Meet the Team
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
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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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.
330-483-5922
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Nick Lino
Director of Supply Chain
Nick started at Fire-Dex in August 2011 in our Shipping and Receiving Department, where he excelled in customer service and accuracy. By 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 then by 2022, Nick earned the role of Supply Chain Manager. Less than a year later he's been promoted again to Director of Supply Chain. Nick has a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University and a CSCP certification from the Association for Supply Chain Management.
330.294.9180
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Kaitlyn Ferrell
Production Innovation Supervisor
Kaitlyn began at Fire-Dex in 2013. Because of her sewing knowledge and the support she offers, she often improves production throughput and efficiency to the new option/garments being added. In her newly created role, Kaitlyn will focus on industrial product innovation.
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Rebecca Rath
Purchasing Administrator
Rebecca started with us in January 2020 as Warehouse Associate. With her knowledge of our vast supplies and materials, the passion she has shown to improve inventory processes, and her willingness to take on new challenges she earned the promotion to Purchasing Administrator on the supply chain team.
Sales Zone 1 - AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, NM, NV, 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 Regional Sales Manager. He was then promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager in January 2016, then to Regional Zone Director in 2020, and is responsible for overseeing Zone 1.
303.903.7731
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Kaleb Winsheimer
Owner of Gr8west Fire & Safety
Kaleb is the Owner and founder of Gr8west Fire & Safety, a manufacturer representative serving the firefighting and emergency services industry. With over 20 years of experience, he holds an immense passion for bringing innovative lifesaving equipment into the hands of first responders. Gr8West Fire & Safety represents Fire-Dex in HI, OR, CA, AZ, NM, and NV.
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Scott MacKenzie
Managing Partner for Gr8west Fire & Safety
Scott is the Managing Partner for Gr8west Fire & Safety and brings 30 years of fire industry experience in regional sales, marketing, and the implementation of NFPA 1851 programs to educate fire departments on PPE clean and repair maintenance. Gr8West Fire & Safety represents Fire-Dex in HI, OR, CA, AZ, NM, and NV.
Sales Zone 2 - IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MN, MT, ND, NE, OH, PA, 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 then promoted to Regional Zone Director in 2020 and is responsible for overseeing Zone 2. 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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Jeff Paul
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager - MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, SD, ND, & MT
Jeff accepted a position as Territory Sales Representative in 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 previously served on the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter, officer and EMT for almost 8 years. He was also a member of the Ogallala Honor Guard.
402.844.0131
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Joe Hodge
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager - OH, MI, WI, & IL
Joe joined Fire-Dex in 2023 as our Regional Sales Manager. Hailing from MI, Joe brings over 12 years of sales experience in retail and manufacturing and is a volunteer firefighter for the Inverness Fire Department. Joe earned a degree from Cleary University of Ann Arbor in Business Administration.
234.285.6815
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Paul Merryman
Zone 2 Regional Sales Manager - IN, KY, & PA
Paul joined Fire-Dex in 2023 as our Regional Sales Manager. He brings over 20 years of valuable sales expertise and was a volunteer firefighter and training officer for 16 years. His first-hand knowledge and exceptional talent in the field make him a great asset to our team.
330.572.4500
Sales Zone 3 - AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, SC, TN, TX
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David Moore
Zones 3 & 4 Senior Zone Director
David started at Fire-Dex in August 2015 as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central East Coast. His promotion to Regional Zone Director (Zone 3) in 2020 is where he strengthened key distributor relationships and worked with many distributors and distributor sales representatives to reach their highest levels of growth, end-user retention, and wear trial success. As Senior Zone Director, David will oversee Zones 3 & 4. 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 Zone Director - AR & TN
Bart began his career at Fire-Dex as a Territory Sales Representative in June, 2019. In 2021, he earned the promotion to Regional Sales Manager and in 2023, he became the Regional Zone Director. Bart has a Bachelor's Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Columbia College.
615.580.5162
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Kelly Varwig
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager - LA, MS, OK, TX
Kelly was hired in February 2020 to help build and strengthen customer relationships throughout Texas. He began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1988 while attending the University of Northern Colorado. He brings diverse and advanced experience as a City of Euless firefighter, a Fire/EMS Educator, and a CareFlite Medic.
830.955.6248
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Josh Dancey
Zone 3 Regional Sales Manager - AL, GA, FL, & SC
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.
