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New Hires and Promotions - May 2026

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the newest members of the GracoRoberts family. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to the skills, perspectives, and energy you bring to the team. We wish you every success as you begin your journey with us.

New Hires

Mark Tepera Welcomes Chris Smith, Director of Operations, Arlington, TX

Chris Smith - Director of Operations ARL

 I am proud to announce that Chris Smith has joined GracoRoberts as Director of Operations for the Arlington facility. Reporting directly to me, Chris assumes responsibility for the Arlington warehouse including Shipping, Receiving, and Repack. Chris brings to GracoRoberts a strong background in coatings and sealants from his 20+ years of experience as Ops Manager at Pinnacle Coatings, Hub Manager at PPG, and Branch Manager for Akzo. Since Chris' start date on April 6, he and Renee have been actively working side-by-side and shall continue to do so throughout the month of April to ramp-up and transfer knowledge. 

Chris Smith Welcomes Mychal Daniel, Warehouse Operations Clerk, Arlington, TX

Mychal Daniel - Warehouse Operations Clerk

 I am very excited to introduce our newest member of our GracoRoberts team at the Arlington facility, Mychal Daniel! 🎉

Mychal comes to us directly from Pontiac, MI along with his three wonderful kids with whom he enjoys spending quality, family time. He brings impressive certifications and a background in hazardous materials shipping, having worked the past 12 years at Akzo Nobel.

Please join me in welcoming Mychal to the family!

Derek Needham Welcomes Brandon Pegan, Warehouse Operations Clerk, Carson, CA

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

 I’m pleased to introduce Sophie, who has recently joined Silmid as an Account Manager. Sophie brings a strong background in customer relations, with experience across several roles at Croner Group Limited and DP World Limited. In her previous position, she focused on maintaining professional and consistent relationships with clients, ensuring their concerns are handled with care, empathy, and efficiency. She has a proven ability to investigate issues thoroughly, identify trends, and work collaboratively across departments to deliver effective solutions.

John Welch Welcomes Anderson Thomas II, Warehouse Operations Clerk, High Point, SC

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

Please join us in giving a big welcome to Luis as he joins the Sky Mart team! Luis brings hands‑on experience in warehouse and order fulfillment work, along with a strong reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and keeping operations running smoothly and safely. A proud family man, husband, and father, Luis is known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team‑first mindset. He takes pride in doing quality work and supporting those around him. We’re thrilled to have him on board and excited to see the energy and dedication he brings to the team. Welcome, Luis — we’re so glad you’re here!

Teresa Gamblin Welcomes Epimenio Galindo, Warehouse Operations Clerk, Wichita, KS

Epimenio Galindo - Repackaging-Mixing Clerk-1

I an excited to welcome Epimenio to the GracoRoberts family! Ep came to us about 8 months ago from Aerotek and has done an amazing job. He first started on the 10p8-11 pumps and is now consistently pumping out the spirit 10P4-2 weekly orders.
In his spare time, Ep likes to spend time with his kids and grandkids as well as hit the punching bag, work on cars, and go fishing.

Welcome aboard, Ep!

Julissa Porcher Welcomes Kevin Waida, Buyer, LOCATION (TIMING?)

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

David joins Sky Mart with over 20 years of accounting and finance experience, bringing a strong analytical mindset and a particular strength in evaluating KPI goals. He is deeply passionate about team growth and development and values collaboration and continuous improvement. David is eager to learn and understand all aspects of our company and has already fit in wonderfully with the team. We’re excited about the depth of experience, insight, and perspective he brings and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make. Please join us in welcoming David to Sky Mart—we’re excited to have him on board!

Brittney Jones Welcomes Benjamin Keltner, Procurement Coordinator, Arlington, TX (TIMING?)

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

Please join me in welcoming Dre Thomas to the GracoRoberts family (you’ll find him listed under his full first name “Aundra” in TEAMS and Outlook email). Since joining our Arlington Ops team in early February, Dre has jumped in and began supporting Receiving, Put-Away, and Cycle-Counting activities. In addition to an easy-going and positive personality, he brings a strong work ethic, a team-first mindset, and a focus on consistency and growth in everything he does. A dedicated family man with deep commitments, Dre values loyalty, responsibility, and showing up for the people who matter most. Outside of work, he has a strong passion for music—especially percussion—which reflects his natural sense of rhythm, discipline, and creativity. He enjoys staying active, connecting with others, and continuously improving both personally and professionally. We are excited to have Dre on the team and look forward to his expertise on the floor. 

Jose Lozada Welcomes Valerie Monroy, Customer Service Representative, PCC - Fife, WA

Valerie Monroy - Customer Service Rep PCC

Everyone, please join me in welcoming Valerie as our newest Customer Service Rep at PCC!

Valerie comes from a background in customer service retail where she excelled in customer interactions and delivering positive experiences. She is originally from SoCal and enjoys the outdoor scenery with her French Bulldog named Silver. We look forward to working closely with Valerie and are super excited to have her a part of the team.

