Fire-Dex Family
Executive Leadership
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Bill Burke
Chairman
Bill is the Chairman and Owner of Fire-Dex. He originally joined the team as a Sales Representative in 1984 before becoming VP of Sales & Marketing in 1989 then President/Part Owner in 1997, and eventually owner in 2007. Bill went to Ohio University and the University of Akron for his undergraduate degree and received an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.723.0000
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Steve Allison
CEO
Steve is the CEO of Fire-Dex with over 25 years of fire service personal protective equipment manufacturing and sales experience. Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Wittenberg University and previously served as the company's President (3 years), Director of Sales (2yrs), and VP of Sales & Marketing (2yrs).
330.427.8439
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Lauren Burke DeVere
President
Lauren is the eldest daughter of Chairman and Owner Bill Burke. She began her journey at Fire-Dex in April 2019 as a Metro Sales Manager, where she fully immersed herself in the metro sales process, allowing her to gain the promotion of Director of Metro Sales in 2021. Her aggressive leadership prowess and industry expertise quickly earned her the promotion to President of Fire-Dex in 2021. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications / Media Studies from Ohio University, where she graduated with honors.
330.730.8875
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Taylor Burke Gilman
President of Gear Wash
As the youngest daughter of Chairman and Owner Bill Burke, Taylor joined the Fire-Dex Family in January 2019 as our Customer Relations Manager. Quickly after, in August 2019, she became Division Manager of Gear Wash, where she confidently led the onboarding of two acquisitions for Gear Wash in Milwaukee and Hudson, granting her the promotion to Director of Gear Wash in 2021 and eventually President of Gear Wash in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications and a Master of Science in Business Management from the University of Florida.
330.241.2101
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John Karban
Vice President of Operations
John joined Fire-Dex in October, 2003 as Plant Manager and was promoted to Vice President of Operations in January, 2016. John holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics and Management from Hiram College.
330.249.7626
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Dave Liana
Vice President of Finance, CFO
Dave joined Fire-Dex in August, 1990 as our controller. He was promoted to Vice President of Finance and CFO in January, 2016. Dave holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Cleveland State University.
330.249.7630
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Todd Herring
Vice President, Product Innovation and Strategy
Todd began his journey at Fire-Dex in September of 2015 as part of the acquisition of TECGEN. With over 20 years of experience in the protective textile industry, Todd was soon promoted to Director of Marketing and Product Development in August, 2016. Gaining the title of Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy in 2021, Todd currently leads the newly created Product Innovation and Strategy team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from NC State University.
864.497.6901
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Jeff Koledo
Vice President of Sales
Jeff joined Fire-Dex in August 2006 as a Regional Sales Manager. His intense work ethic and dedication to the organization earned him the promotion from Senior RSM in 2010 to National Sales Manager in 2016 and most recently to Vice President of Sales in 2020.
802.380.0844
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Jenny Surovey
Vice President of Marketing
Jenny joined the organization in 2015 as the Assistant Marketing Manager and received her first promotion to Marketing Manager in 2017. She efficiently led the transformation of the marketing team, earning her the title of Director of Marketing in 2021. One year later, she was promoted to Vice President of Marketing due to her exemplary skills and continued growth within the company. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University in Public Relations and a Masters of Science in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.
330.427.8416
Sales Operations
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Jackie Dobro
Director of Sales Operations
Since joining Fire-Dex in May of 2013 as a Customer Service Representative, Jackie has since been promoted to Sales Administrator in early 2017 and then to Sales Operations Manager in 2019. Her expertise and commitment to the sales team have earned her most recent promotion to Director of Sales Operations in 2022. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Ohio State University.
330.427.8453
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Jordan Smitek
Sales Operations Manager
Jordan Smitek joined Fire-Dex in July of 2018 to take on the role of Sales Manager Trainee. In 2019, she transitioned to Sales Operations Administrator. Her dependability and attention to detail have since earned her the promotion to Sales Operations Manager in 2022. Jordan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Kent State University.
330.427.8375
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Jamie Brown
Database Coordinator
With a strong background in data management, research, and reporting, Jamie Brown joined Fire-Dex in April 2021 as the Database Coordinator to assist in maintaining the data within our CRM systems. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.
