Chris started in the equipment rental industry in 1998 with Hertz Equipment Rental, which is now known as HERC Rental. In 2011 he went to Atlas Copco's Compressor Rental Division focusing on oil-free electric and diesel compressors. Along the way, he held positions as an Area Sales Manager and Regional Sales Manager where he managed an outside sales staff for the East Region of Atlas Copco Rental, focusing on five oil-free core markets: Refineries, Chemical, Pulp & Paper, Power and Food & Beverage.
Kaeser’s plans to target the oil-free rental market, long dominated by a few major players, are a natural fit with Chris’ past experience and he is already familiar with the companies Kaeser was targeting. As Chris learned more about Kaeser's consultative approach in designing a customer's compressed air system, he got the sense that Kaeser thinks outside the box in developing equipment and in our pursuit to be a leader in the compressed air industry. "I was excited about the opportunity to help grow Kaeser's oil-free compressor presence within industrial equipment rental market."
Chris has already had success: Working with Sunbelt, he placed one of our enclosed electric oil-free rental packages that consists of a CSG 130-2 RD with a built-in i.HOC dryer at a DuPont plant in Delaware. This unit has currently been out on rent for a month. Both DuPont and Sunbelt are pleased with the system, which has enabled DuPont to perform more maintenance projects that they had been putting off. Chris also finalized a lease agreement with Fabick Caterpillar, one of the largest CAT dealers in the US for four of our M500-2 diesel oil-free compressors at their Fenton, MO and Metropolis, IL branches. Fabick had been utilizing Atlas Copco for oil-free re-rental opportunities. Atlas Copco Rental has since ended that relationship. Both Fabick and Kaeser are excited about the potential for a long term relationship within the Caterpillar Dealer Network.
Chris lives in the Derby City aka Louisville, KY, where he was born and raised. Chris grew up playing soccer — he played in high school, travel club teams, and eventually in college. He now coaches a couple youth travel club teams in the Louisville area. However his biggest interest is watching his daughter, Kaelin, compete in rowing regattas as a member of Murray State University's rowing team. His other interests include attending the local pro USL soccer team, Louisville City FC soccer matches and his favorite European Soccer Club is Manchester United. Chris also enjoys playing golf with friends and family.
"I love the entrepreneurial spirit that comes with being a Key Account Manager for Kaeser Compressors as I help promote and grow the oil-free line of compressors. Every day is a new adventure. In the short time that I have been with Kaeser, I have enjoyed the support I receive from the organization. There's a good vibe with Kaeser and I look forward to being a part of an industry leader for a long time."