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Joel R. Bush, International Sales Manager ext 104
Joel joined Grabber as an Account Executive in 2001. In his current role as International Sales Manager, he oversees all international sales activities for Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. Joel graduated with a BA from Michigan State University in 2001, and he completed his MBA at Grand Valley in 2004. In his leisure time, Joel enjoys a variety of sporting activities, including golf, tennis, skiing, swimming, and bicycle racing. Joel also enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
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Charles Gerds, International Sales Coordinator ext 139
Charles is a Kalamazoo, MI native and alumnus of Valparaiso University. He has worked for Grabber in some capacity since 1998. Charles enjoys fishing, Texas Hold 'Em, and Red Wings hockey.
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Craig Hitchcock, National Accounts Manager/Sporting Goods ext 130
Craig is a Grand Rapids Michigan native and has been a part of the Grabber team since 1997. He started at Grabber as a Customer Development Specialist and has had various responsibilities over the years and currently is the National Accounts Manager for Sporting Goods. He enjoys spending time with his wife Elizabeth at the family cottage on Lake Michigan and on rivers in Michigan and the Western US fly fishing. A Michigan State graduate, he roots for the Spartans throughout the year but especially during the NCAA basketball tournament.
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Shari Mead, Customer Service ext 125
Shari joined Grabber in 2000 after toiling in the banking industry for 14 yrs. She started out as the seasonal receptionist for 5 years before taking a full-time position in Customer Service. She lives on Gun Lake, so most of her vacations are spent at home basking in the sun. She loves all kinds of music, especially country, but also enjoys singing along with Dave to Bob Seger hits! Shari is happily married and has a daughter and a son. Her hobbies include boating, gardening, singing in the church choir, volleyball, and loves spending time with family, friends and her 4 dogs.
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Chris Pappas, National Sales Manager ext 134
Chris joined Grabber in 1996, serving in various sales roles before being promoted to National Sales Manager in 2004. Chris earned his BBA in Marketing/Management from Northwood University where he played college football and later earned a Masters of Arts degree in Sport Administration from Central Michigan University. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Carrie and two lovely daughters, Olivia and Avery. In addition to the hobbies of Dora, Hello Kitty, and Disney princesses, Chris still finds some time to bowl, follow his favorite sport teams, and enjoy the Michigan outdoors.
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Andrew Pickel, Customer Service ext 122
Andrew started at Grabber in the summer of 2003 in the production department and has since moved from shipping/receiving to customer service. He went to Grand Rapids Community College on and off to complete general studies as a professional student, and received certificates of completion for Residential Construction. Andrew currently spends his time playing music with a couple bands throughout Grand Rapids, and started a hobby in restoring vintage drums.
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Blair Schaefer, National Accounts Manager/FDM ext 132
Blair joined Grabber in Feb 2004, serving various parts of the country in the Grocery, Pharmacy, C-Store, and Hardware industries. Blair earned in B.S. in B.A. from Central Michigan University. He enjoys free time with his wife Karyn, watching his two sons Cole and Luke play baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. On rare occassion he enjoys traveling, golf, and going out to the family cottage.
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Travis Smith, Territory Manager/Business Development ext 137
Travis joined Grabber in 2001 and earned a BBA from Western Michigan University. He enjoys working at Grabber but when out of the office appreciates his time spent with wife Julie, and two outstanding kids, Ashlyn and Caden. Travis also enjoys spending quality time outdoors by waterskiing, skiing, snowboarding, and trying to stay in shape to keep up with the kids.
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Dave Southern, Territory Manager/Sporting Goods ext 133
Dave graduated Saginaw Valley State University, earning his BBA before heading out into the marketplace. Since 1992, he lived and breathed sales in the food industry before joining the Grabber team. Currently he's working to earn his MBA at Western Michigan University. With what little time he has remaining, he enjoys hunting, fishing and visiting tropical locales with his lovely wife, Dawn. They have two sons, David and Mike.
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Dan Tkachuk, Retail Sales Manager ext 136
Dan the Renaissance Man began his career in the Aviation Industry working in Airport Management prior to joining Grabber in January 2008. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2006 with a B.S. in Aviation Administration. He received his MBA in 2008 from Cornerstone University. A Master of all trades, he is interested in literally everything: music of any genre, trivia of all categories, any sport that feeds his competitive nature. An avid outdoorsman, he tries to remain athletic by weightlifting, playing golf, and kayaking. Dan spends free time with his lovely wife Pam, taking care of their 5 boys (college friends who they just can’t let go of). Even though he went to college on the opposite side of the state, Dan bleeds Maize and Blue in supporting everything University of Michigan. GO BLUE!
