MEET THE TEAM

Working at Associated means more than just a paycheck with great benefits; it means being part of a team that works with and depends on each other to set the standard every day. It is because of the dedication of every person here that we remain a leader in the industry. Meet Our Team.


  • Jim Allmart

    Jim Allmart Start Date: April 15, 1999

    Operations Business Analyst

    What are some things you've noticed about our leadership team?

    I appreciate that many of the leaders are ones that I have worked with or for since I came on board over 20 years ago. Promoting good people from within has always been a strong suit of this company.

    What advice would you give to a co-worker as to how to move up within the company?

    Don’t treat every role as just a necessary role to move up. Embrace where you are now. Always be learning about those you work for, those who work for you, and your internal “customers” that depend on you. Seeing co-worker’s perspectives and empathizing with the daily hurdles they face will make you a better person to work with overall, and you will find that those employees recognize that and will help you to succeed in your career path.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I began as a Field Service Technician in 1999, but left after a couple years for an out of state opportunity. I ended up coming back in 2004 as a Technician once again! I then moved through several roles including Parts Manager, Field Service Manager, Fleet Management to my current role of Business Analyst.

  • Eric Bostrom

    Eric Bostrom Start Date: January 14, 2019

    Director, Storage & Automation

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    Associated reaches all kinds of customers so when one industry is down, another is up. We learn a lot about different industries and how they do business.

    What is your team like?

    Our day-to-day work is autonomous, but we enjoy spending time together and often reach out to the group with questions. Everyone is responsive when they have input to share.

    How is your experience with Associated different than your previous positions?

    My manager allows me the freedom to do my job while offering the right amount of support when needed. The company leadership is serious about employee engagement and retention.

  • Cody Burson, Scheduled Maintenance Technician

    Cody Burson Start Date: March 22, 2021

    Scheduled Maintenance Technician

    What is unique about working for our organization?

    I love how much the company cares about their employees and their home life. If I had to leave for a family emergency you're never punished and it's never held against you and that's nice to have from a company.

    How is your experience with Associated different than your previous positions?

    I feel I am needed and wanted here. I feel the work I do is appreciated.

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    I had a friend tell me it was a great company and great place to work.

  • Scott Carrico, Business Solutions Manager

    Scott Carrico Start Date: July 1, 2016

    Business Solutions Manager

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    The sales team and the leadership of that team.

    What was the moment you knew you made the right decision to work here?

    When I started working with the Service Management of Indy branch. Rod Payne, Justin White, and Paul Walden to name a few. Also when I got to work more with the Indy CSI team.

    What is your team like?

    The BEST, a competitive group that helps each other be our best.

  • Eric Crossman

    Eric Crossman Start Date: May 30, 2014

    Parts Correspondent Supervisor

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I hired in to Associated in 2014. There was still an Apprentice program then. My first day I was working the dock sweeping the floor. That same week a spot opened up in the shop and I transitioned to shop tech. After a couple months in that position, I was given my tech primer class and put in a van to begin being a road tech.

    After about a year as a tech a position in the parts department opened up and since I'm not getting any younger, I decided to make the change to a less physical job. I was a Parts Correspondent for a couple of years until the warehouse supervisor position opened up in Indy. I was promoted to that spot and stayed there for 4 years until transferring to the parts Correspondent Superposition that I hold now.

    What would you say to a candidate looking to work for our organization?

    I have done a few interviews over the years, and I tell them all the same thing. This is a great place to work, great people, and they really take good care of the employees.

    What are some things you've noticed about our leadership team?

    My leadership team has been fantastic. I have been lucky to have people in the positions above me that are invested in my success here at Associated. I have worked either directly or indirectly for Dave Sweet my entire time at Associated. Never once has he steered me wrong, always willing to lend a hand.

  • Thomas Doerring, Field Service Technician I

    Thomas Doerring Start Date: May 10, 2021

    Field Service Technician I

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I have tried to learn all I can and use what I know to be the best at the position I am currently doing. My numbers are outstanding and I am more confident and can figure most problems without outside assistance.

