Meet the Ryson Team

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The staff here at Ryson are a great group of individuals that are dedicated to crafting our products to the highest standards.

Ryson’s employees show the joy, passion and expertise to manufacture industry-leading machines and deliver top notch service!

Our staff knows the direction of the company and the goals we have set. Everyone in his or her own way is actively contributing towards reaching our goals and satisfying our customers.

Sales

Taoufik “TK” Haddadi

Sales Manager

TK is responsible for managing all aspects of sales and business development at Ryson. This includes maintaining customer relations through superior support, customer service during the sales process, maintaining communications during projects and post sales follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction. He establishes new business partnerships and also participates in various activities with the associations that run the industries we serve.

Taoufik brings over 15 years of industry experience mainly in the warehousing automation and material handling industries. He has a background in controls engineering, systems' commissioning & integration, project management. He embarked the sales journey after joining Ryson International in 2017 as an account manager and assuming the sales manager position mid-2023.

"Standing at 6'5" people are usually surprised when they meet face to face for the first time. "Haddadi" means Blacksmith (Smith) or Ironman, so I share the heritage of how Royal Apollo started as a blacksmith shop in 1847. My passions include cultural experiences mainly around travel and food as well as sports especially Basketball and Soccer."

TK is responsible for managing all aspects of sales and business development at Ryson.

Steve Dillaman

Key Account Manager

As a member of the Ryson team for the past 18 years, Steve has led the Ryson sales team’s growth in the food & beverage as well as the packaging and manufacturing industries. As a sales engineer and project manager, he focuses on retaining our long time clients as well as training and supporting our sales team in those industries. He is based out of Virginia with a nationwide operation.

Steve has accumulated over 30 years of industry experience specializing in material handling systems.

"I enjoy I enjoy being outdoors, especially hiking and golfing."

Steve is a crucial part of our sales team for over 18 years now.

Adam LaRock

Area Sales Manager

As our Area Sales Manager Adam works with Ryson customers throughout the greater Midwest. Adam is a 2023 addition to the Ryson team and brings significant material handling equipment and integration experience. He works remotely out of Milwaukee, WI.

Adam began his career in the material handling and warehouse distribution world before you could order a mattress in a box. He has lived the life of both the manufacturer and the integrator. He understands what is most important to all parties when developing the best fit solution.

"Where I’m from it’s a “bubbler”, not a water fountain. The fresh coast is the best coast. And a Friday isn’t complete unless a fish fry is involved. I enjoy spending time with my family, going fishing when time permits and trying to fix everything myself at least once before calling a professional/conceding defeat."

As our Area Sales Manager Adam works with Ryson customers throughout the greater Midwest.

Bill Keane

Account Manager

Bill Keane is the newest member of Ryson Sales Team! He is the Account Manager focusing on the Ryson Bucket Elevator. He will also handle other key accounts in his part of the country. Bill joins us remotely from the beautiful state of South Carolina. He provides assistance in the correct application of Bucket elevators in a variety of manufacturing, packaging, agriculture and other fields. When it comes to the Ryson Bucket Elevator, Bill is the guy to contact!

Bill brings decades of experience in all phases of material handling systems and equipment.

"I was a Scout and a Scout leader for a good portion of my life. I believe in mentoring and helping other people at all times."

Account Manager focusing on the Ryson Bucket Elevator

Regina Lopez

Sales Support Manager

Regina, our Sales Support Manager is involved with our projects from the time we receive the purchase order until the equipment leaves our facility. She assists our Sales Team with customer’s proposal requests.

Regina has been a Ryson team member since January 2008. Before joining Ryson, she owned a contracting company which installed communications systems throughout Virginia, DC, Maryland and Delaware which she sold after 15 years. She has worked as a Buyer for Pioneer Products, a subsidiary of General Mills as well as managed a satellite office for a national development company.

"I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy a good football game. Go Gators!"

Regina, our Sales Support Manager assists our sales team with projects from start to finish.

Parts & Service

Jeffery Montgomery

Service Manager

As the manager of Ryson's Parts and Service team, Jeffery provides overall support to both customers and colleagues. Together with his team of technicians he's dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of customers' equipment. With a commitment to hard work and a balanced approach to life, they foster a familial atmosphere where team members look out for one another. Jeff says: "A leader is only as good as their team and my team rocks!"

Jeffery has been working in the industry for over 15 years, acquiring a wealth of knowledge. His mechanical background, coupled with a work ethic "as fierce as a wolverine" (to quote him), has contributed to his success in landing his current position. He has taken the initiative to educate himself on all facets of the business and is committed to continued growth and development.

