Trailblazer Foods Appoints VP of Operations

180one congratulates Trailblazer Foods on selecting Sebastian Pastore as the new Vice President of Operations. Founded in 1984, Trailblazer Foods is one of the largest producers of preserves and jellies, syrups, drink mixes, shredded and flaked coconut and other sweetener and fruit-based products in the western United States, serving major grocery retailers and food brands such as Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club and ConAgra Foods.


Pastore brings nearly 25 years of operations leadership to Trailblazer Foods in positions with top food and beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and Craft Brew Alliance. Reporting to CEO Rob Miller, Pastore will manage all facets of the company’s operations, including purchasing, production, distribution and warehousing, as well as serve as a key member of the management team.



Congratulations to Trailblazer Foods on this hire!

Pape Machinery
By Greg Togni June 23, 2025
President – Agriculture & Turf About the Company With roots dating back to 1938, The Papé Group is the West’s leading supplier of capital equipment solutions. Today, we operate across nine states with over 4,000 team members, proudly representing premier brands including John Deere, Kenworth, Hyster, Ditch Witch, and more. What sets Papé apart is our commitment to long-term relationships, both with customers and employees. As a fourth-generation, family-led business, we believe in the value of a handshake, the importance of service, and the impact of leadership that stays close to the work. About Papé Machinery Ag & Turf (PMAT) Established in 2012, Papé Machinery Ag & Turf brings together several leading John Deere dealerships into one integrated platform serving the agricultural and turf markets. With locations across Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Hawaii, PMAT supports farmers, ranchers, and landowners with equipment sales, service, parts, and financing solutions. The business continues to grow in scale and complexity, and we’re committed to strengthening our operational foundation while remaining closely connected to the customers and communities we serve. About the Position Reporting to the CEO of the Papé Group and residing in Eugene Oregon, the President will have full P&L responsibility and will lead 7 Regional General Managers, Vice President of Product Support, Vice President of Sales, and a Vice President of Ag Technology on executing the current growth strategy along with identifying, developing, and executing additional opportunities for growth and operational improvements. An ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the agricultural equipment business, whether from a dealership, OEM, or production agriculture background, and a track record of leading large, distributed teams. This is a hands-on leadership role in a company that values integrity, service, and results, and where decisions are made with the long-term in mind. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Business Development Develops a strategic plan for the organization with broad organizational input, considering market trends, evaluating risk, and identifying opportunities. Identifies and aligns company resources to execute the strategic plan. Responsible for meeting projected goals, objectives, sales volumes, and profit plans. Provides leadership and vision of the company’s goals and objectives through open communication. Evaluates expansion of product or territory for Papé Machinery Ag & Turf. Develop and assist General Managers in implementing strategies for promoting the sale of equipment, service, parts, and financing. Operations & Financial Management Drive financial performance of the company against the strategic plan Own the annual budgeting process, capital planning, and financial performance targets to meet or exceed ROI expectations. Partner with the corporate finance team for ad-hoc analysis and scenario planning. Manage inventories, sales volumes, expenses and personnel of all Papé Machinery Ag & Turf operations. Manage and assist General Managers as appropriate to maximize profits with expense controls and efficiency to achieve acceptable profit margins. Leverage data and reporting tools to drive decisions and monitor performance. Insures accurate financial reporting to The Papé Group, Inc. Team Management & Development Serves as a strategic coach and advisor to General Managers, fostering leadership effectiveness and accountability in achieving business objectives. Oversee the performance management process for General Managers and Corporate Managers, ensuring consistency in evaluations, compensation reviews, and goal setting. Collaborates with managers and supervisors to implement structured development plans, performance reviews, and training programs that support member growth and operational excellence. Facilitates open communication across all levels of the organization by soliciting feedback and clearly articulating company and departmental goals to ensure alignment, engagement, and cultural continuity. Provides executive-level guidance on all personnel matters, including talent acquisition, terminations, and organizational planning, in accordance with company policies and best practices. Relationship & Communication Maintain and develop relationships with Manufacturers, Customers, and industry peers as a method of staying current with market trends, and to continue Papé’s reputation as an industry leader. Maintain membership in appropriate organizations to promote Company in industry and community. Assist General Managers to establish and maintain good customer relations through ongoing communication and resolving customer complaints and/or disputes in a timely, effective manner when necessary. Partner and collaborate with other Papé Group businesses on company-wide initiatives and sharing best practices. Responds to customer inquiries and concerns in person or by phone, ensuring timely and effective resolution, including outside of standard business hours when necessary. Communicate in a courteous and effective manner with customers and/or co-workers. Maintain good working relationships with all other departments. Compliance, Safety & Environment Monitor through General Managers all safety aspects in performance of work, guaranteeing adherence to environmental laws, safety laws and policies and OSHA laws. Maintain a safe working environment and observe all safety laws, policies, and rules. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of executive leadership, strategic decision-making, and operational excellence within complex, growth-oriented organizations. Key qualifications include: A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; advanced experience in lieu of a degree will be considered. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, with demonstrated success in driving profitability, organizational alignment, and sustained performance. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to craft and deliver high-impact messaging across stakeholders, from boardrooms to field teams. Strong public speaking and executive presentation capabilities; comfortable influencing at the highest levels. Financial and analytical acumen, including the ability to interpret financial reports and operational metrics to guide strategic decisions. Hands-on understanding of P&L management, operational controls, and scalable growth strategies. Adept at navigating complex data sets, solving abstract challenges, and turning insight into action. Proficient in leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and performance; familiarity with industry platforms and tools is a plus. Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, build culture, and mentor next-generation leaders. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been engaged by Papé Group to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Matt Oltmann / 971.235.6236/ Matt@180one.com .