    What advice would you give a co-worker as to how to move up within the company?

    Always try to foresee any problems with any of our forklifts, and be honest with customer on what they need fixed. Try to always prove a part is needed before you replace it, or the customer loses faith in your troubleshooting.

    How is your experience with Associated different than your previous positions?

    I feel that I am a part of a company that tries to help its employees. Not so much from other companies as in being treated as a number or just not giving what they said they would.

  • Eric Druckenbrodt - Field Service Manager

    Eric Druckenbrodt Start Date: April 15, 1999

    Field Service Manager

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I started out as a Field Service Technician, and became a Team Leader seven years later. I loved doing what I did as a Team Leader, and had the opportunity to help foster an outstanding service team in South Bend, IN, before the opportunity arose to take on new challenges as a Field Service Manager in 2022 for Northern Indiana.

    What is your team like?

    I have a great management team that has a broad range of experience and we all work together to solve challenges. My service teams are highly professional, responsible, and dedicated to providing the best customer experience possible.

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    It was about two years before I actually had the opportunity to come to work for Associated.

    A team member who was a good friend of mine, who also worked for the same company I was at the time, described a situation that had come up and how [Associated] handled it, and that convinced me without a doubt that Associated was the company I wanted to work with.

  • Ben Dymit - Director, Strategic Analysis

    Benjamin Dymit Start Date: December 19, 2016

    Director of Strategic Analysis

    What is unique about working for our organization?

    I love working in our industry--material handling and logistics. This industry is growing rapidly and our customers are continually investing to better meet the demands of their customers. This is great news for us as a leader in our industry. Associated and our parent companies--the Raymond Corporation and Toyota Industries North America--are continually innovating to provide new solutions to our customers and for me, that is an exciting thing to be apart of.

    We impact everything that touches the daily lives of Americans. Our customers include healthcare companies, food and beverage companies, automobile manufacturing, warehousing and logistics... the list goes on. To be a part of the high-performing team at Associated during this unprecedented time of growth is something truly exciting and rewarding.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today.

    I started with Associated in our Eagan Branch as a Business Analyst. I enjoyed getting to know all areas of the business through that role--learning the goals and process of each department. I was then promoted to Business Intelligence Manager to lead both the Business Analytics and Parts Analytics teams. In 2018, I moved to Milwaukee after we acquired Stoffel to begin working out of that branch. In 2019, the Business Intelligence Team expanded to include Fleet Analytics and iTRACK set up. Most recently, in 2022 our team restructured such that we could allocate a new Strategic Analysis initiative in addition to our previous activities. I was then promoted to my current role: Director, Strategic Analysis.

    What is your team like?

    The Strategic Analysis team has a diverse set of backgrounds and are all driven and innovative thinkers. I love working with this team every day and seeing what unique solutions they find for the challenges they encounter. We are a tenured, experienced group averaging 11 years with the company, but also have newer faces who add differing perspectives.

    My team works entirely remotely and is spread out across four states. We communicate well with each other to accomplish our goals and prioritize in person time to connect and bond. I would work with this team anywhere, and I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish.

  • Randy Fields, Freight Driver

    Randy Fields Start Date: June 26, 2017

    Freight Driver

    How is your experience with Associated different than your previous positions?

    Very well taken care of. Respected and appreciated.

    What would you say to a candidate looking to work for our organization?

    Great opportunity with stability for career growth.

    What are some things you've noticed about our leadership team?

    Easy to work with and open to suggestions.

  • Kurt Kozak - Field Service Manager

    Kurt Kozak Start Date: September 11, 1995

    Field Service Manager

    What were the leading factors that led you to join Associated?

    I was an auto service tech at the time and was looking for a change. My mom and brother worked at Stoffel (rebranded as Associated in 2023) and working on forklifts sounded like it would be interesting. I also liked the fact that I would be working at a different location every day.

    What would you say to a candidate looking to work for our organization?