"Despite what my wife and kids think, I'm actually pretty cool. I enjoy providing a hand up, not a handout, to my work family and home family as well as my community. My garden and my back porch are my happy places. I believe as humans, we do not deserve dogs. They are so much better than us. Natural wonders and children’s smiles destroy my inner tough guy and leave me speechless."

Together with his team of technicians Jeffery is dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of our customers' equipment.

Brandon Rose

Senior Service Technician

As Senior Service Technician Brandon provides customers with the information they need when experiencing issues. His responsibilities include on-site assistance such as rebuilds, audits, trainings etc. Brandon took on a lead role for all the trade shows Ryson participates in, making sure all equipment is in the best running condition before it gets to the shows. He also travels to trade shows to do some networking and talking to other companies, exchanging information to possibly build a relationship’s and "to get Ryson’s name out there for potential new customers".

Brandon has been with Ryson for about 10 years and started as a spiral assembler. After a year and a half, he became a service technician helping a lot of Ryson customers in the time of need. "I can say that Ryson has helped me find a comfortable workplace and made me available to help my peers around me with information based on my experience with Ryson."

"I’m a very happy guy! I can always put a smile on someone’s face. I take pride in being a person that my peers feel comfortable coming to when they need some one to talk to. I like to put my self out there to be a helping hand when needed. “I always say, ‘If you think positive, positive things will happen!"

As Senior Service Technician Brandon supports our customers with on-site assistance such as rebuilds, audits, trainings etc.

Ryan “Lew” Lewis

Senior Service Technician

Lew assists our service manager with day-to-day operations within the service department. He also offers assistance to our customers via email, phone and onsite-visits. He helps with technical questions and when any challenges arise.

Lew has spent several years working in this industry and has thrived in this environment. Prior to his time at Ryson, he worked 5 years as a welder at Newport News Shipbuilding, building aircraft carriers and submarines.

"I am an avid LEGO enthusiast and have over 70 sets built to date. I love spending time outside and endeavor to visit any natural attractions near where I travel for work. A few of my favorite locations to date are the Grand Canyon, Banff in the Canadian Rockies, the Sequoia National Forest and Niagara Falls."

As our Senior Service Technician Lew offers assistance to customers and to our service manager.

Scott Christensen

Spare Parts Manager

Scott provides support to RYSON and APOLLO North & South American customers with spare and replacement parts needs. Whether it be a sales call, a request for suggested parts, aiding with identification of parts, or guidance for integrators / end users with a need to rebuild one of our spirals or elevators, our parts team can help.

2008 to present RYSON Parts Department Manager 2000 to 2008 Product Category Manager for a National Wholesale Plumbing, Heating, & A/C Distributor 1994 to 2000 Purchasing and Central Supply Storeroom Manager for a Virginia Hospital Group

"In some circles my wife and I are known as zookeepers & in others as animal hoarders. We have ducks, rabbits, a green-cheek conure, a red-eyed tree frog, cats, and dogs."

Scott provides support to RYSON and APOLLO North & South American customers with spare and replacement parts needs.

Other Key Staff

Claudia Silvie van den Pol

CEO/Owner

Claudia is at the helm of Royal Apollo Group and sets the brand and culture of her worldwide company, including Ryson.

As young as 14 Claudia started working with Apollo Group between school holidays. After getting her business and engineering degrees, she started her own consultancy agency. In 2016, she continued her family legacy and entrepreneurial spirit by taking over the Apollo Group from her father Jack, becoming the 6th generation van den Pol to do so.

I love to leave a sparkle wherever I go. In my free time I love to catch up with friends and family and enjoy life! The greatest gift in live for me is our health and my precious daughter Jackie. Live life to the fullest and enjoy every little moment.

Claudia is at the helm of Royal Apollo Group and sets the brand and culture of her worldwide company, including Ryson.

Dave Wineman

President

As our President Dave leads and directs our management team to provide a joyful workplace for our employees, the best value solutions for our customers, a profitable relationship with our partners, all as part of The Royal Apollo Group.

He has been involved with Ryson since its inception in 1995 and has been a full-time employee since 2011. Dave has over 40 years of experience in the material handling and packaging field, from equipment design, solution development, integrated system design and sales, and technical and general management. He worked with our parent company Apollo in 1989 on palletizing projects in the printing industry.

"When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, fishing and woodworking."

Dave has been a key member of the Ryson team from its inception in 1995. In 2021, He took over the company’s Presidency.

Marty Foray

Vice President Manufacturing

Marty is responsible for all aspects of manufacturing at Ryson International. This includes overseeing shipping and receiving, managing the warehouse and parts inventory, coordinating machine assembly, as well as overseeing outsourced fabrication and all off-site plant operations.

