Lippert Components, Inc. promoted four employees to regional operations managers. The company said the goal is to provide additional support during a continued growth period.
The four new managers join the existing regional operations management team of Toby Crowley, Mike Meade and Don Zirkelbach.
“As Lippert’s operational footprint continues to grow, it is integral that we expand our regional operations team in order to better service our customers and our valuable team members coast to coast,” said Ryan Smith, group president of Lippert’s North American OEM Operations. “Our road map for this organization has never been to sit still. We will continue to push into more markets and pursue new business opportunities. Implementing this new regional operation manager footprint will allow us to give a renewed focus and prepare for the growth that lies ahead.”
The promoted team members include Brian Edwards, Matt Ehlschide, Scott Mantyla and Steve Slowke.
Edwards started his career at Lippert in 2009 as a quality auditor at plant 227, working his way into several managerial roles, most recently the general manager of Plant 227. He will serve as the regional operations manager over all hydraulics and marine windshield facilities.
“I am excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Edwards said. “I am looking forward to continue to my personal growth and development journey, the ability to influence and develop other leaders and to help continue to build upon an already great culture that has been established over the years.”
“Brian has built his share of the business up by developing his leaders with clarity of direction and permission to grow into their respective assignments,” said John Ries, VP of operations. “He has a vision to create operational leadership incubators through the business units he oversees.”
Ehlschide joined Lippert in 2020, serving as general manager over Plants 57 and 84. He will now serve as regional operations manager over several of Lippert’s West Coast operations.
“Lippert is a progressive and dynamic company that I am blessed to be a small part of,” Ehlschide said. “Working in an organization that aligns with your personal and professional values is something that most people don’t get to experience, and I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity.”
“Matt’s diverse experience and excellent team building skills will continue to strengthen our footprint in our West Coast operations,” said Mark Taylor, VP of operations. “Matt will be an extension of our Elkhart, Indiana, operations and will continue to raise the bar of a great Lippert experience to our team members and customers out West.”
Mantyla joined Lippert in 2006 as a management trainee at Plant 45. Scott has served in many managerial roles over the years, most recently as the general manager for 50W and 261W. Scott’s new role will be regional operations manager over Furrion and RV furniture distribution.
“I want to thank the leadership here at Lippert for trusting me with this promotion,” Mantyla said. “I learned early in my career that building teams is crucial to the success of the business, and when you assemble a team of great people and are intentional about investing time into those people to support their growth, it always works out for the best. I am excited to learn about everything that goes on behind the scenes and even more excited to combine the Way and Furrion teams and facilities into one great operation.”
“Scott’s leadership and proven performance in our industry makes him a perfect fit for his new role,” Taylor said. “Scott will continue to work closely with our sales and operations teams to deliver best-in-class products to our customers, while meeting the ever-changing needs of our industry.”
Slowke served as general manager over several chassis divisions since joining Lippert in 2003, with his most recent position being GM over the Plant 19 chassis complex. Steve will serve as regional operations manager over RV chassis production in Indiana.
“I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity with Lippert,” Slowke said. “Thanks to all the leaders that have helped guide me over the years. I would not be here today without them, and I hope to make the same difference in others’ careers like they made with my own.”
“Steve is an exceptional leader and coach, constantly challenging his teams to grow and improve both personally and professionally,” said Matt Moreland, VP of operations. “As a result, he has a team of some of the best operations leaders in the business, and they deliver the results to prove it. Steve has been a great friend and partner in building our Goshen chassis division into what it is today.”