    This is a great company to work for. The pay and benefits are better than any place I've ever worked. I also tell candidates my story. My mom, brother, and both of my daughters work or have worked here. That says a lot about how much I believe in the company.

    There's also flexibility that we have. There are options for service techs to work 4/10 hour days. The fact that every day is something new or different. We get to meet a lot of new people at all of the accounts that we go to and we develop relationships with them.

    How is your experience with Associated different than your previous positions?

    I feel that there is a lot of work that is put into making the company grow and succeed. That goes for everyone in the company. There is always training, leadership meetings, roundtable meeting to get feedback, etc. There is room for everyone to move up the ladder to different positions. They are always looking at ways to improve benefits and working conditions. Safety is always a top priority. accomplish.

  • Stefanie Leicht

    Stefanie Leicht Start Date: February 28, 2011

    Dispatch Supervisor

    What was the moment you knew you had made the right decision to work here?

    Everyday I looked forward to going to work and chatting with my techs. Dispatching at Associated was the 1st job I had where I felt like I could say, "I like what I do!" when I was happy to get up and go to work everyday. That's when I knew I made the right decision.

    Tell us about your progression story from the position where you started, to where you are today

    12 years ago I joined the Associated Dispatch team, with some already pretty seasoned dispatchers. I learned a lot from each of them and, with that guidance and all the experience I gained, I am now proud to say, I have been supervising our team of amazing dispatchers at our Germantown, WI location for the past 4 years.

    What is your team like?

    We have such a great dispatch team at Germantown. Each member of our team brings with them an essential part of what makes us successful. Everyone is dependable, hardworking, and cares about the work they put forth and cares about each other. We are not only co-workers, friends!

  • Dave Leversen Integrated Solutions Sales Engineer

    Dave Leversen Start Date: October 1, 2014

    Integrated Solutions Sales Engineer II

    What was the moment where you knew you had made the right decision to work here?

    My previous positions had been more of a "one-man show" arrangement where each of us in the position had responsibility for every project from start to finish with no team to work with. The team approach at Associated, with account support from the Business Solutions Managers, Strategic Account Managers and National Account sales along with engineering and execution support. That team environment has been the key to our shared successes.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today.

    I started in 1988 as a manufacturing engineer in Columbus, IN. After 6 years, I moved to Westfield, IN to work for another manufacturer as a project engineer for 6 years. From there I transitioned into sales engineering as a Field Sales Engineer with Bastian Solutions. After nearly 12 years I moved to Peach State as an Account based salesman. During my first year at Peach State, Associated bought them, so I transferred to Associated to become a Solutions Engineer for the past 9 years. In 2023 the position of Integrated Solutions Sales Engineer II was created and I was promoted to that position.

    What is unique about working for our organization?

    The main difference is the merging of the lift truck and service organization with a high level automation and engineering group. Other companies just don't have the broad base of daily relationships with nearly every customer in their territory. This "warm introduction" for our automation solutions group puts us several steps ahead of competitors.

  • Diana Lopez - Human Resources Manager

    Diana Lopez Start Date: March 21, 2016

    Manager, Human Resources

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I started off as a temporary/contractor Receptionist at the front desk for 4 months before I was offered a full-time permanent position as a Human Resources Assistant. After that I was promoted to Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator, Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources Supervisor and most recently Manager, Human Resources.

    What advice would you give a co-worker as to how to move up within the company?

    Always put your best foot forward and embrace our core values. There are so many opportunities within the organization, not just your department. If you have an interest in an area but don't have the experience, talk to your manager about your future goals and how the company can help you get there.

    Share one of our core values that resonate the most with you and why?

    Selfless and Easy to Work With is the core value that resonates most with me. I really believe being approachable is what makes our Human Resources team so great. I believe our employees feel comfortable reaching out with questions, concerns, or just a sounding board to talk to and ask for resources/assistance.