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Eva Cornell, Accounts Receivable/EDI Assistant ext 105
Eva began working in the records department for Old Kent Bank in 1998. Afterward, she spent some time working in the accounts receivable department for an insurance company and a construction news service, before joining the Grabber accounting team. Eva has three wonderful teenagers and two amazing step-kids. In her spare time, she enjoys readings, fishing, boating, barbecuing with good friends, watching NCIS, and supporting MSU.
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Barb Earl, Office Manager ext 102
Barb began her career in 1979 at Michigan National Bank where she worked as Proof Transit Operator, Commercial Loans Note Teller, and Letter of Credit Specialist. Joining Grabber in 1989, Barb has been involved with all aspects of operations. From credit and collections, trade shows, accounts payable, order entry, to calculating commissions, she remains committed to learn and excel in all areas. With the growth of Grabber came the challenge of hiring and training for various positions within the company. Barb now concentrates on Purchasing and Inventory Control. Barb spends her spare time camping, motorcycling, gardening, attending Grand Rapids Griffins games, and watching Red Wings Hockey. GO WINGS!
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Rachel Wagner, Tax Specialist
Rachel is a member of our accounting staff, and the sales tax compliance manager. Rachel is responsible for the timely preparation, filing, reporting and payment of all monthly, quarterly, and annual sales tax returns nationwide and in Canada. Rachel also administers other accounting needs as directed by the CFO. She is a graduate of BYU with a BA in political science and has an MBA from University of Phoenix. She enjoys living the single life in Draper, Utah where she is heavily involved with her church, her property management business, and her friends/family. In her spare time she loves reading, singing, writing, cooking, and travel. Her dream is to live in Hawaii and run a bookstore. Aloha!
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Christy Wells, Accounts Payable/Trade Show Coordinator ext 103
Christy started at Grabber in 1994. She is involved in the accounting department as accounts payable manager. Christy also coordinates trade shows, managing approximately 25 shows a year. She arranges hotel, car and airline reservations, and the trade show requirements for each show. Christy oversees the ordering of office supplies, cleaning the building, and grounds maintenance. She enjoys puttering in her flower gardens, traveling, bicycling, golfing, reading, and watching University of Michigan football games in her spare time.
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Debra Bell, Assistant Manager of Logistics and Distribution ext 103
Deb came to Grabber in April of 2009, after 21+ years at Steelcase Wood, where she worked in or supervised in most areas of the business. She started at Grabber as Assistant Production Manager and is now Assistant Manager of Logistics and Distribution. She is married to Tom, has a son, Jeremy, and a daughter, Jamie, and a step-son, Tom Jr. She has one granddaughter, Courtney. In her spare time she enjoys reading, boating, baking, and spending time with her family.
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Jaymond Mead, Distribution Support Specialist ext 140
Jaymond began working at Grabber part time in the summer of 2008. He quickly advanced to a leadership position at the end of his first year. Jaymond enjoys working at Grabber which is good because during the winter season he spends more time at Grabber then he does at home. Jaymond graduated from Wayland Union High School in 2008 and is currently attending Grand Rapids Community College but is undecided in what he wants to major in. Jaymond enjoys spending his free time playing basketball, video games, and swimming.
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Bryan Offray, Distribution Center Manager ext 147
Bryan has been with Grabber since 2003. Graduating with an Associate’s Degree for general transfer from Grand Rapids Community College in 2010, he is currently a student at Grand Valley State University seeking his Bachelor’s degree. His previous job experience includes driving and warehouse duties. He has been married for 10 years to his wonderful wife Maria and is the proud father of Bryan Jr. and Makayla. He loves to read, play cards, and shoot hoops when he’s not getting hurt or old! |
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Janet Saagman, Team Leader in Production
Janet joined Grabber in 2008 as a machine operator and quickly moved up to Team Leader, a position with responsibilities including training new associates, setting up project tables with components, overseeing individual orders, and conducting quality control audits. She is the mother of two precious girls and has a variety of interests ranging from history to music to CSI. Janet loves all things outdoors, biking, hiking, swimming, and fast motorcycles.
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Mitch Ware, National Logistics and Distribution Manager ext 145
Mitch began his career in the logistics industry with United Parcel Service while a student at Central Michigan University where he obtained his BA. After 8 years of management with UPS, Mitch moved to Grand Rapids and joined the Meijer Distribution team, holding several positions, most recently Director of Distribution. He came to Grabber Inc. April 01, 2009. He has served on several professional roundtables, non-profit Boards, and is an advocate for the American Cancer Society serving as a volunteer lobbyist in Lansing, a board member for the Kentwood Relay for Life, and can be found speaking at schools, church groups, and other forums about the fight against cancer and the role of the American Cancer Society. He and his wife Lori have raised 4 sons, and are now empty-nesters. Mitch spends his spare time on music, sports, restoring his Jeep, and most anything outdoors.
