Berry Companies said this week that executive vice president John Engels has retired after 41 years with the company. Engels more recently had responsibility for the company’s Bobcat compact construction equipment distributorships in six states.
Engels started with the Berry Cos. as a lift truck salesman for Berry Material Handling in 1972. In 1983, Engels was promoted to president of White Star Machinery and Supply Co., one of Berry’s largest divisions.
“John has made a tremendous contribution to the company over these many years,” said Fred and Walter Berry, the father-and-son ownership team in a statement. “His intensity and enthusiasm was infectious. His knowledge of equipment distribution was beyond measure and nationally recognized.”
“John’s hard work, vast experience, ability to ask the tough questions, willingness to think outside of the box and try new things, and straight-forward management style has served this company very well over the years,” Walter Berry told RER. “John has been an integral part of our success and we would not be where we are today without his contribution.”
Steve Meadows, president of KC Bobcat in Kansas City, will take over Engels’ position as executive vice president of Bobcat operations, the company said.
An equipment distributorship with a strong rental program, Berry Companies is No. 81 on the RER 100.