  • Jacek Majewski

    Jacek Majewski Start Date: March 1, 2006

    Quality Assurance Technical Trainer

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    Getting support from Associated when my personal life hit hard obstacles, my wife being diagnosed with heart issue. I had support in any possible way to overcame issues which i faced on beginning of my journey with new company.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I started as service technician and after few years I moved to QA/ Training. I am progressing in this department, gaining new knowledge and sharing it with new technicians.

    What is your team like?

    Very supportive, we help each other to accomplish our goals, we care about each other not only on professional level but also on personal level.

  • Kevin Mason

    Kevin Mason Start Date: February 24, 1992

    Vice President, Operations

    Tell us about your progression story from the position where you started, to where you are today.

    I guess I am a bit of a "Poster Child" for progression. I started as a Parts Correspondent in our Ft Wayne Branch. I was the only employee who worked inside the branch, so I guess I was a bit of a Parts Correspondent, Parts Picker, Dock Worker, and Rental Administrator at the time.

    After a few years, I was given an opportunity to be a Customer Support Representative in Ft Wayne and South Bend. I did this a few years and added additional responsibilities for Parts and Service Leadership of the Ft Wayne area.

    In 2001, I moved to Indianapolis where I was appointed SE Division Aftermarket Manager - responsible for Parts, Service, Rental, RENEWED, and Shop for the Region. I held this position until 2011.

    In 2011, I moved to Chicago as General Manager, Central Region. I held that position for a number of years, and, as the organization changed structured, I transitioned into my role as Vice President, Operations.

    What is unique about working for Associated?

    This company is a fine blend of being big enough to have competitive benefits, but you are not a number. People are still people. I like that.

    Which one of our Core Values resonates with you most, and why?

    I see so much "No Excuse Devotion". So many people are driven to make the company successful. That is not true in many companies; it shows a commitment to Care and the Overall Team.

  • Bryan McCurdy

    Bryan McCurdy Start Date: January 16, 2023

    Scheduled Maintenance Technician

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    Good work/home balance and the ability to work my own schedule.

    What was the moment where you knew you had made the right decision to work here?

    Once I had a sit down meeting with my field service manager and saw how responsive he was.

    What are some things you've noticed about our leadership team?

    They take time to ask for feedback on how to make the company better.

  • James Murphy, Corporate Manager Fleet Assets Renewed

    James Murphy Start Date: September 19, 2016

    Corporate Manager, Fleet Assets & Renewed

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    I was initially recruited by an agency as a temp-to-hire for Sales Administration in June 2016 and became an employee in September 2016. What attracted me was the industry and how it is positioned within the supply chain to support multiple industries. I studied Operations Management with Supply Chain focus in college which really gauged my interest to be part of an industry which resembled my college studies.

    Tell us about your progression from position you started in to where you are today.

    I began in Sales Administration with the responsibility of National Account ordering and invoicing. I then began to handle the Core Sales stock list and shortly after was given the opportunity to handle a list of Core Sales Reps as their Administrator. While handling the Core Sales stock list, I gained experience with product specs and started to learn how our products fit within customer applications. I was able to transfer this knowledge to the newly centralized Renewed Dept as a Renewed Administrator.

    Throughout my time as a Renewed Administrator, I continuously learned more in regards to used equipment, asset life cycles and fleet analysis. With the experience I gained as an Administrator, I was promoted to Renewed Manager and with the later ability to enhance a growing department. The processing of lease and Usage returns within the Renewed Department provided visibility for fleet planning and asset disposition through retail or wholesale. After a few years, my role transitioned to Corporate Manager, Fleet Assets & Renewed.

    What advice would you give a co-worker as to how to move up within the company?

    Find something that really motivates you to challenge your potential and determine which area of the company that can bring it out.

  • Deborah Sweet, Rental Administrator

    Deborah Sweet Start Date: April 2015

    Asset Administration Supervisor

    Tell us about your team.

    My team is great! We have fun, we vent, we work together and are our own little family. We do things for one another to remind them we care about each other. We help each other out whenever needed and we work hard and accomplish a lot.

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    I am blessed that I get to re-join Associated. Associated is a great company. I appreciate the team spirit and the willingness of others to help.