704.929.9164
Sales Zone 4 - CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, WV
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David Moore
Zones 3 & 4 Senior Zone Director
David started at Fire-Dex in August 2015 as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central East Coast. His promotion to Regional Zone Director (Zone 3) in 2020 is where he strengthened key distributor relationships and worked with many distributors and distributor sales representatives to reach their highest levels of growth, end-user retention, and wear trial success. As Senior Zone Director, David will oversee Zones 3 & 4. 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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Scott Wilkinson
Zone 4 Regional Sales Manager - NJ & NY
Scott joined Fire-Dex in August 2018 as our Regional Sales Manager to grow our support and relationships on the East Coast. Scott also 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 - DE, MD, NC, & WV
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.
919.766.1592
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Jon Sawyer
Zone 4 Regional Sales Manager - CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, & VT
Since his start at Fire-Dex in June 2021, Jon's assigned territories have never performed better. To continue our growth in the Northeast, Jon was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in 2023. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University.
330.617.8557
Sales - 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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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
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Gary Schofield
International Sales Manager
Gary joined the Fire-Dex team in January 2023 to assist in the expansion of our international market. Gary has had over 12 years of experience in the international firefighter PPE business, covering Africa, the Middle East and Asia focusing on bunker gear.
905.999.0233
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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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
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Kelsey McKinley
Contract Administrator
Kelsey joined Fire-Dex in June 2022 as the Contract Administrator responsible for coordinating bid and contract management. She has commendable skills in streamlining processes and improving company efficiencies. Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio University.
330.427.8440
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Allison DeCongelio
Sales Operations Administrator
Allison joined Fire-Dex in January 2023 as our Sales Operations Administrator. In this remote role, Allison uses her diversified skills to manage our sales lead qualification process, coordinate with the marketing team to assist with lead generation, and review data in our CRM for completeness and accuracy. Allison attended Berkeley College and earned her B.S. in Business Administration and Management.
330.752.2967
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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Shannon Lienemann
Communications Manager
Shannon joined Fire-Dex in July 2021 as Email Marketing Specialist. As the Communications Manager, she oversees all corporate communications for Fire-Dex and Gear Wash, including internal and external communications, email marketing, public relations, social media, content creation & storytelling, and campaign management. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati.
330.591.9618
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Alexa Green
Content Marketing Specialist
Alexa joined Fire-Dex in March 2020 as Content Marketing Coordinator. Her hard work and willingness to learn have led to her promotion to Content Marketing Specialist in 2023. In her role, she focuses specifically on product marketing, social media, and content creation for Fire-Dex. 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
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
Support Staff
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Jamie Marks
Director of Human Resources
Jamie joined Fire-Dex in December 2016 as our Human Resources Manager. By 2023, Jamie earned the promotion to Director of Human Resources. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital and is Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Feeding Medina County. Jamie is also involved with the Medina County Career Center Public Safety Advisory Council, Medina County Economic Development Corporation’s Business Advisory & Manufacturing Councils, the Ohio State University Community Development Advisory Board, Leadership Medina County, and 100+ Women Who Care the Medina Chapter. Jamie earned her Bachelors from Ohio University with a concentration in Human Resources.
330.295.2655
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Maged Baskhron
INUDSTRIAL ENGINEERING & TRAINING MANAGER
Maged joined Fire-Dex in April 2019 as our Project Manager to lead and implement technological solutions to improve safety, quality, and cost. He also serves as our Safety Coordinator. In 2022, he earned the promotion to Industrial Engineering and Training Manager. Maged obtained his BA in Business and Accounting from Hellwan University in Cairo, Egypt.
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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Amber McCloud
IT Systems Manager
Bringing in a solid history of strategic leadership and operational improvement, Amber joined Fire-Dex in November 2020 as the ERP Administrator. Her vast experience encompasses the vital importance of accurately measuring risk and delivering successful outcomes. Due to her impactful skillset, Amber earned the promotion to IT Systems Manager in 2022.
330-591-9225
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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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Liz Holecek
Finance Manager
Liz Holecek joined Fire-Dex in December 2022 as our Finance Manager. In this role, Liz will be responsible for accounting and financial analysis with a heavy focus on our Gear Wash locations, including day-to-day accounting functions, financial reporting, and forecasting. Liz attended the University of Dayton and graduated with a degree in Accounting and received her MBA from John Carroll University.
