Buddy Dieter, Haulotte VP of Sales and Rental Veteran, Dies at 58

Leroy “Buddy” Dieter, vice president of sales for Haulotte North America, died last week at his home at the age of 58.

       A well-known, popular and respected figure in the industry, Dieter was a 37-year veteran of the rental and aerial work platform industries. Dieter joined Haulotte in 2013, playing a major role in the growth of sales during his time with Haulotte, transitioning the Haulotte North America sales and distribution headquarters to Virginia Beach, Va.

      Dieter was born in Baltimore and began working at a young age as an automobile mechanic. In the late 1970s he came to the rental industry as a shop technician at Freestate Industries. He grew his responsibilities and took on management positions in service and sales. Dieter moved on to hold key positions at Modern Highlift and Chesapeake Highlift.

      Together with a business partner, Dieter started a new AWP rental company called Lift Inc., a successful venture that was eventually acquired by United Rentals in 1998. While at United Rentals, Dieter served as a branch manager, district manager and regional vice president. Dieter was well-respected by customers, co-workers and competitors.

      Dieter is survived by his wife Marybeth, children Nick, Joe, Christine, Lucas, Madison and Max, and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Landon. The family will have a memorial service Saturday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m. at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Road, Dundalk, Md. 21222. Visitation begins at 1 p.m.