    Which one of our Core Values resonates with you most, and why?

    Working with Associated, you will not find the stereotypical response from people of "That's not my job." Instead, co-workers go above and beyond to help each other and find answers to help each other out. Bottom line: we all work towards ensuring the customer is taken care of. Sometimes this requires being 'Selfless and Easy to Work With.'

  • Tiffany Truckey

    Tiffany Truckey Start Date: February 28, 222

    Service Dispatch

    What were the deciding factors that led you to join Associated?

    My husband and brother-in-law worked here.

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    My coworkers are great to work with.

    What is your team like?

    We work well together and have a good time with each other, makes coming into the office rewarding and enjoyable.

  • Debbie Tworek

    Debbie Tworek Start Date: March 15, 2004

    Corporate Manager, Marketing and Communications

    What were the deciding factors tht led you to join Associated?

    1. The potential for growth within the company.
    2. The stability of the organization.
    3. Benefits.
    4. Culture.

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    Once I was able to know my co-workers, I knew it was going to be a good fit. The first team I started working with took extra time out to teach me about the company and industry. Each team I have been a part of since has been great too.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    Within the Marketing Department I moved from: Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Specialist to Marketing Supervisor to Marketing Manager. With Associated’s support and programs for continuing education, it helped me grow.

  • Jim (James) Tuller

    Jim Tuller Start Date: October 11, 2012

    Customer Advocate

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    Shortly after I started I felt like part of a team. I had a lot of support from techs who had been around for a long time and were very willing to help and share what they knew. You don't always see that in other companies.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    I started as a tech, then I had an opportunity to move into parts. I did that for a while and realized being a tech was much more rewarding to me at that point in my life. I went back to being a road tech for a few more years. Then an opportunity came up to become a Customer Advocate. I jumped at the chance to do that and have been doing it for a little over 5 years now.

    Which one of our Core Values resonates the most with you and why?

    Selfless and easy to work with. This one is probably my favorite. We need to make it as easy as possible to work with each other inside or outside our organization.

  • Jason Varveris

    Jason Varveris Start Date: August 1, 2007

    National Account Manager

    What was the moment that you knew you’d made the right decision to work here?

    Early on in my career it was the people who worked for Associated that made the difference for me. It was a very friendly atmosphere where people always were willing to help others. Many times I would sit down with various departments so I could learn their role in the company, and give me a better understanding of what we did. I had many mentors in the sales team who took me under their wing to teach me the business, not because they had to, but because they cared enough about this place and cared enough for me and wanted to help me succeed.

    Tell us about your progression from the position you started in to where you are today?

    When I was hired, it was go door-to-door cold calling for the sales team. I would spend my days driving around, walking in the back doors of businesses, handing out brochures, and taking notes for the salesman whose area I was in that day. After 3 months I received a call that a territory had opened up, and that I was going to take it over. I worked that territory for over 8 years. When I started in it, the territory was generating $600,000 in annual sales, and when I left the territory in 2015 it was a $5,000,000 territory. In 2015 I was promoted to a Strategic Account Manager with a list of 15 accounts to call on. I did that job for 3 years, when in 2018 I was promoted to a National Account Manager, where I reside today.

    We like to recognize employees who go above and beyond; has there been a story you could share where you were recognized for great performance?

    I have been recognized for my performance on 2 separate occasions. Both of these came in the year 2016. I was awarded the "Salesman Of the Year", and more importantly than that, I and Associated were awarded the "Vendor Of the Year" by Ferrara Candy. This was the first year that Ferrara decided to recognize their vendors for their outstanding support, and to win this honor was something that meant more to me than anything else. To be selected by someone who chooses to do business with us is a great honor!

    That year we designed a racking layout for a new 1,000,000 SQFT DC, installed the racking, implemented over 80 new pieces of equipment, performed full maintenance on all of it, and installed iWarehouse on their entire fleet. Now on the surface the award was presented to myself and Associated, but behind the scenes this honor touched every single department in the company. None of this would have been possible without the entire Associated team at the time being involved.