330.427.8450
Sales - AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, OK, OR, UT, WA, WY
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Tory King
Zone 1 Regional Zone Director
Tory joined Fire-Dex in November of 2010 as a Denver based RSM. He has since been promoted to Senior RSM in January of 2016 then to Regional Zone Director in 2020. His growing support covers the following areas: CO, ID, MT, OK, OR, WA, WY, AZ, and NM.
303.903.7731
Sales - IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI
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Jim Cedar
Zone 2 Regional Zone Director
Jim joined Fire-Dex in October 2017 as Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-America Territory. He was quickly promoted to a Regional Zone Director in 2020, covering IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, KS, ML, and WI. Jim has previously sold Fire-Dex and has prior experience in distribution as a Territory Sales Rep. and a Sales Manager. Jim also served in the volunteer fire service for almost 10 years, which includes several years as a NYS EMT.
307.267.3555
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Bruce Scheck
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager
Bruce joined Fire-Dex in February of 2011 as our Regional Sales Manager for the Great Lakes Territory which covers MI, OH, and KY. He has extensive sales experience working with other manufacturers within the fire industry. Bruce holds an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Kellogg Community College.
269.762.2172
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Jeff Paul
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager
Jeff accepted a position as Territory Sales Representative for KS, IA, ND, NE, MN, and SD in May 2019. Over the years, he has demonstrated his previous 6 years of fire industry sales experience in the field. His continued growth and dedication have earned him the promotion to Regional Sales Manager in 2022. Jeff is an active member of the Ogallala Honor Guard and has a Bachelor of Arts from South Dakota State University.
402.844.0131
Sales - AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX
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David Moore
Zone 3 Regional Zone Director
David joined Fire-Dex in August, 2015 as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central East Coast. He was promoted in 2020 to oversee the following states: AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, AR, TX, and KY. David graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 2004 and has a long sales history within the fire industry.
910.899.6073
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Bart Brown
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager
Bart began his career as a Territory Sales Representative in June, 2019. In 2021, he earned the promotion to Regional Sales Manager and currently oversees AL, AR, MS, KY, and TN. With a Bachelor's Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Columbia College, Bart brings over 15 years of passionate fire industry experience.
615.580.5162
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Kelly Varwig
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager: Texas
Kelly was hired in February of 2020 to help build and strengthen customer relationships throughout the state of Texas. He began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1988 while attending the University of Northern Colorado. He brings with him diverse and advanced experience as a City of Euless firefighter, a Fire/EMS Educator and CareFlite Medic.
830.955.6248
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Josh Dancey
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager
Josh joined Fire-Dex in March 2020. He gained valuable experience working for two of our distributors and investing 20 years with the Charlotte Fire Department serving as the Fire Service and Live Burn Instructor. His resilience and passion for the fire service have earned him the promotion to Regional Sales Manager in 2022. Josh covers all Florida and Georgia accounts.
704.929.9164
Sales - CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV
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Rob Milideo
Zone 4 Regional Zone Director
Rob is our Regional Zone Director for Zone 4 which covers DC, DE, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, MA, RI, VA, VT, and WV. He joined Fire-Dex in May of 2017 as a Regional Sales Manager and previously sold Fire-Dex through our distribution. Rob is a life-long member of the Washington Township Fire Department.
856.404.1273
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Scott Wilkinson
Zone 4 Regional Sales Manager
Scott joined Fire-Dex in August 2018 as our Regional Sales Manager, covering CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, & VT. Additionally, Scott manages the Maritime provinces. He serves as a Volunteer Captain at Moyers Corners Fire Department in NY.
315.901.2998
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Tim Hall
Zone 4 Regional Sales Manager
Tim joined Fire-Dex in March 2020. Originally from upstate New York, Tim began his career in the fire service industry by selling ambulances and fire trucks. With 23 years of serving as a volunteer firefighter, Tim brings first-hand knowledge to the field. His invaluable expertise and credibility have earned him the promotion to Regional Sales Manager in 2022. He covers MD, VA, WV, and DE.
919.766.1592
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Jon Sawyer
Zone 4 Territory Sales Representative
Jon Sawyer began his career at Fire-Dex in June 2021 as a Territory Sales Representative covering Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. He offers a deep understanding of the fire industry serving as the Lieutenant of Peterborough Fire Rescue in NH for 23 years. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University.
