Personnel News: PBI Gordon, Southland, Watertronics

Published January 24, 2008

PBI/Gordon Marketing Executive Retires

PBI/Gordon Corp. announced that William “Bill” Brocker, vice president of marketing, retired from that position effective Nov. 1, 2007. Brocker will remain involved at PBI/Gordon as a technical advisor.

Brocker joined PBI/Gordon in 1979 as a representative for the Concentrates Sales division later becoming Vice-President of Commercial Sales. During his 28 years of service to the company, he has held numerous key positions and for the past 15 years, has served as the Vice-President of Marketing.

“Bill has been a valued contributor to our success for many years and we look forward to having him continue as a valued advisor,” says PBI/Gordon President Richard Martin.

Southland Adds Operations, Sales Departments

Southland, located in Charleston, S.C., announced the addition of Rebecca Wright and Josh Reeves. Wright will be Operations Administrator for Midland Operations while Reeves will be the Account Manager for Western South Carolina Operations. Steve Farmer, Vice President and General Manager of Western South Carolina Operations will oversee Wright and Reeves.

As the Operations Administrator for Midland Operations Wright will handle payroll, scheduling, human resources and customer service. Wright is currently a student at Midlands Technical College. Prior to joining Southland she worked for All State Insurance as a customer service representative.

Reeves joins Southland as the account manager for Southland’s Western South Carolina Operations where his primary focus will be quality assurance. His job duties will include managing crews, quality control inspections and enhancement sales.

Prior to joining Southland Reeves worked for Dreamscape Landscaping of Spartanburg, S.C., for three years. While working for Dreamscape he was a supervisor for the maintenance department. He holds an Associate degree in horticulture from Spartanburg Community College.

Watertronics Adds to Staff

Watertronics, a designer and manufacturer of electronically controlled irrigation pumping systems, announced five staff changes and additions.

“From strong financial growth to strategic staff improvements, Watertronics is embarking on a really exciting time,” says Rick Reinders, vice president at Watertronics. “In particular, all five individuals come to the company with first-hand experience and expertise in the irrigation industry, which is a huge benefit to us, as well as our customers.”

John Swindle was promoted to national sales and marketing manager. Swindle has been with the company for four years; in his new role, he will oversee branding initiatives and sales objectives for golf and landscape markets.

Rick Heidvogel returned to Watertronics as national sales manager for the landscape market. With almost 20 years of experience in the irrigation industry, Heidvogel is now responsible for growing sales, while meeting the irrigation needs of sports complexes, parks, and commercial and residential applications.

Ken Stone was hired as Mid-south regional sales manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the irrigation and landscape industry, Stone is responsible for increasing market share for golf, landscape and municipal markets throughout the Midwest and South regions.

John Van Der Cruyssen was hired as Atlantic region sales manager. In his new role, Van Der Cruyssen will focus on the Eastern part of the U.S. to promote products and increase sales to the golf and landscape markets.

Greg Salisbury was hired for technical sales. Salisbury has 20 years of experience servicing, designing, manufacturing and selling irrigation pump systems, making him well-equipped to enhance market share across all markets.

No more results found.