AUTOMATIC HANDLING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Controls Engineering Manager
Overseeing the hardware and design team, Chuong not only trains the Electrical and Controls Engineers but he personally oversees testing every project before it is delivered to our customers. Chuong is a team-oriented engineer who never hesitates to lend a hand or share experience with other departments and customers. His attention to detail and commitment to our customers' success is second to none.
A diligent problem solver, Chuong asks the right questions to get a project on the path to success. In his 23 years with AHI, he has contributed to both new systems, upgrades, and helping customers address PLC programming issues with equipment manufactured by our competitors. His critical thinking skills allow him to work quickly and accurately to optimize machinery performance through onsite support during system start-ups.
Chuong holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo. As a father of three, he enjoys working on projects around the house as well as listening to traditional Vietnamese music.
A member of the Automatic Handling team since 1988, David puts his 32 years of engineering and sales experience to work as AHI's Southern Sales Executive.
Responsible for system sales to new and existing AHI customers, David remarks that "every day is a new challenge and provides me the opportunity to collaborate with customers to address their unique needs." Originally joining AHI in an R&D capacity, David's methodical thinking and inclination to engineering allowed him to move into Mechanical Engineering and then into System Sales. David notes, "The experience I've gained from my years with AHI really make all the difference by allowing me to understand my customer's needs and articulate solutions that provide meaningful collaboration that drives production capabilities and their ROI".
A boating and classic car enthusiast, David is the proud owner of a Shelby GT 500 and an '88 Mustang GT. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Technology degree from Bowling Green State University.
Since receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Bowling Green State University, Doug has been part of the Automatic Handling team for over 25 years.
During his career, Doug has held a variety of positions including Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Manager, Project Manager, Installation Services, Upgrades Engineer and most recently Senior Sales Executive. Having worn many hats, Doug has accumulated a wealth of experience that he uses to diagnose problems and develop solutions through systems and equipment upgrades.
Doug says, "Getting my hands dirty has given me the knowledge that allows me to advise Engineering Managers, Maintenance Managers, Operations Personnel and Operators in our customer's facilities. I'm always willing to share my experience with a variety of projects from installations to upgrades and to ensure our customers understand the full scope of required manpower, equipment and how to limit downtime."
True to his approach of getting his hands dirty, Doug built a car in his spare time. In addition to his mechanical interests Doug enjoys hiking, boating, skiing, mountain/road biking and building/fixing things around the house for family.
Job Titles:
- Sales & Upgrades Engineer
As a Sales & Upgrades Engineer, Dustin works with our customers and utilizes his CAD design expertise to create custom designs and layouts based on their specific needs and building layout. Dustin has been with AHI since 2011 where he has previously held the position of Mechanical Engineer. In his free time, Dustin enjoys golfing, 3D printing, and learning about outer space.
Job Titles:
- Service Engineering Manager
Erik started with Automatic Handling as a Mechanical Engineer but quickly put his organizational skills to work to lead the development of AHI's Service Engineering Department. In this role, Erik is the primary point of contact for the service needs of our customers' field operations. He works diligently to bring a focus to quality assurance and reliability.
"Every day is a chance to see something new and make a positive impact on our customer's experiences, being part of their success stories is extremely rewarding" notes Erik.
Along with leading the Service departments operations, Erik's mechanical engineering background has been instrumental in developing customer focused product manuals for newly manufactured equipment and systems.
Erik holds a BA in Literature, BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo along with an MFA in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, restoration, bow hunting, fishing, mountain biking, foraging mushrooms, and spending time with his wife and child.
Job Titles:
- Sales Account Manager
- Inside Sales Account Manager
As a Sales Account Manager, Jake helps process orders, quote replacement equipment parts, prepare recommended spare parts lists, and serves as technical and engineering support for our customers. Jake uses his technical mind to investigate products and processes, and strategically identifies our customer's needs to develop a successful path forward. Jake joined AHI in 2017 and has previously held the positions of Mechanical Designer and Lead Mechanical Engineer before transitioning in Sales. He enjoys traveling, playing guitar, riding motorcycles, and renovating his home in his free time.
In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of his position as Plant Manager, Jason oversees process refinement, shop workflow, and reduction of inefficiencies and waste. Jason has been with AHI since 1996.