330.787.8757
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Trisha Scott
Human Resources Business Partner
Trisha joined Fire-Dex in September 2019 as the Office & Accounting Assistant then was promoted to HR & Recruiting Assistant in February 2021, and earned a promotion to HR Business Partner in June 2022. In her role, Trisha is responsible for recruiting all levels of associates and is involved with associate relations and strategic streamlining initiatives. She holds a Bachelor in Human Resource Management from the University of Mount Union and a certification from the Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
330.664.9394
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Guy Crawford
Human Resources Business Partner
Guy joined Fire-Dex in 2022 as our HR Business Partner to assist with recruiting and onboarding, associate relations, communications, HR administration, and various HR functions and projects for associates at our Pelham, Georgia location. He has over ten years of experience improving efficiencies and developing training/educational programs, and is a dependable asset to our Human Resources department. Guy has a Bachelor's in Business Management from Valdosta State University.
229-302-5118
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Agnes Baker
Accounting Clerk
Agnes Baker joined Fire-Dex in February 2021 as the Office and Accounting Assistant. Her exceptional eye for detail and strong organizational skills earned her the promotion to Accounting Clerk, where she supports Accounts Receivable and Payable Departments focusing on our Gear Wash locations. Agnes holds an Associate of Arts from Cuyahoga Community College.
330-667-5338
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Destiny Brooks
Office & Accounting Assistant
Destiny joined Fire-Dex in 2022 as our Office & Accounting Assistant to oversee the front desk of our headquarters in Medina, Ohio. She brings over 13 years of clerical experience to provide support for accounts payable & receivable and is responsible for a variety of administrative duties.
330-249-7625
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Michael Sloan
Plant Manager, Pelham
Michael joined Fire-Dex as our Plant Manager in 2023. He brings over 20 years of managing experience, training individuals, and human resources. His detail-oriented and dedicated personality make him the perfect fit to lead our production employees. Michael earned a Masters of Business Administration from Keiser University.
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Misty Rackley
Production Supervisor, Pelham
With over 16 years of experience in manufacturing, Misty began her career at Fire-Dex in 2018 as the Office Manager at our Pelham, Georgia location, handling accounts payable. In 2022, she was promoted to Production Supervisor where she leads our growing team of production associates and is responsible for the safety, quality, and productivity of the facility.
229.294.4933
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Kyle Moye
Quality Assurance Administrator, Pelham
Kyle joined Fire-Dex in 2022 as our Quality Assurance Administrator at our facility in Pelham, Georgia. His problem-solving skills and determination make him the ideal candidate to support the maintenance and progression of our Quality Management System.
229.234.4749
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Scott Liana
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.
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Marcus Brinkley
Training & Development Specialist
Marcus began at Fire-Dex in 2022 as our Training & Development Specialist to coordinate and support all department activities, onboarding, and associate training for continued success. Marcus is a resourceful collaborator who can streamline processes and brings over 20 years of manufacturing experience to enhance operations and maintain safety practices & procedures.
229.234.4575
Operations Associates
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John Armstrong
Senior Project Manager
John joined Fire-Dex in April 2013 and has been responsible for leading and implementing improvement programs and projects to support organizational goals. With his influence on our culture of continuous improvement, he has earned a well-deserved promotion to Senior Project Manager.
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Michelle Guthrie
Production Planner
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 an ambitious drive, she earned the title of Warehouse Supervisor in 2021, and in 2022, Michelle earned the promotion to Production Planner. She is responsible for ensuring that production deadlines are met, supporting the materials planning & inventory requirements, and helping with operational efficiencies. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Medical Billing/Coding & HR from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Operations and Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
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April Moore
PRODUCTION MANAGER
April Moore joined Fire-Dex in June 2011 as a Production Associate and earned the promotion to Production Team Leader in October 2017. In January of 2019, she received her second promotion to Sewing Supervisor and in 2021 received her third promotion to Senior Production Supervisor. Due to her consistent dedication and team leadership skills, April received her fifth promotion in 11 years to Production Manager in 2022.
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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
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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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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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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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Mary Jo Johnson
2nd Shift Team Lead
Having previously worked at Fire-Dex, Mary Jo (MJ) returned in August 2016 after serving for 7 years as a Humane and Animal Cruelty Officer for the Medina County SPCA and Wayne County Humane Society. She was promoted to Finishing Associate to 2nd Shift Team Lead in 2023.
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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 our Training Coordinator.
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Harrison Cremeans
Warehouse Team Lead
Harrison started at Fire-Dex in May 2022 as a Warehouse Associate. His consistent work ethic and valuable knowledge earned him the promotion to Warehouse Team Lead in 2023.
