Foley United, the world’s leading manufacturer of highly engineered grinders for the turf industry, today announced that Brad Kautzer has joined the company as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Brad succeeds Jim Letourneau who will remain with the company as a senior adviser, board member, and equity partner.
Prior to joining Foley United, Brad had a long and successful career at Honeywell, including VP/GM of its global Electromechanical Sensing & Control business and VP Industrial Control Products Asia-Pacific, and numerous other global roles over a 28-year career. Brad’s work included supporting a broad range of automation and control solutions for industrial machinery, aerospace, defense, and transportation end markets sold primarily to original equipment providers worldwide. Brad has deep leadership experience in marketing, sales, product development, and operations as well as supporting growth through global dealer/distributor networks. He has successfully led numerous business and channel growth initiatives and is well regarded as an industry expert.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stout with degrees in Technology Education and Industrial Technology plus management development and Six Sigma programs at Honeywell, Brad is well suited to lead Foley United to the next level in its business growth and lean manufacturing journey.
“We are excited to have Brad join the Foley United team. He has demonstrated throughout his career a deep commitment to excellence in all aspects of business, with a clear passion for new product development, sales, marketing and customer service. I look forward to partnering with Brad to continue Foley United’s leadership in our markets” Commented Jim Letourneau.
Brad commented, ” I am thrilled to be joining Jim and the Foley United team. I am particularly committed to Foley United’s continuing leadership in product design innovation and implementing new ways to better serve our strong distributor/dealer base. Our thousands of end users across the globe will continue to enjoy the excellence they have come to rely upon with Foley products. Foley’s industry reputation is strong and I look forward to working with the team to guide the business to the next level.”
Foley United designs and manufactures a comprehensive group of products that grind and sharpen mower blades and related turf maintenance products used by golf courses, sports and parks facilities, and commercial landscapers. Products include reel blade grinders/sharpeners, bed knife sharpeners, rotary blade sharpeners, and related accessories and supporting products. Foley United leads the world in innovations that improve efficiency, quality, and safety for the turf manager, and improve performance and extend lives of mowers and related equipment.
