Ames Taping Tools, a provider of automatic taping and finishing tools, supplies and training to the professional drywall finishing industry, has named rental industry veteran James Mathers vice president of sales. Mathers brings 34 years of experience in the equipment rental and construction industries, most recently in field sales training and development for United Rentals.
Mathers became an innovative marketing specialist in the 1990s with Cleveland-based Phillips/Day & Maddock, where he served as vice president of sales and then president, helping PD&M become one of the strongest players in the Cleveland rental market. At Phillips, Mathers grew the company’s profile in the rental market with such methods as painting the company’s equipment black and having Phillips’ workers dress in black as they visited jobsites. The Phillips team would sometimes bring lunch to jobsites where the company’s machines were being used, making the company popular with customers.
As president Mathers directed 100 employees at six locations, growing supply and rental revenues from $10 million to $20 million in three years, growing the company throughout northeast and central Ohio. Mathers negotiated the profitable sale of the company to Hertz Equipment Rental Corp. in 1998.
Mathers worked with HERC for 11 years as director of strategic sales development. He has been responsible for developing and implementing several highly effective training programs that have driven revenue, honed skill sets and built robust sales teams. During his tenure with HERC, Mathers originated a one-to-one selling arrangement with 5 percent of the customer base that produced $60 million in revenue.
“I am very pleased to be joining Ames at such an exciting time for the company,” said Mathers. “This organization is committed to excellence in both products and services, and the employees are on a mission to exceed customer expectations each and every day.”
“I know Jim to be a dynamic leader and innovative thinker,” said Fred Daniels, president and CEO of Ames. “His years of experience in rental and merchandise sales as well as implementing strategic customer programs make him an excellent addition to our organization.”
Ames Taping Tools, No. 94 on the RER 100, is based in Stone Mountain, Ga.