By Catherine Landgraf June 11, 2025
 Vice President, Aftermarket ABOUT THE COMPANY Dover’s Vehicle Service Group is the global leader in designing and manufacturing vehicle service, collision and automotive OEM equipment. It is one of the founding companies of Dover Corporation, an eight billion dollar diversified global manufacturer. VSG consists of fifteen leading vehicle lifting brands (Rotary, Forward, Blitz, Ravaglioli, etc.), collision repair (Chief), wheel services, diagnostics (Butler, Rotary, Chief and Ravaglioli) and tier-one automotive brands (WARN Automotive) with operations worldwide, including regional business operation centers and large manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia. ABOUT THE ROLE Responsible for developing and executing the VSG Parts and Service business strategy in the Americas. This is a critical leadership role that requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve Aftermarket objectives while exceeding customer expectations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement a Parts and Service strategy to increase market share and add growth opportunities by leveraging complimentary products to the existing offering’s portfolio. Create a marketing strategy for recommending parts and services to existing customers and an outlet to attract new conquest customers using the Parts and Service area of the business. Partner with internal Supply Chain teams to develop an inventory stocking and replenishment model to ensure business success. Partner with dealers to develop a shared inventory and consumption model with clear visibility of parts supply in addition to developing incentives to drive the right behaviors. Stay current with industry and market trends and apply learnings to the VSG Aftermarket strategy. Create detailed budgets and forecasts, including annual sales and profitability targets to meet business and company financial and growth goals. Track and report internal progress to targets, utilizing technology and automation to reduce errors and administrative burden. Direct and coordinate activities relating to part quotations, including ensuring e-commerce ease of use. Developing innovative techniques for recommending parts and services to customers that generate incremental sales. Appraise existing offerings compared to competitors in terms of price, specifications, and delivery model and recommending changes in sales techniques, process design, or other procedures as necessary to achieve goals. Communicate regularly with internal functional teams including Operations, Service, Training, and Sales to effectively manage and grow and develop the parts and service processes. Motivate and inspire a team to achieve company goals and foster an environment of personal development and leadership growth opportunities. CRITICAL SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES Develop and implement the Aftermarket structure and business strategy that: Expand parts and service market share. Improve supplier and customer network capabilities. Create higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Generate growth and expansion of the business into a new segment. Access and align internal resources needed to execute the enhanced Aftermarket business strategy. OVERALL QUALIFICATIONS – Skills and Experience Deep understanding of Parts and Service market in the Americas. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience with parts and service delivery models. Proven track record of successfully transforming parts and service organizations to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities within all levels of the organization. KEY DOVER COMPETENCIES Customer Impact : Creates value for customers addressing known and unknown needs. Knows and understands all aspects of the global market, including: economics (regulatory issues, corporate compliance, etc.), products and services, channels, the customers and their end-markets. Strategic Mindset : Has understanding of global industry or market; creates breakthrough strategies that alter the competitive dynamics in a market, and establishes a series of competitive advantages yielding profitability that exceeds expectations for the organization. Results Driven : Produces results that exceed Dover’s strategic objectives via a combination of planning and implementation, while living the Dover Values. Strong Business Acumen and Sound Judgment : Uses instinct as well as data to accurately assess business situations and industry trends; makes timely, appropriate decisions and implements appropriate plans while living the Dover Values. Winning the Right Way : Operates with High Ethical Standards, Openness and Trust. Conducts him/herself with high ethical standards and fosters a culture in the organization to conduct business aligned with those standards. Builds and Manages Collaborative Relationships : Establishes and nurtures numerous relationships within Dover. Takes action to partner with the communities in which we operate and to be an appropriate corporate citizen. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been engaged by VSG to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
By Greg Togni June 10, 2025
