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Our Product Managers... The People behind EX-FACTORY. 


Juergen Schumacher

Juergen Schumacher

Juergen began his career in the woodworking industry in Germany. Since then he has gained (30) uninterrupted years of experience in Europe, Canada and the United States.

He is EX-FACTORY's CEO and the driving force behind the company's success and unique market position. Throughout the industry he is well known for his innovative marketing approaches. Juergen personally knows most of the several hundred dealers and distributors involved in the sale and service of woodworking machinery throughout the USA and Canada, and it seems that nearly everybody knows him!

Over the years he has developed a particularly strong background and product knowledge in panel processing equipment. His overall vast knowledge of Woodworking Machinery makes him one of the most called-on advisors.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 307

 
Bob Bullin

Bob Bullin

Bob, a native of North Carolina, earned his degree in Wood Science & Lumber Technology from Haywood College in Waynesville, NC. Today, he brings 35 plus years in the woodworking industry to EX-FACTORY.

His early career years were in production and management for high volume and high end traditional furniture manufacturers. In the early 1980s, he helped form QUATTROTECH, which later became known as BIESSE AMERICA. This career change into machinery sales and engineering projects covered the next two decades and introduced Bob to woodworking companies throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

At EX-FACTORY, Bob is eager to share with you his product and system-wide equipment knowledge, whether it is for CNC Machining Centers, Horizontal Panels Saws, Angular Plants, Material Handing, JIT Production Lines, or practically any wood/panel manufacturing process.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 346

 
Marc Tremblay

Marc Tremblay

Born and raised in Drummondville, Quebec, Marc Tremblay began his woodworking machinery industry career in 2000 as a Product Manager with EX-FACTORY INC. Several years later, he made a transition to Appraisal Practice after completing his first 15-hour USPAP course in Houston, TX.

Over the years, his expertise extended to metal manufacturing and plastic manufacturing equipment that Marc considers a natural match for his experience and knowledge of woodworking equipment. Soon after, his major professional focus shifted to Complete Plant Appraisals for the Insurance and Financial Industries.

Marc is a member of the EAANA (Equipment Appraiser Association of North America) with a CSA (Certified Senior Appraiser) designation. These affiliations are befitting for Marc who has performed numerous valuations throughout Canada, USA, and Mexico.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 359

 
Dan Wolters

Dan Wolters

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dan prepared himself for the woodworking industry by completing a furniture manufacturing training program. In 1977 he joined the John Widdicomb high end, residential furniture company, started at the bottom, worked all manufacturing shifts, and gained an impressive variety of hands-on experiences from true furniture Masters. During that time, he also worked at night for an internationally renowned custom instrument manufacturer, hand making pianos and stringed instruments. After eight years, he decided with a partner to establish his own company which he operated successfully for ten years.

In 1994, Dan was asked by Industrias Riviera, a Mexican-owned office furniture manufacturer, to help design a new wood case goods product line and setup a production plant to produce this new line. The project's success led him to stay with the company a few years longer than originally planned until he accepted a challenging offer from Alexander & Mary SA, a US furniture manufacturer with a Mexico City plant in "distress". His very positive results led to becoming their Vice President of Operations. - After 10 years in Mexico, Dan chose to return to Michigan and continue his woodworking industry career in the US.

At EX-FACTORY Dan's position as Sales Manager and Operations Manager of the Zeeland Michigan facility keeps him closely involved in all areas of the company. Whether you are looking to sell or buy, let Dan's "hands-on know-how" assist you with your woodworking equipment requirements. In Spanish or English, for small to large manufacturers, please contact Dan today for your straight talk consultation and purchase of your equipment needs.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 376

 
Tony Cornacchione

Tony Cornacchione

Tony is graduate of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Kimberly Clark (paper industry) for 5 years as a Design & Project Engineer and designed machines, material handling and air systems.

He later became a partner in API Machinery and was responsible for the design and manufacturing of custom-built machinery for the woodworking, metal, plastic, and food industries. API later moved on to become a dealer in new and used woodworking machinery.

