Ring-O-Matic
After back-to-back years of distribution expansion and market share growth, Ring-O-Matic located in Pella, Iowa, added two new team members and coverage re-alignment.
Mitch Holcomb assumes the role of Regional Sales Manager covering the Central & Northeast region of the United States, formerly covered by Luke Sarver, who is shifting to the Southeast region. Holcomb comes to Ring-O-Matic with dealer support experience from the HDD market.
Randy Hayes joins the company as National Account Manager, responsible for strengthening relationships with current National Account partners in North America while expanding partnerships with new National Account/Fleet customers. Hayes brings a very successful career in dealer development and national accounts in the vacuum lifting equipment industry.
“Taking care of our customers with expanded distribution and market coverage has been a key focus for us. As we grow our market share, ensuring both our Dealer Network, and our boots on the ground customers are taken care of, is our number one priority.” says Tony Bokhoven, director of sales and business development.
McElroy
McElroy, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, has added three people to its 2024 Fusion Hall of Fame.
Created in 2019, the Fusion Hall of Fame recognizes the innovators whose commitment to development and acceptance of fusible plastic pipe has significantly advanced the fusible plastic pipe industry over the past 50 years. Inductees are individuals whose contributions have been particularly notable and whose impact and influence on the industry live on today.
“This year, we’re honored to recognize three individuals whose legacies are truly monumental,” said Chip McElroy, president and CEO. “Without their tireless efforts, we as a company and as an industry would not be able to celebrate the successes that we have today. As McElroy celebrates its 70th anniversary, we’re excited to be able to add their names and their stories to the Fusion Hall of Fame.”
Bob Biffle began his McElroy career in the grind shop in early 1976. Recognizing the value of his work ethic and people skills, company leadership shifted him into the role of a sales and technical service representative, in 1981. There, he worked directly with customers and end users, operating fusion machines and teaching others how to use them along the way.
Through his nearly 33-year tenure with McElroy, he developed a reputation for being a patient teacher, a skilled technician, and a committed member of Team McElroy. Thanks to his devotion, McElroy’s machines today are the number-one choice on fusion job sites around the world.
He had a gift for connecting with and working effectively with everyone, from company owners to fusion operators to utility executives. Much of the success McElroy sees in North America stems directly from Bob’s efforts to promote and educate others about the benefits of high-density polyethylene pipe (HDPE).
In 1954, Ed Lee founded Lee Supply out of his Pennsylvania garage. When his sons, Mike and David, took the helm, they saw the opportunity to expand the company beyond its roots as a supply company for the coal mining industry.
The Lee brothers diversified their products to include industrial, municipal, and environmental markets. That included the introduction of high-density polyethylene pipe, specialty fittings, and custom fabrications. The brothers recognized the value of HDPE and pipe fusion and began making in-roads into other markets, such as water and natural gas distribution.
Today, Lee Supply is a testament to the brothers’ work ethic. Their efforts to promote and educate their customers in the many benefits and applications of HDPE has translated into a legacy that is unmatched in their area. Through the mantle of their father’s business, the Lee brothers transformed Lee Supply into a company recognized for its commitment to quality, service, and community support.
Tnemec
Jack Walker joined Tnemec Company, a leader in industrial coatings, as technical marketing manager. With over 20 years of experience in the painting and coatings industry, Walker brings knowledge and expertise to Tnemec.
Beginning his career as a residential painter in 2002,in 2007 he transitioned to the lab at Carboline, where his technical skills evolved while developing advanced spray procedures for new products and technologies. This role laid the groundwork for a move to Technical Service in 2010.
In 2018, Walker launched an industry insights blog and technical service podcast, producing over 200 episodes that covered a wide range of topics, including industry standards, best practices, and interviews with industry experts. In his new role, he plans to continue the Coatings Decoded podcast with regular episodes featuring industry experts and topics. The podcast will discuss industry problems and solutions, the importance of high-performance coatings, and other coatings considerations.
"I am excited to join Tnemec's dynamic team and contribute to its tradition of excellence and innovation," said Walker. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to help deliver industry-leading solutions that meet our customers' needs."
Truline Infrastructure Solutions
Trueline Infrastructure Solutions, a full-service, technology-enabled infrastructure company that designs, constructs, deploys, and manages top-tier digital infrastructure for the telecommunications and utility industries, has appointed Rob Hughart as CEO.
Previously, Hughart served as the Interim CEO of Young’s Communications, Atlantic Engineering, and Fiber Optic Services, the three companies backed by Grain Management, LLC that came together to form Trueline in September 2024.
Hughart joined the business in July 2023 as COO, following a nationwide recruitment search. In that role, he exercised strategic oversight of several business units, including Engineering & Construction Operations, Business Development, Project Controls, Digital Transformation, Support Services, and Marketing. He also led the integration and transformation of the three predecessor companies to form Trueline Infrastructure Solutions, a premier full suite infrastructure services provider.
He brings more than 30 years of leadership, building and scaling large organizations that design, construct, and maintain NextGen broadband infrastructure networks for telecommunications and utilities clients across the country. He also has comprehensive experience specializing in customer relationships, business operations, strategic planning, execution, and service delivery, with a focus on driving growth in a highly competitive environment. Prior to joining Trueline, Hughart held leadership positions at Tilson Technology, KGPCo, Frontier Communications, Verizon, and Bell Atlantic.
Trueline Infrastructure Solutions is a leading technology enabled infrastructure services provider, specializing in design, engineering, construction, and contracting services to the telecommunications and utility industry to build resilient, reliable next-generation infrastructures. Trueline services establish the benchmark for safety, reliability, and data-driven decision-making in infrastructure project construction. UI