Professional Background: He has been employed by Ryson since October of 2006. Prior to joining Ryson, he worked in the investment casting industry. With over 19 years of experience, he worked at Howmet / Alcoa Howmet in facilities located in New Jersey and Virginia. He held various roles in Engineering, specializing in developing tooling and processes, as well as in manufacturing management, where he was involved in producing aerospace and industrial turbine components.

“I sing and play guitar, and along with my wife (piano and violin) in a contemporary church band.”

Marty oversees all aspects of manufacturing at Ryson International. This includes everything to ensure our equipment is delivered done right and on time.

Mark Rakentine

Engineering Manager

As Engineering Manager, Mark is responsible for all aspects of product Engineering & Design, as well as managing & mentoring the Engineering team at Ryson International. These responsibilities encompass Engineering & Design for projects, R&D and sales proposals. Mark also serves as the after sales point of contact for our Integrators & Customers from equipment approval to installation.

Mark has been with us at Ryson since March of 2008. For over 20 years prior to coming to Ryson he worked as a Project Engineer, designing, managing & overseeing major plant equipment installations across multiple plastics processing disciplines.

"I am currently taking lessons and learning to play the Caribbean steel drums and Hand pan."

As Engineering Manager, Mark is responsible for all aspects of product Engineering & Design, as well as managing & mentoring the Engineering team.

Nick Richey

Financial Controller

Nick is the financial controller at Ryson International. He is responsible for the Company’s finances, record keeping, and reporting. Nick has been with the Company since June 2023. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Nick began his career in Public Accounting with RSM US LLP in the audit practice, where he gained a vast experience across diverse businesses and industries. Throughout his career, he has held various management level positions in the companies he has served.

"I enjoy the outdoors whether it is relaxing at the beach, fishing, hunting, or hiking. I enjoy being out experiencing what nature has to offer."

As our Financial Controller Nick is responsible for the Company’s finances, record keeping, and reporting.

Angela Warkenthien

Human Resources Manager

As the HR Manager for Ryson, Angela is responsible for creating and upholding a joyful workplace atmosphere for all employees. "Making all employees feel like family, is high priority" for her. Angela develops training programs according to individual positions within the company and oversees the maintenance of employee benefits. Additionally, she manages aspects of payroll and timekeeping, serving as a trusted sounding board and voice for employees in addressing any arising issues.

Since the age of 21, Angela has predominantly worked in the accounting field, holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Masters (MBA) in Business Administration/Human Resource Management. While she has enjoyed her 20 years in finance and accounting, her true passion lies in human resources. Her experience spans various sectors, including roles in a CPA office, corporate manufacturing, and contracting positions with the federal government.

"I have four children ages range from 24 to 5. My 5-year-old is only 11 months older than my Grandson."

As the HR Manager for Ryson, Angela is responsible for creating and upholding a joyful workplace atmosphere for all employees.

Ken Rygh

Marketing Manager

Ken heads up the Marketing Department at Ryson. He oversees all aspects of the Ryson Brand, including graphic design, website, brochures, tradeshow displays and advertising.

Ken got his undergraduate's Mass Communications degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a masters-equivalent degree for graphic design/advertising. He then worked at several large and small advertising agencies before marketing for Ryson.

"I am an avid home brewer and certified beer and mead judge. I am often perceived by others as a beer snob, and don't really have a good argument to refute it."

Ken heads up the Marketing Department at Ryson and oversees all aspects of the Ryson Brand.

Amanda Hawlik

Global Digital Marketer

Amanda takes care of the digital, content and social media marketing and SEO/SEA for Ryson. As a Spanish native speaker (half-Peruvian) she also takes care of the digital marketing and trade show organization for our Latin American sister company Apollo VTS Mexico.

Amanda has over 7 years of experience in marketing especially in social media and digital for B2B and B2C. Before joining the Ryson team she worked for GameStop in Germany, where she is originally from.

“I have a very lazy furry “co-worker” named Pablo, who always lies in the background when I have video calls from home. I'm as multi-cultural as a human being can possibly be: My Mom is from Peru, my Dad German, my dog Pablo is a rescue from Bulgaria and we're now living in the US. And I love it!"

Amanda takes care of the digital, content and social media marketing and SEO/SEA for Ryson and Apollo VTS Mexico.

Meet the Ryson Team

Send us a Message

The staff here at Ryson are a great group of individuals that are dedicated to crafting our products to the highest standards.

Ryson’s employees show the joy, passion and expertise to manufacture industry-leading machines and deliver top notch service!

Our staff knows the direction of the company and the goals we have set. Everyone in his or her own way is actively contributing towards reaching our goals and satisfying our customers.