330.617.8557
Sales - CA, NV, Metro, & International
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Allen Rom
Director of International Sales
Allen is our Director of International Sales and has been part of the Fire-Dex family since 2000, making him the most tenured member of our sales team. He has filled several different sales roles and has earned multiple promotions throughout his time with us. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Ashland College and has decades of experience in sales, management, and customer relations
330.242.1923
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Brian Cox
Territory T51 Regional Sales Manager
As the Regional Sales Manager for CA, NV, and HI, Brian brings his excellent customer relation prowess and passion for helping others to the team along with 32 years of firefighting experience, in January of 2021.
330.666.6331
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Erika Fullick
Metropolitan Account Representative,
Erika joined Fire-Dex in 2022 as the Metropolitan Account Representative and brings over 6 years of sales experience in the Fire and EMS industry. The excellent communication and relationship-building skills she brings to the field are invaluable.
234-900-4773
Marketing
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Jenny Surovey
Vice President of Marketing
Jenny joined the organization in 2015 as the Assistant Marketing Manager and received her first promotion to Marketing Manager in 2017. She efficiently led the transformation of the marketing team, earning her the title of Director of Marketing in 2021. One year later, she was promoted to Vice President of Marketing due to her exemplary skills and continued growth within the company. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University in Public Relations and a Masters of Science in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.
330.427.8416
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Amanda Yandell
Brand & Events Manager
Contributing to various marketing initiatives is Amanda Yandell, who joined Fire-Dex in 2017 as the Digital Marketing Specialist. In 2021, she earned the promotion of Brand & Events Manager where she continues to aid marketing growth strategies involving graphic design, photography, and videography. Amanda holds a Bachelor's Degree from The Ohio State University.
330.427.8418
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Alexa Green
Content Marketing Coordinator
Alexa Green joined Fire-Dex in March of 2020 as the Content Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Kent State University.
330.427.8469
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Julie Spragg
Marketing Technology Specialist
Julie Spragg joined Fire-Dex in October of 2020 as the Marketing Technology Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Information Design with a focus on Web Application from Winthrop University in SC.
330.427.8436
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Shannon Lienemann
Email Marketing Specialist
Shannon Lienemann joined Fire-Dex in July of 2021 as the Email Marketing Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati.
330.591.9618
Customer Service
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Jennifer Faust
Customer Service Manager
Jennifer joined Fire-Dex in January of 2013 as a Customer Service Representative. She was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor in January of 2014 and now leads the Customer Service team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Miami University.
330.427.8454
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Paula Komm
Customer Service Representative
Paula joined Fire-Dex in August of 2001 as a Customer Service Representative and has almost 30 years of experience in customer relations.
330.249.7627
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Michelle Petrie
Customer Service Representative
Michelle joined the Fire-Dex Turnout Assembly production team in May 2014. She was promoted to a Customer Service Representative in May 2016 and is a Safety Committee member. Michelle has a B.A. from the University of Akron and a Master’s Degree from Strayer University. She’s veteran having served our country in U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and the Ohio Army National Guard.
330.348.5983
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Jennifer Rose
Customer Service Representative
Jennifer joined Fire-Dex in September of 2012 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.427.4078
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Michelle Slawson
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Michelle joined Fire-Dex in July, 2017 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Heidelberg College and has over 11 years of Customer Service experience.
330.427.8203
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Monica Bildstein
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Monica joined the Fire-Dex team in April 2019 as a Customer Service Representative with over 15 years of customer service experience in the manufacturing industry.
330.427.8449
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Bernice Martin
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Prior to joining Fire-Dex as a Customer Service Representative in October 2019, Bernice gained over 17 years of customer support experience working in other industries.
330.249.7629
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Rose Warington
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Rose joined the Fire-Dex team in January, 2017 as a Customer Service Representative. She holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Business from Ohio Business College and brings over 15 years of customer service experience, 8 of those years specific to a manufacturing environment.
330.427.8417
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Sarina Johnson
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Sarina joined Fire-Dex in April 2022 as a Customer Service Representative to communicate with and help support our customers regarding orders and various questions. She is an experienced leader in the first responder industry and is an enthusiastic team player.