Jose Lozada Welcomes Ashley Hughes, Customer Service Representative, PCC - Fife, WA

Ashley Hughes - Customer Service Rep PCC

Everyone join me in welcoming Ashley as our newest Customer Service Rep at PCC!
 
Ashley comes from a background in sales and customer service with a focus on building relationships, understanding client needs, and delivering a positive experience. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and going to the ballpark to watch the Mariners! We look forward to working closely with Ashley and excited to have her on board!
 
 
 

Jess Gulley Welcomes Miguel Dejesus, Warehouse Associate Receiver, SkyGeek - LaGrangeville, NY

Miguel Dejesus - Warehouse

Please join us in welcoming Miguel to the team! Miguel brings a positive attitude and a genuine eagerness to learn as he begins his career with us. He is excited to learn from our experienced team members, continue building his skill set, and contribute meaningfully to our work. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the energy and value he brings to the team.
 
Welcome Miguel!
 

MANAGER NAME Welcomes NEW EE, JOB TITLE, BRANCH - LOCATION

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

Michael Cramer joins us as a Warehouse Associate with our order fulfillment team, bringing experience in warehousing, material handling, and direct support roles. He combines the strengths of both industries in his approach to daily work, with a strong commitment to doing the job right the first time, every time. Michael has already demonstrated values that align closely with the core principles that make SkyGeek and the Graco family of brands stand out in our industry. We’re excited to have him on the team and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make. Please join us in welcoming Michael Cramer to the SkyGeek team!

MANAGER NAME Welcomes NEW EE, JOB TITLE, BRANCH - LOCATION

Gradient Welcome to the Team Greeting Instagram Post

Michael Cramer joins us as a Warehouse Associate with our order fulfillment team, bringing experience in warehousing, material handling, and direct support roles. He combines the strengths of both industries in his approach to daily work, with a strong commitment to doing the job right the first time, every time. Michael has already demonstrated values that align closely with the core principles that make SkyGeek and the Graco family of brands stand out in our industry. We’re excited to have him on the team and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make. Please join us in welcoming Michael Cramer to the SkyGeek team!

 

Promotion/ Transfer

Mark Tepera Congratulates Sergio De La Torre on his promotion to Warehouse Operations Supervisor, Arlington, TX

Sergio De La Torre - Warehouse Operations Clerk

Huge congratulations to Sergio De La Torre on a well-deserved promotion! In this role, Sergio will take on direct supervisory responsibilities for the shipping team in Arlington. It didn't take long after joining the team in 2024 for Sergio to become a "go-to" resource on the shipping floor but it is his charisma, empathy, and a desire to teach that really illustrates his inherent leadership qualities. We are fortunate to have an individual of Sergio's talent to help lead the Arlington facility.
 
 

Brittney Jones Congratulates Lizandro Garcia on his promotion to Buyer, Carson, CA

Lizandro Garcia - Manufacturing_Repackaging Planner

Huge congratulations to Sergio De La Torre on a well-deserved promotion! In this role, Sergio will take on direct supervisory responsibilities for the shipping team in Arlington. It didn't take long after joining the team in 2024 for Sergio to become a "go-to" resource on the shipping floor but it is his charisma, empathy, and a desire to teach that really illustrates his inherent leadership qualities. We are fortunate to have an individual of Sergio's talent to help lead the Arlington facility.EDITS
 
 

Brittney Jones Congratulates Becsy Flores on her promotion to Supplier Performance Analyst, Arlington, TX

Becsy Flores - Buyer (1)

Huge congratulations to Sergio De La Torre on a well-deserved promotion! In this role, Sergio will take on direct supervisory responsibilities for the shipping team in Arlington. It didn't take long after joining the team in 2024 for Sergio to become a "go-to" resource on the shipping floor but it is his charisma, empathy, and a desire to teach that really illustrates his inherent leadership qualities. We are fortunate to have an individual of Sergio's talent to help lead the Arlington facility. EDITS
 
 

Lee Sullivan Congratulates Jeff Cross on his promotion to Director of Operations, SkyGeek - LaGrangeville, NY

Jeff Cross - Operations and Compliance Manager SkyGeek

I'm pleased to announce that Jeff Cross has been appointed Director of Operations, SkyGeek!
Jeff's career reflects the very best of SkyGeek's history and culture. He began working in aviation in 1990 fueling planes at the Sky Acres Airport, later working for Steven Styles, SkyGeek's founder. Jeff continued with SkyGeek through its acquisition by GracoRoberts in 2022 and has remained a steady, trusted leader through a period of significant growth and change. Over the years, Jeff has worked across nearly every area of the buisness and most recently served as Operations and Compliance Manager, with his responsibility for Warehouse and Purchasing. His deep operational expertise, hands on leadership style, and commitment to the team make him exceptionally well suited for this role. Please join me in congratulating Jeff on his well-deserved promotion!