Sales

Taoufik “TK” Haddadi

Steve Dillaman

Steve has accumulated over 30 years of industry experience specializing in material handling systems.

"I enjoy I enjoy being outdoors, especially hiking and golfing."

Adam LaRock

As our Area Sales Manager Adam works with Ryson customers throughout the greater Midwest. Adam is a 2023 addition to the Ryson team and brings significant material handling equipment and integration experience. He works remotely out of Milwaukee, WI.

Adam began his career in the material handling and warehouse distribution world before you could order a mattress in a box. He has lived the life of both the manufacturer and the integrator. He understands what is most important to all parties when developing the best fit solution.

Bill Keane

Bill brings decades of experience in all phases of material handling systems and equipment.

"I was a Scout and a Scout leader for a good portion of my life. I believe in mentoring and helping other people at all times."

Regina Lopez

Regina, our Sales Support Manager is involved with our projects from the time we receive the purchase order until the equipment leaves our facility. She assists our Sales Team with customer’s proposal requests.

"I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy a good football game. Go Gators!"

Parts & Service

Jeffery Montgomery

Brandon Rose

Ryan “Lew” Lewis

Lew assists our service manager with day-to-day operations within the service department. He also offers assistance to our customers via email, phone and onsite-visits. He helps with technical questions and when any challenges arise.

Lew has spent several years working in this industry and has thrived in this environment. Prior to his time at Ryson, he worked 5 years as a welder at Newport News Shipbuilding, building aircraft carriers and submarines.

Scott Christensen

2008 to present RYSON Parts Department Manager 2000 to 2008 Product Category Manager for a National Wholesale Plumbing, Heating, & A/C Distributor 1994 to 2000 Purchasing and Central Supply Storeroom Manager for a Virginia Hospital Group

"In some circles my wife and I are known as zookeepers & in others as animal hoarders. We have ducks, rabbits, a green-cheek conure, a red-eyed tree frog, cats, and dogs."

Other Key Staff

Claudia Silvie van den Pol

Claudia is at the helm of Royal Apollo Group and sets the brand and culture of her worldwide company, including Ryson.

I love to leave a sparkle wherever I go. In my free time I love to catch up with friends and family and enjoy life! The greatest gift in live for me is our health and my precious daughter Jackie. Live life to the fullest and enjoy every little moment.

Dave Wineman

As our President Dave leads and directs our management team to provide a joyful workplace for our employees, the best value solutions for our customers, a profitable relationship with our partners, all as part of The Royal Apollo Group.

"When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, fishing and woodworking."

Marty Foray

Marty is responsible for all aspects of manufacturing at Ryson International. This includes overseeing shipping and receiving, managing the warehouse and parts inventory, coordinating machine assembly, as well as overseeing outsourced fabrication and all off-site plant operations.

“I sing and play guitar, and along with my wife (piano and violin) in a contemporary church band.”

Mark Rakentine

Mark has been with us at Ryson since March of 2008. For over 20 years prior to coming to Ryson he worked as a Project Engineer, designing, managing & overseeing major plant equipment installations across multiple plastics processing disciplines.

"I am currently taking lessons and learning to play the Caribbean steel drums and Hand pan."

Nick Richey

Nick is the financial controller at Ryson International. He is responsible for the Company’s finances, record keeping, and reporting. Nick has been with the Company since June 2023. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Nick began his career in Public Accounting with RSM US LLP in the audit practice, where he gained a vast experience across diverse businesses and industries. Throughout his career, he has held various management level positions in the companies he has served.

"I enjoy the outdoors whether it is relaxing at the beach, fishing, hunting, or hiking. I enjoy being out experiencing what nature has to offer."

Angela Warkenthien

"I have four children ages range from 24 to 5. My 5-year-old is only 11 months older than my Grandson."

Ken Rygh

Ken heads up the Marketing Department at Ryson. He oversees all aspects of the Ryson Brand, including graphic design, website, brochures, tradeshow displays and advertising.

Ken got his undergraduate's Mass Communications degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a masters-equivalent degree for graphic design/advertising. He then worked at several large and small advertising agencies before marketing for Ryson.

"I am an avid home brewer and certified beer and mead judge. I am often perceived by others as a beer snob, and don't really have a good argument to refute it."

Amanda Hawlik

Amanda takes care of the digital, content and social media marketing and SEO/SEA for Ryson. As a Spanish native speaker (half-Peruvian) she also takes care of the digital marketing and trade show organization for our Latin American sister company Apollo VTS Mexico.

Amanda has over 7 years of experience in marketing especially in social media and digital for B2B and B2C. Before joining the Ryson team she worked for GameStop in Germany, where she is originally from.

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