Tony lives in Toronto, Ontario and works from his Toronto office. Whether your needs are small or large, let Tony’s extensive years of experience in a variety of manufacturing and machinery businesses assist you. When you're acquiring equipment for your current operation or selling your surplus equipment, he will be a valuable member of your team.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 432

 
Norm Schust

Norm Schust

While a native New Yorker, Norman's family moved to Ontario, Canada during his childhood. Following high school, Norm worked at various jobs until he became a Thermwood CNC Router programmer at a small custom component manufacturer. Within a year, he was foreman, in charge of all production; during his spare hours, he used the facility to learn how to operate the machinery and build furniture. In the process, he discovered his future was in CNC Woodworking Machinery.

After several years, a larger firm offered Norm a more advanced CAD/CAM position that included machinery programming. This led to more opportunities in CNC programming and equipment demonstration. In 1999, Norm accepted a position at Anderson America as applications engineer and has been involved with them since.

In 2005, Norm moved back to the US as Anderson's Southeast Regional Sales Manager to develop and expand that market. At EX FACTORY, Norm is a Product Manager for our line of Used CNC machinery; in some of his spare time, he is a fan of Charlotte's NASCAR racing! If CNC equipment is part of your current or future processing, Norm can make the ride a smooth one! - Just ask!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 445

 
Louis Sicotte

Louis Sicotte

Louis is a native of the Quebec Province, Canada, and has a degree in marketing from Montreal University. After graduation, he joined his family's business, a well recognized manufacturer of woodworking machinery. There he learned all aspects of woodworking machinery, from conception to manufacturing to sales. His first efforts focused on developing a distribution network serving the Canadian and US markets.

After 14 years with the family business, the company was sold, and Louis joined Homag Group as branch manager for Eastern Canada. During his 5 years with Homag, he received thorough training on Panel Processing Product equipment and complete Lines. He frequently traveled to Europe and became very familiar with Lines competitive to the Homag Group.

After Homag, Louis opened his own machinery dealership in partnership with E & R Systems, MA. During those years he imported and sold new and used machinery from Europe. In that capacity he also broadened his knowledge to include CNC machines, as well as Solid Wood Processing Equipment.

Fluent in both French and English, Louis is EX-FACTORY's representative primarily servicing Quebec and the Maritimes across all machinery categories.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 329

 
Amanda Solomon

Amanda Solomon

Amanda, our Warehouse & Operations Manager at our Zeeland, MI Facility, was born, raised, and educated in the Holland/Zeeland MI area. Her career began as a machine operator producing Mercedes automobile parts. With the decline in the auto industry, she accepted a position at EX-FACTORY's newly opened Warehouse, Showroom and Machinery Reconditioning center in Zeeland, MI and was introduced to the woodworking machinery industry.

Amanda's first responsibilities were as machinery cleaner and photographer. A quick learner, she gained "first hand" knowledge about woodworking equipment and volunteered to assist visitors during inspection and demonstration visits. Soon, Amanda was promoted to Customer Service and administrative support to Zeeland's General Manager.

Today, Amanda is the "go to" person at our Zeeland Warehouse, Showroom, and Machinery Reconditioning Center. She is the first contact for customers and EXF alike to schedule repairs in the warehouse, track inventory (new and used); schedule CAM-WOOD training and order parts, and installation for the WR-Series Routers. - When assistance at Zeeland is needed, Amanda is ready, willing, and able to guide you to the resolution and solution you require!

Phone: 888-930-0735 ext. 374

 
Joe Retzlaff

Joe Retzlaff

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Joe's family immigrated to Montreal, Canada, when he was a youngster. Montreal then became Joe's permanent home until recent years when he moved to the Toronto area. Following traditional schooling in Montreal, Joe pursued a machinist apprenticeship at the Montreal Technical Institute and accepted a position with a metal foundry. His responsibilities shifted from machinist to sales, first involved with parts & tooling and later to Sales Management of North American and International sales.

Once well established in Sales, Joe turned his focus to Woodworking Machinery. Through his subsequent 25 years experience, he has acquired extensive technical knowledge and has excelled in meeting customers' objectives and problem solving to adapt to the complete spectrum of client and management styles.

Whether implementing large systems or small, Joe's will be glad to put his capabilities and experience to work for you.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 348

 
Bernie Straple

Bernie Straple

Bernie, a native of Charlotte, NC, spent 16 years in Atlanta, GA building his career around customer service, sales, distribution, and developing his personal mantra to provide customers with a fair price for a good product.