330.400.3070
Product Innovation and Strategy
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Todd Herring
Vice President, Product Innovation and Strategy
Todd began his journey at Fire-Dex in September of 2015 as part of the acquisition of TECGEN. With over 20 years of experience in the protective textile industry, Todd was soon promoted to Director of Marketing and Product Development in August, 2016. Gaining the title of Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy in 2021, Todd currently leads the newly created Product Innovation and Strategy team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from NC State University.
864.497.6901
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Matt Colatruglio
Product Manager
With 14 years of technical flame-resistant textile experience and 5 years in business development and sales, Matt joined Fire-Dex as the Product Manager in November of 2020. His diverse background offers a unique ability to analyze complex market environments and apply strategic solutions.
330.722.2885
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Stacy Foster
Asst. Product Manager
Stacy joined Fire-Dex in June of 1998 as a Sewer on the Liners team. She worked up to Production Supervisor and eventually became responsible for all Fire-Dex product changes. Stacy was promoted to Assistant Product Manager in January of 2016.
330.427.8473
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Matt Shurtz
Product Manager
Equipped with 15 years of comprehensive management experience in operations, Matt brings his keen insight to Fire-Dex as the Product Manager in December of 2020. His innovative product design planning skills demonstrate a results-oriented drive to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
330.664.9031
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Grant Hoffmann
Quality Assurance Administrator
Grant was hired at Fire-Dex in 2022 as the Quality Assurance Administrator to support the progression of our quality management system and compliance requirements. Grant holds a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University.
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Nick Lino
Supply Chain Manager
Nick started at Fire-Dex in August 2011 in our Shipping and Receiving Department, where he excelled in customer service and accuracy. In 2015, Nick accepted the responsibility of TECGEN51 Coordinator and then became the Team Lead for our TECGEN51 line. In 2019, he became the Supply Chain Coordinator and, by 2022, Nick earned the role of Supply Chain Manager. Nick has a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University and a CSCP certification from the Association for Supply Chain Management.
330.294.9180
Support Staff
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Dan McNamara
Controller
Dan joined Fire-Dex in October 2021 as our Controller and is involved in all financial aspects of the company. Throughout his career in public accounting, he has developed strong technical abilities and a team-oriented mindset that is perfect for his role. Dan successfully graduated from John Carroll University with a major in Accountancy.
330.249.7007
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Maged Baskhron
Project Manager
Maged joined Fire-Dex in April 2019. As Project Manager he leads and implements technological solutions to improve safety, quality, and cost. Maged obtained his BA in Business and Accounting from Hellwan University in Cairo, Egypt. He also serves as our Safety Coordinator.
330.427.8445
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Valerie Kreuder
Accounts Payable
Valerie joined Fire-Dex in February, 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Akron. Valerie is a certified Level II Firefighter in the state of Ohio and worked part-time on local fire departments for 18 years. She was also a Fire Investigator on the countywide task force team for many of those years.
330.249.7628
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Jamie Marks
Human Resources Manager
Jamie joined Fire-Dex in December, 2016 as our Human Resources Manager. She earned her Bachelors Degree from Ohio University with a concentration in Human Resources. Jamie currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital and is Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Feeding Medina County. She’s also involved in the Medina County Career Center Public Safety Advisory Council, Medina County Economic Development Corporation’s Business Advisory and Manufacturing Councils, the Ohio State University Community Development Advisory Board, as well as Leadership Medina County and 100+ Women Who Care, Medina Chapter.
330.295.2655
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Agnes Baker
Office and Accounting Assistant
Ushering in her rich customer service and management expertise is Agnes Baker, the Office and Accounting Assistant who joined us in February 2021. Her exceptional eye for detail and strong organizational skills makes her an integral part of the Fire-Dex Family. Agnes holds an Associate of Arts from Cuyahoga Community College.
330-667-5338
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Trisha Scott
Human Resource & Recruiting Assistant
Trisha joined Fire-Dex in September 2019 as the Office & Accounting Assistant and earned the promotion to HR & Recruiting Assistant in February 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Human Resource Management from the University of Mount Union and is an active Partner in Hope for St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
330.237.1116
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Amber McCloud
ERP Administrator
Bringing in a solid history of strategic leadership and strong operational improvement, Amber joined Fire-Dex in November of 2020 as the ERP Administrator. Her vast experience encompasses the vital importance of accurately measuring risk and delivering successful outcomes.
