Through a combination of new hires and promotions, Webb Wheel OEM Business says it continues to build its sales organization. In the fourth quarter 2012, Webb began the implementation of a direct fleet sales program with the addition of Jim LeClaire as account executive – fleet accounts. Continuing that effort, Webb has hired Jake Young to fill an additional account executive – fleet accounts position.
Webb says it has also strengthened their OEM sales team with the promotion of Philip Jay (PJ) Caplan to national OEM sales manager and the addition of Jim Rosema as a new senior account executive – OEM accounts. Each of these personnel appointments reinforces Webb’s commitment to the commercial vehicle industry and their goal of improving customer service and technical support to vehicle manufacturers and operators. Webb Wheel has been supplying U.S. manufactured wheel-end components to the heavy duty truck and trailer industry for more than six decades.
· Jim LeClaire joined Webb in December 2012 after sixteen years with Horton. He is a long time member and Silver Spark Plug recipient of the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Association currently leading the council’s mentoring program for new members.
· Jake Young comes to Webb with fleet sales experience gained at Stemco and Haldex Brake Corporation. He has also been responsible for preparing specifications for new truck equipment through his employment as an account executive with Western Idaho Freightliner where he additionally directed the dealership’s sales and marketing functions. At Webb, Young joins the company’s growing fleet sales organization and brings his past experience to that effort. He holds BA degree from Eastern Washington University and has certifications from the Truck Marketing Institute and Freightliner.
· PJ Caplan has been with Webb since 2005 when he joined the OEM Business as an OEM account executive. He was promoted to Senior OEM Account Executive in 2011. In his new role, Caplan will direct the company’s sales efforts at original equipment manufacturers. The company has a historically strong relationship with vehicle builders and Caplan will be responsible for additional growth and development in this area. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and has earned Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) and Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) designations.
· Jim Rosema accepted his new position with Webb after spending ten years with Hadley in increasingly responsible OEM and first tier supplier sales positions, most recently as senior regional account manager. At Webb, Rosema will be responsible for growing the company’s OEM presence building upon his past experience. He has a B.A. degree from Davenport University and an M.B.A. from Michigan State University. Rosema is a U.S. Army veteran.
Chad Plank, president Webb Wheel OEM commented on the personnel additions and the company’s growth: “The Webb brand has a strong reputation in the industry. We understand that person to person relationships are important for building upon that to further grow our original equipment business, and that includes having direct dialogue with vehicle operators. We’re pleased that quality, experienced people like these four are part of that effort.”