In the mid 1990s, he returned to Charlotte and started his career in Material Handling Equipment manufacturing. As a team member covering the US and Canada, Bernie worked very closely with the company's design and manufacturing of Material Handling Equipment at the packaging end of a production line - a focus lasting 14 years. Industries serviced included forestry, brick/block, metals, can/bottle, corrugated, and just about any product that needed to be unitized after production.

During these years, Bernie became intimately involved with Conveyors, Automatic Strapping Machines for steel and plastic strapping material, and Specialty "one-of-a-kind" Equipment as standard units or designed from concept to a fabricated machine to meet the customer’s specifications & requirements. Most all of the equipment was PLC controlled, whether a single machine or a complete packaging line.

Contact Bernie when you're considering or actively looking for Material Handling solutions for your product; benefit from his knowledge and experience in the industry. He will find and provide you with fair pricing and good products!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 339

 
Ed Webb

Ed Webb

A native of Norwalk Connecticut, Ed grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California before moving to Michigan to pursue his college education in Marketing & Business Administration. Following graduation from Eastern Michigan University with a BBA in Marketing, Ed began his Sales Career with a steel service center and later joined a Detroit metal stamping company.

Ed developed his passion for machine tools used in the Metalworking Industry while working for Tannewitz Inc. Over a 22-year period, he gained expertise in the metal finishing area, specializing in Wide Belt Sander applications for deburring, surface preparation, and stainless steel polishing. He has provided product training in the proper use of Finishing Equipment, as well as working with Engineering and Manufacturing departments to determine the best equipment to meet their application's requirements. More recently, Ed has worked in Michigan as a manufacturer’s representative providing Metalworking Machinery and related supplies items.

As a member of our Metalworking Machinery team, Ed invites you to benefit from his years of experience, skills, and proven customer service to fill your equipment needs.

Phone: 888-930-0735 ext. 377

 
Torry Hiddema

Torry Hiddema

Born and raised in West Michigan, Torry began a long career in woodworking as a leadman for two of the area’s leading companies. He gained complete hands-on knowledge of & experience in all aspects of manufacturing from rough-mill to shipping. Later, he accepted a Head Fabricator position and became adept at using CNC equipment to create custom material handling & conveyor systems solutions. When offered an Operations Management position, he acquired skills in robotic operation & programming, custom robotic work cell startup, as well as those of an ISO/QS 9000 Auditor. Torry was promoted to Sales that required travel throughout the US & Mexico.

An Online Auctions opportunity was presented to Torry, where he worked with Company Owners, Banks, and Creditors to liquidate their assets. Activities encompassed total organization & coordination of all Auction stages, from initial contract to final payment of Auction funds to the Seller.

With hands-on and Management experience in wood, metal, & granite processing, Torry focus is sales. He is a "go to person" in the Michigan & Midwestern states for customers considering Auction Sales, from one piece to an entire facility. With his background & skills, he can assist & work with EXF customers in various industries & business situations, buying, selling, or liquidating, handling and addressing just about any machinery or equipment application situation.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 371

 
Jim Reedy

Jim Reedy

 A native Western New Yorker, Jim’s electrical trades and Air Force technical training served as a solid foundation for his position as an iron foundry industrial electrician, where he excelled in trouble shooting and maintaining large industrial machinery and plant electrical systems.

In the mid-80's, Jim was recruited by a large RTA furniture manufacturer for his expertise to help maintain their state-of- the-art European Woodworking Machinery, where he was instrumental in increasing productivity and reducing downtime. He eventually joined Holzma-US as their lead technician for large Angular Panel Saws, progressing to National Service Manager in less than (2) years; he managed (8) technicians and provided customer phone support.

More recently, Jim has operated his own industrial machinery service company and worked for End Users, Machinery Manufacturers, and Dealers in maintaining and integrating sophisticated CNC machinery into Plant Production Systems.

From 2000 to 2004, Jim worked at EX-FACTORY in machinery sales. He is glad to be part of the EXF team again and welcomes the opportunities to put his eclectic skill set and years of industrial machinery experience to work for you!

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 455

 
Rob Verboom

Rob Verboom

Born and raised in The Netherlands, Rob spent his "after school hours" at his family's woodworking machinery business, VERBOOM. The company was an importer of a wide range of woodworking machinery into The Netherlands. VERBOOM also produced Wide Belt Sanders and Moulders that were sold worldwide, including the USA.