330-591-9225
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Misty Rackley
Office Manager
With over 16 years of experience in manufacturing, Misty began her career at Fire-Dex in 2018 as the Office Manager handling accounts payable.
229.294.4933
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Scott Lliana
Training and Development Specialist
Scott Liana joined Fire-Dex in May 2020 as a seasonal production associate and then Manufacturing Leadership Intern where he assisted with various projects to increase production, efficiency, and ensure each piece of gear was processed and matched correctly to maintain inventory. His immense hard work and eye for detail soon earned him the promotion to Training and Development Specialist in May 2022. In his new role, Scott is responsible for coordinating and supporting all department areas of the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University, College of Business.
Operations Associates
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Ryan Holliday
Operations Manager
In April of 2011, Ryan became the Production Manager at Fire-Dex. Being a critical player to the company’s success, he was promoted to Operations Manager in 2021. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Baldwin Wallace University.
330.249.7625
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Dave Biggart
Facility Manager
Dave joined Fire-Dex in November, 1999 and is our Facility Manager responsible for maintenance, safety and building.
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Becca Olin
Production Supervisor
Becca joined Fire-Dex in 2015 in our assembly department and was later promoted to Team Leader in 2018. She was then promoted to Trainer and TSS Coordinator in addition to being Team Leader in 2019, and is now being named Production Supervisor in Medina two and a half years later!
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Scott Garra
Maintenance Supervisor
Bringing 36 years of equipment maintenance expertise to the team is Scott Garra, who originally joined Fire-Dex in March 2020 as the Assistant Maintenance Supervisor. Due to his robust machinery knowledge and leadership abilities, Scott earned the promotion to Maintenance Supervisor in January 2021.
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John Armstrong
Project Manager
John joined Fire-Dex in April 2013 and is responsible for leading and implementing improvement programs and projects to support organizational goals. John also influences a culture of continuous improvement and lean efforts within all functional areas.
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Michelle Guthrie
Warehouse Supervisor
Originally joining Fire-Dex as a Production Associate in November of 2007, Michelle was soon promoted to Team Leader in 2011. Due to her earnest dedication and ambitious drive, she later earned the title of Warehouse Supervisor in 2021. Michelle is responsible for supervising warehouse and shipping, receiving activities and staff; as well as assisting with inventory control, cycle counts and warehouse organization systems. She holds an Associates of Arts degree in Medical Billing/Coding & HR from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Operations and Project Management at Southern New Hampshire University.
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Jessie Walter
Cutting Team Lead
Jessie joined Fire-Dex in August 2014 and has shown significant growth within her various teams. She was promoted to Cutting Team Leader in March 2020.
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April Moore
SEWING SUPERVISOR
April Moore joined Fire-Dex in June, 2011 as a Production Associate and was promoted to a Production Team Leader in October, 2017. In January of 2019, April received her second promotion to Sewing Supervisor.
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Eryn Churnega
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD/TRAINER/TSS COORDINATOR
With 10 years of experience working in high-functioning teams and training new hires, Eryn Churnega was promoted to 2nd Shift Team Leader in June 2018.
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Zelia Hodgdon
Production Team Lead
Zelia joined Fire-Dex in June, 1998 and is the Production Team Lead for Lettering, Pre-Parts, Kanban, Setup, and RGA's.
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Heavenn Perez
Production Team Lead
Heavenn joined Fire-Dex in September 2017. During her time working in teams, she has excelled in both coat and pant parts while demonstrating tremendous leadership potential. She was promoted to Production Team Leader in July 2019.
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Letitia Calhoun
Training Coordinator - Pelham
Since joining the Fire-Dex Team in 2018, Letitia’s 18 years of reputable sewing experience in manufacturing has played a vital role in her becoming a Team Leader.
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Eric Walden
Production Manager
Eric joined Fire-Dex in 2022 as our Production Manager in Pelham, Georgia, where he oversees the planning and organization of the plant. As a Navy Veteran with over 15 years of leadership experience, he brings a fresh take on enhancing operations for our team. Eric holds a Master's of Business Administration and a Master's of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.
229.234.4572
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Michael Bechen
Production Supervisor
Michael joined Fire-Dex in March 2022 as the Production Supervisor to help manage departmental performance and assist with employee development. He brings over 15 years of production management and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Trinity University.
330.743.3667