Before becoming Plant Manager, Jason held a variety of positions with the company, including Mechanical Assembler, Lead Fabricator, and Manufacturing Supervisor. His experience, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities are utilized daily.
Recently, Jason has taken up woodworking and made live edge countertops for his kitchen.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineering Manager
Know for his ability to listen and build relationships, Rob manages our Mechanical Engineering department and fosters relationships with his team, as well as facilitating those relationships throughout the company. His ability to listen, understand issues, and think critically when handling challenges are some of Rob's greatest strengths.
Rob is responsible for managing his department's functions, overseeing employee development, and mentoring best practices for the continued growth of our engineers. Before becoming Mechanical Engineering Manager, he held the positions of Mechanical Engineer and Senior Sales Engineer.
In his spare time, Rob enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo.
Job Titles:
- Sales Account Manager
- Inside Sales Account Manager
Ryan is responsible for generating sales through spare and replacement parts as well as service evaluations. The liaison for customers after a system is installed, he helps keep open lines of communication to build lasting relationships with his proactive approach. Ryan notes, "As a custom machinery manufacturer, we deal with unique situations all the time." As a result, Ryan's ability to listen and make informed recommendations keep his customers production lines performing at optimal levels with the least possible downtime. Ryan is an avid sports fan, enjoys playing with his kids and cooking in his free time and remarks that "Life is short, so make the most of every day". Ryan majored in Finance and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo.
Over his 20+ years with AHI, Scott has been instrumental in leading our innovative, collaborative, and team-oriented approach to problem-solving. As President, he pulls on his vast experience to oversee solution development and the sales quoting process. In addition, his responsibilities also include oversight of operations to ensure the timely delivery of equipment as well as production projection reporting.
Of Scott's many contributions to AHI over the years, his commitment to building a company culture that focuses on customer relationships and employee retention has been his proudest achievement to date. "Our greatest asset is our people; their knowledge and expertise are what bring our processes to life" he remarks. His dedication to mentoring and empowering those around him have positioned AHI to expand our existing revenue channels and add new products and services that focus on enhancing our customer's productivity.
An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys hunting, fishing, campfires and chopping wood. Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturdays in the fall. Scott holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo.
As Inside Sales Manager, Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the sale of aftermarket parts and services. Since rejoining the AHI team in early 2020, Stephanie has been instrumental in establishing repeatable processes, emphasizing the importance of, follow-up and placing an urgency around the needs of AHI's customers. Stephanie's character traits of kindness and empathy have quickly become pillars of the Inside Sales department's approach to problem-solving.
"I try to connect with our customers beyond knowing what their equipment needs are, I consider them part of our family and value the trust our customers put in AHI as their partner," Stephanie says. "I want them to know they can call on anyone in our department and we will help them bridge gaps between their needs and what AHI can provide with service, spares, and upgrades."
Stephanie credits her success in leading the Inside Sales department with her background in purchasing. A role she started in when she originally joined the AHI team in 2001. A proud mother of two and a grandmother of two, Stephanie enjoys traveling, cooking, and all forms of art in her spare time. Her favorite time of year is Christmas when she bakes hundreds of cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbors.
Tim's calm demeanor and ability to take a step back and analyze a situation to find the best solution are what make him an asset to the AHI team. As a member of the Sales Team, he is responsible for delivering complete and detailed system proposals that meet our customers needs.
Tim has been part of the AHI team since completing his degree in Mechanical Design Technology. During that time he's held the positions of Detailer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, Service Tech, Inside Sales, and Upgrade Sales.
Tim and his family live in Ida, Michigan raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, and much more. Although he has enjoyed season tickets to the University of Michigan football games for over 20 years, the games are a lot more exciting now that two of his children are members of the marching band.
As the Sales Manager, Will leads the outside sales team, marketing, proposal pricing, and contract review. Utilizing his experience and expertise in machine design, customer service, and critical thinking, Will can see past all the "what if's" to determine solutions to customers' challenges.
"I enjoy the entire process from proposal to commissioning because it's a team effort. We have a really strong team here at AHI and we all communicate well" says Will. Throughout his time with AHI, Will has held positions in Mechanical Engineering and Project Management in addition to his current role in Sales.
A graduate of the University of Toledo Will holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, spending time with his wife and two children, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.