Rob "grew up" through the family business ranks from production, accounting to sales, which he preferred the most. In Sales, he spent 10 years throughout Europe, almost 2 years in the USA, in addition to frequent visits to the Far East, Australia, New Zealand.

After the 1988 sale of VERBOOM, Rob continued with B-to-B industrial sales. He became a sales manager, setup an export department, became an agent for several European companies, and later was a commercial director heavily involved in export activities. After his many years in sales, Rob established VEM Metallurgie, an equipment and consumables trading company serving the Benelux-countries representing top brands mainly from Germany

Please contact Rob and let his extensive product knowledge and international sales experience work for you with your "buy or sell" capital equipment needs from anywhere in the world

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 463

 
Kevin Welker

Kevin Welker

Born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, Kevin began working in the industrial auction industry while still in high school. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Kevin continued his Auction career, drawing upon his formal training in graphic design and photography to design Auction event brochures.

Kevin has worked for leading industrial Auction companies for over 30 years, which included positions in Operations, Valuations, and Marketing, as well as managing Auction projects for companies ranging from small family-owned businesses to Fortune 1000 and Global 500 clients.

Leveraging his equipment knowledge in a wide variety of manufacturing industries, Kevin is focused on providing unmatched service to achieve the highest possible returns for EX-FACTORYAuctions’ clients.

Kevin currently resides in Southeastern Michigan.

Phone: 616-239-2478

 
Greg Gibson

Greg Gibson

Gregory is a native of Charlotte NC. After graduating and receiving his BFA from ACA & GSU in Atlanta, GA, he began working in the woodworking & cabinet-making trades. First efforts were with small custom shop environments, designing and building modern prototype furniture, yacht interiors, executive offices, etc.

During this time and into the present, he has continued his pursuit in the Fine Arts. His paintings, drawings, and collages are exhibited in national galleries and published in print with commentary by both art historians and religious scholars.

From 2001 – 2005, Greg was an EXF machinery sales Product Manager, primarily woodworking equipment sales. He rejoins our team in the Stone & Glass Division.

Greg’s creative background and equipment sales experience complement his innate unique skillset and problem-solving capability. See how well your requirements can be satisfied when coupled with his talents and enjoyment of a challenge and preference to “think outside the box” when finding your equipment solutions; ..just give him a call!

800-374-5009 ext. 318

 
Dale Granger

Dale Granger

Dale was born and raised in Rochester, NY, within a family of entrepreneurs and business owners. Living in an industrial city, he became interested in buying and selling manufacturing equipment. Dale eventually built his business GRANGER ENTERPRISE, specializing in sales of industrial equipment through online e-commerce and being known locally as the “go-to” for all machinery needs. He successfully continued with industrial sales, both new and used for over (15) years.

He specializes as a Full Service Industrial Sales Consultant, taking inventory, photographing, and pricing entire plants for sale, or a single machine. He can handle the entire transaction while you focus on company production. Dale has worked with many Business Owners, Presidents, and Production Managers, and seamlessly fits into their businesses, while providing value at no cost to their company.

Contact Dale, a qualified EX-FACTORY Machinery Sales team member with the knowledge to locate machinery that fits your current needs and obtains the highest price for your surplus machinery. Know first-hand by contacting Dale today. Allow him to help you meet your goals for acquiring or liquidating machinery!

800-374-5009 ext. 331

 
Katie Lechelt

Katie Lechelt

Katie Lechelt's (8) years experience in the Recycling Sales Industry equipped her with a rich and diverse skill set. She initiated her career as a New Product Manager for 2 years with a company specializing in the sale of Recycling Equipment. Later she decided to explore the telecommunications sector but realized her passion for the Recycling Industry proved to be her driving force. Her next six-year tenure allowed her to hone her expertise across various Recycling Equipment categories, including: Shredders, Granulators, Hammermills, and more. Katie's knowledge enabled her to develop her skills through on-site visits, active participation in trade shows, and numerous productive phone calls.

Katie resides in the Chicago, Illinois area, where she brings her solid experience to EX-FACTORY’s customers. When she's not immersed in her professional pursuits, Katie indulges in her passion for traveling and broadens her horizons beyond the Recycling Sales Industry.

Phone: 800-374-5009 ext. 452