As Grote Industries enters its 121st year of operation, the family continues in its leadership and embraces change in preparation for the future. Recently, fourth-generation family members, Dominic, John and Mike Grote acquired 100% control of Grote Industries, Inc. Along with this expansion in their ownership, the vision for Grote has also progressed.
Dominic Grote will continue as CEO and president, while John Grote has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Grote continues in his role as General Manager, Asia. Bill Grote, Chairman of the Board, and Buzz Grote will continue to serve on the Board of Directors as the third generation “hands the reigns” over to the fourth-generation leaders.
As part of the larger strategic vision, transitions are underway internally, including John Grote being named Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries. As the new COO, John will lead global business operations in North America, Europe and Asia and help bring greater focus to the operational performance of the entire business. John has worked for Grote Industries for 23 years in various Sales and Marketing and General Manager leadership roles, from Marketing Manager to Grote’s first Managing Director of Grote Europe to Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Prior to 1999, John spent several years in the consumer products markets as a Brand Manager for L’Oreal and Product Manager for Philips Electronics in the Healthcare segment. He earned his MBA from Indiana University and a BS in Finance from Clemson University. He has been active in many industry associations over the years and currently serves on the board of the Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA) Planning committee.