People in the News

NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Dawn Bloch to vice president, customer engagement.

In her new role, Bloch will oversee the marketing communications department in addition to continuing to manage business development and customer service. She will report to Ashley Martin, executive vice president, NIBCO.

Bloch joined NIBCO in 2000 as a customer service representative. She held several positions of increasing responsibility including technical specialist, radiant heating advisor; radiant heat technical coordinator; customer service supervisor; customer service manager, director retail sales; manager, HR services; and director, business development and customer service.

Bloch was named to Supply House Times, “20 Women in Industry” in March 2017, an acknowledgement of women decision makers in the PHCP-PVC industry. At NIBCO, she was recognized in 2015 with the Rex Martin award, given to recognize achievement in cost reduction, safety, or an increase in sales, and in 2018, the Alice A. Martin award, given to recognize women who demonstrate philanthropy, community service, mentorship, and support the development of other women.

She has been a member of the American Supply Association Women in Industry since 2013, a board chair for Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart since 2019, and she volunteers for the United Way of Elkhart.

She holds a bachelor’s degree of Science in Business Administration from Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Bloch also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Northern Alabama and a certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell University.

She resides in Elkhart, Indiana.

Kerry Stackpole, Plumbing Manufacturers International‘s CEO and executive director, has been named to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) 8, a federal advisory committee that covers building materials and forest products.

The committee is one of 15 managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) to help U.S. businesses compete nationally and internationally. His appointment to the committee will help amplify the collective voice of plumbing manufacturers on important international trade issues, such as Section 301 tariffs and counterfeit plumbing product sales.

“This gives us a seat at the international trade table and the ability to interact with policy and decision makers to provide direct input on the impact of trade agreements for our industry,” Stackpole said.

ITAC 8 is part of the International Trade Administration, which promotes trade and investment in U.S. businesses and ensures fair trade with rigorous trade-law enforcement. The committee provides detailed policy and technical advice, information and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the USTR on trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting building materials and forest products, according to the ITAC website.

About Plumbing Manufacturers International

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing product manufacturers that produce more than 90% of the United States’ plumbing products, represent more than 150 iconic brands, and develop safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies. PMI members contribute more than 464,000 jobs and $85.5 billion in economic impact to America’s economy.

With a vision of safe, responsible plumbing – always, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance contributing to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads and other products at more than 70 locations across the country and market them online and in more than 24,000 home improvement stores, hardware stores and showrooms in all 50 states. For more information on PMI, contact the organization at 1750 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1500, McLean, Virginia, 22102; tel.: 847-481-5500. www.safeplumbing.org.

The board of directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) has elected Chris Villavarayan to be a director of the Company effective May 6, 2022.

Mr. Villavarayan has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: MTOR) since March 2021. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Villavarayan held a number of positions of increasing responsibility within Meritor, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with oversight of the company’s global operations for its Global Truck and Aftermarket & Industrial business segments.

Mr. Villavarayan earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Mr. Gregg Sengstack, Franklin’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I have confidence that Chris’ extensive operational and manufacturing experience and his global outlook will provide a unique perspective to our deliberations. I join my fellow directors in welcoming Chris to the Board and we look forward to benefitting from his leadership and expertise.”

Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently named J&K Sales the top-performing manufacturer representative for its Wholesale Business Unit in 2021, recognizing the agency’s exceptional partnership and accomplishments in support of Oatey Co. and its companies. In addition, Oatey named Chase Freeman, Vice President, Spirit Group, the inaugural winner of its Bob Bender Legacy Award.

J&K Sales, whose partnership with Oatey spans nearly 20 years, earned the title of Wholesale Manufacturer Representative of the Year because of their exceptional work, perseverance and passion throughout 2021. They delivered exceptional sales results for the year, across budget targets, new-product sales and more. In addition, through consistent investments in their business – such as training, associate development and team growth – J&K has positioned themselves for ongoing success.

“Oatey’s manufacturer representatives are an extension of our team, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication,” said Patrick Aquino, Vice President, Wholesale Sales at Oatey Co. “J&K Sales has built a phenomenal team in the New England states. They are strong in all segments, and I see them only getting stronger. Congratulations to them on this well-deserved honor.”

Oatey also recognized Chase Freeman of Spirit Group as the inaugural winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. Prior to his death in 2018, Bender spent his 42-year career in sales at Oatey, during which time he forged indelible relationships with customers and industry partners. His legacy and contributions will continue to serve as an example and inspiration to Oatey team members and partners for years to come.

Freeman was selected for the Bob Bender Legacy Award because of his passion, creative energy and willingness to go above and beyond for Oatey in both the rough-plumbing and waterworks markets. His ability to think outside the box enables him to drive impressive sales results, and he consistently demonstrates perseverance in support of Oatey and its brand.

“Congratulations to Chase on being the well-deserved winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award,” said Aquino. “His dedication, no-quit attitude and enthusiasm for this industry are a true reflection of Bob’s legacy, and I know Bob would be proud to see Chase receive this recognition. We are so appreciative of his contributions.”