How did you get your start in the industry? What was your career path?
Battle Motors was my intro to the industry. I was working聽for the Battle Motors founder prior to the acquisition聽of Crane Carrier. My title at Battle Motors was Head of Business Development. Battle acquired Crane Carrier in 2021 and is now a leading OEM in the industry.
What is your current role today? Where do you work?
I am now the Founder and CEO of CommanderAI, which was founded in 2024. Commander is a sales intelligence and automation platform built for the Waste Industry, by industry veterans. Our goal is to simplify the complex sales processes that currently exist. All facets of this industry can benefit from the use of CommanderAI.
What important lesson have you learned over the years?
Relationships are everything. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Lead with honesty. Do what you say you are going to do.
Who was your biggest influence?
Mike Patterson, who is the Founder and CEO of Battle Motors. Mike has been the single biggest mentor for me in my professional career. Seeing what he did at Battle and how he transformed a legacy OEM into one of the fastest growing companies in this space is a true inspiration to what can be accomplished through fortitude and hard work.
What do you love most about being in the industry?
There is a genuine sense of community and desire to help each other out. Whether you are an OEM, Waste Hauler or dealer everyone supports each other. That is what CommanderAI was built upon, my love for this industry and desire to give back.