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Debra Wilder, Distribution Support
After 25 years in a variety of shipping, receiving, and manufacturing positions, Deb joined Grabber in 2009. She works within all facets of the production and distribution centers. Deb is married and mother of four great kids! In her free time she enjoys reading books, playing computer games, or sitting down to a good card game!
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Jeremy Johnson, WebMaster/IT Manager ext 106
After five years climbing the ranks of retail management, Jeremy earned his BA in English with honors at Michigan State Unversity. He went on to hone his computer skills in Saint Louis, crafting company websites, performing various accounting functions, and supervising warehouse employees, before moving back to Michigan and joining Grabber in 1999. Jeremy enjoys culinary adventures with his wife, Juliet (the best cook in the world), writing short fiction, brewing weird beer, watching obscure films, and spoiling his two cats, Ripley and Hannah.
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Matt Pickel, Marketing Coordinator ext 124
Matt began working at Grabber in 2003 in the production department before moving to his current position in the marketing department. He received his Bachelors degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University, and spent some time as a writer for the Holland Sentinel sports section. Matt spends his free time with his fiancée and his Sheltie puppy, Jack. He also enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and rooting for the Detroit Tigers. |
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Ben Wagner, Director of Creative Services
Ben is a photographer and filmmaker living in Portland, OR with his wife and 3 lovely children. He grew up skateboarding and snowboarding and shooting photos of his friends. He learned to love photography from his father and his grandfather, both of whom are accomplished photographers themselves. He loves camping, cycling, and riding motorcycles. If he can figure out a way to combine 2 out of 3 of those activities he's even happier. He is responsible for the photography, video, and helps with new product development and creative direction of the brand. |
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Gary Gerds, Vice President/General Manager ext 131
Gary, who joined Grabber in 1996, has over 30 years sales and marketing management experience for national companies like Unilever (Lipton Division) and Standex International (James Burn International and Doubleday Bros. Divisions). Gary has extensive experience in the consumer goods, optical, capital equipment, government and sporting goods markets. Gary received his BA from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan and his MBA from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his spare time Gary enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and music. Gary's wife is still a better golfer than he is.
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Dai Hirota, Consultant
Dai Hirota lives and works in Kyoto, Japan. Dai has been a professional photographer and businessman for over 30 years. He works extensively in Japan, Korea and China as a business consultant and quality assurance director. Dai is the proud father of three children and three grandchildren.
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Kevin Price, CFO
Kevin has more than eighteen combined years of accounting experience in both private industry and public accounting. He is a licensed CPA with experience in many industries. Kevin has a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Accounting with an emphasis in tax. Kevin currently serves as a director on several boards, including one charity. Kevin loves to spend time with his family. He also enjoys backpacking, fishing, skiing, reading, singing, and cooking.
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Joe Vergona, Director of Engineering and New Product Development
Joe holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University, School of Engineering and Applied Science. With over 25 years of technical and managerial experience leading project, quality, and development initiatives for Kodak-Polychrome, Tyco International and Mycoal Products, Joe joined Grabber in 2006. He has extensive experience in the warming field, having managed the design, construction and commissioning of an air activated warmer production plant in the US. Joe has trained in both the US and Japan, holds several patents, and is a respected, published worldwide authority in all aspects of warmer technology. In his spare time Joe enjoys playing ice hockey, fantasy football, music, gardening and, much to the disappointment of JB Wagner, devastating his opponents in ping pong.
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J.B. Wagner, President and Chairman of the Board
J.B. Wagner earned his BA in History from the University of Utah and also attended law school at the "U". J.B. started his first business as a professional photographer when he was 16 years old. His passion for photography has never waned and although he doesn't make his living "shooting", he is by general standards a professional photographer. J.B. has worked extensively in sales and marketing for multiple start up enterprises and among other things was the second salesman in the United States for the now famous Rosetta Stone language learning software. Prior to his current role with Grabber, J.B. served as Chairman of the Board of John Wagner Associates where he oversaw a plan of reorganization that resulted in Grabber, Inc. becoming its own corporation. J.B. is a father of six children and a grandfather of six as well. In addition, he serves as a Scoutmaster for Troop 528 in El Dorado Hills, California and is a board member for the Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America. J.B. loves many outdoor activities including adventure motorcycling, bicycling, and hiking.
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