Vice President of Sales & Marketing ABOUT THE COMPANY Dover’s Vehicle Service Group (VSG), is the global leader in designing and manufacturing vehicle service, collision and automotive OEM equipment. It is one of the founding companies of Dover Corporation, an eight billion dollar diversified global manufacturer. VSG consists of fifteen leading vehicle lifting brands (Rotary, Forward, Blitz, Ravaglioli etc.), collision repair (Chief), wheel services, diagnostics (Butler, Rotary, Chief and Ravaglioli) and tier-one automotive brands (WARN Automotive) with operations worldwide, including regional business operation centers and large manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the Vice President (VP) & General Manager, VSG NSA , the Vice President (VP) of Sales and Marketing will lead the strategy, development, and execution of all sales and marketing initiatives to drive profitable revenue growth, market share, and brand visibility for VSG, NSA. This position will build, mentor, and manage high-performing teams while working cross-functionally to align business goals and customer needs. The VP will play a key role in shaping the company’s growth strategy and ensuring its leadership position in the market. RESPONSIBILITIES : Sales: Develop plans and strategies for achieving the company’s sales goals. Own the Annual Sales Plan and three-year strategy for driving growth in core business, identified adjacencies, and initiatives. Define sales processes, systems, and infrastructure that drive desired sales outcomes, identify improvements, and provide detailed and accurate sales forecasting. Create a culture of success and ongoing business and goal achievement. Become known as an employer of choice and a customer-facing team that top sales and customer service professionals want to join. Manage customer expectations and serve as the chief customer advocate within the business. Manage key customer relationships and participate in closing strategic opportunities. Travel for in-person meetings with customers and channel partners to foster key relationships. Drive product / services roadmap and definitions with Product Management including corresponding business models and pricing backed by marketplace analysis of customer requirements and competitive offerings/positions. Identify product gaps and improvement opportunities to provide superior, customer focused products. Collaborate with Product Management and cross functional teams to realize products in a cost effective, timely manner. Pursue alternative sales channels and customer segments to expand and leverage penetration of product offerings. Develop sales tools and sales management approaches to maximize effectiveness of direct sales and channel sales forces. Pursue sales force automation (leverage CRM solution) for all field sales personnel to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve communication. Marketing: Assist in transitioning an internally focused business with strong Brand and Product reputation to that of a customer centric organization focused on delivering broader service and experiences customers will pay for. Develop and lead Voice of the Customer programs and insights, managing and scaling our support teams, and working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, IT, Dover Central functions, and management to continuously improve the customer experience Establish KPIs to measure achievement of objectives across the organization, especially in activation, qualified leads, conversion, NPS and end customer satisfaction. Ensure marketing effectiveness, customer engagement, and conversion. Manage monthly review of promotions, product launches, trade shows, catalog, and digital activation with respective commercial and product leaders. Maintain 18 month rolling view, ensure spend aligns to budget, and track spend to results. Partner with Corp Marketing function to ensure consistent marketing across global Brands, and aligned internal and external communications. CRITICAL OBJECTIVES NEXT 2-3 YEARS Develop and execute VSG’s long-term Sales, Channel, and Customer strategy. Consider existing and new product portfolio, regions, channels within core and non-core business. Evaluate core Sales and Marketing organizations to drive sales and streamline responsibility for VSG team, Partners, and National Rep agencies. Make recommendations and implement a new organization, key talent, and investments. Optimize customer and partner focus to drive growth through most valuable and growable customers. Ensure highly professional account-based sales planning/management occurs with all top customers (weekly, monthly, quarterly). Put in place a predictable sales planning and execution tool that supports business planning and SIOP. Ensure clear metrics and tools are utilized to provide stakeholder clarity. OVERALL QUALIFICATIONS – Skills and Experience Bachelor’s degree in applicable field of study required. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum 10 years experience in related roles supporting premium brands Self-motivated work ethic with a strong sense of urgency Demonstrated transformational leadership experience Extensive experience with leading successful sales and marketing teams Confident presentation and public speaking skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the organization Strong business acumen; strategic and analytic thinker Ability and willingness to travel KEY DOVER COMPETENCIES: Builds and Manages Collaborative Relationships: Establishes and nurtures numerous relationships within VSG and Dover. Takes action to partner with the communities in which we operate and to be an appropriate corporate citizen. Change Leadership: Aligns an organization and its people to drive for improvement and adopt new, challenging directions. Energizes a whole organization to want to change in the same direction. Influences others in a mature and empowering manner. Motivates and Inspires: Creates an environment that stimulates others to follow. Builds teams that fully use individuals’ capabilities, creating results beyond just the sum of the parts. Self-Awareness and Personal Development: Role models a personal leadership style that includes self-awareness; accepts feedback, understands and maximizes strengths while working to overcome weaknesses. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been engaged by VSG to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
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