Grote Industries has hired Robert “Jim” Holmes as Southeastern OEM regional sales manager. Holmes has 15 years experience in the OEM sales and support market and most recently was employed as a sales manager for SSI technologies.
“Jim brings a wealth of experience to this position in our OEM sales group,” says Eric Thorstensen, Grote director of sales. “We are pleased to have him as part of our team.”
The company also introduced Mark Blackford as a national fleet manager and Kent Bode as a national account manager and manager of the South Central aftermarket region. Blackford, who has worked with Grote for more than 20 years, will be responsible for managing all fleet activities for OEM and aftermarket sales.
“Mark is the perfect Grote candidate for this highly important job,” says John Grote, vice president of sales and marketing. “His relationship with the fleets and distributors is second to none. He has extensive experience in training and technical problem solving, and has a proven track record of managing results to exceed expectations.”
Bode has spent the last 15 years with Grote and will be managing the day-to-day activities of five heavy-duty direct field sales managers in 12 southeastern states in his new position. He also will manage activities and program rollouts for Grote’s various aftermarket heavy-duty groups.
“Kent’s abilities to execute and produce results are outstanding. Combined with his years of Grote aftermarket product development experience, our customers will receive top expert support in all areas of their lighting business,” says Matt Forner, Grote director of aftermarket sales.
