics and data provider, as the fleet’s VP of enterprise sales. Mensinger’s new duties come after serving with Werner Enterprises for over 25 years in sales leadership roles, most recently associate VP of specialized sales, and prior to that, as associate VP of corporate accounts. These positions have developed Mensinger’s experience in new business development, spend diversification, and margin improvement.
“Knowing the challenges as well as the opportunities of running a large fleet operation as Jerry does will represent Phillips Connect well as the best solution for those companies to optimize the management of their assets,” said Rob Phillips, CEO and president. “Jerry will communicate the advantages of our systems to the major commercial fleets in North America."
