SARASOTA, Fla. — Laundry equipment manufacturer Lapauw USA reports that Joseph Amaral has been appointed the new CEO of the company, effective May 24.
Amaral succeeds JB Marquette, who previously announced his decision to transition from president and CEO.
“Joseph brings with him several years of experience within our industry and possesses the skills to drive the company forward,” say Sylvie D’heygere and Petr Jirůtka of Lapauw International.
“We believe this is a logical and progressive step to support and continue the development and growth of Lapauw USA.”
Amaral, an industry veteran and experienced leader, brings almost 20 years of industry experience to his new role as CEO for Lapauw USA.
He started his career by serving in the U.S. Army for four years. After the military, he began his work in the laundry industry as a delivery driver. Shortly thereafter, he worked his way up and moved into sales and business management with a few companies along his way, giving him a dynamic view of the industry.
He has gained an abundance of laundry management, sales, customer support and business development experience from his previous time spent with other companies and for more than the last three years at Lapauw USA.
The company says Amaral is a dedicated and results-driven leader with a strong track record of performance in business development, sales and customer service. With his knowledge and dedication to Lapauw and the industry, he assumes day-to-day leadership and operations of the company.
“Amaral will be instrumental in Lapauw USA’s continued success across the market,” the company says.
To support further growth, Lapauw International reports two additions to the Lapauw USA team: Peter Owens as inside sales executive and Kraig Lindsey as sales manager.
Owens will support commercial efforts and be responsible for inside sales to include technical and commercial assistance
He was the parts and warranty specialist previously at Tri-State Laundries and brings more than five years’ experience in the industry to Lapauw USA, which became effective April 4.
“I’m very excited to be joining Lapauw USA,” says Owens. “I look forward to improving the company in any way I can and contributing to the company’s continued success.”
“We are all excited about Peter joining the team and believe he is an excellent fit for the company and a great asset for us and our customers moving forward,” Amaral says.
“He is experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. Most importantly, I am confident he will make great contributions for the company and our customers.”
The company says Owens has gained an understanding of the laundry industry by working hands-on with other industry leaders, and he joins the team highly recommended by others within the industry.
Owens will ultimately be responsible for logistics, parts and warranty, and head of office operations. He will assist Lapauw USA in streamlining the entire process from order to install and anything thereafter.
Lindsey will represent Lapauw throughout the country and continue to develop the market to grow sales and projects. The company says he is solution focused and keen to support established customers as well as forge new business relationships.
He was previously a sales specialist with Alpha Foundations. He brings five years of sales experience and more than 10 years of experience in the laundry industry to Lapauw USA, effective April 17.
“I am happy to be partnering with Lapauw USA,” shares Lindsey. “Furthermore, I am excited to work with and assist the company, in terms of customer service, sales, and growth of the market.”
“We are happy to have Kraig on board and I am confident he will be a strategic piece for us and our customers,” says Amaral.
“He is experienced in the industry, as well as bringing youth and marketing that will be helpful for us. I am confident he will make great contributions towards the long-term success of Lapauw and our fellow customers.”
Lindsey attended the College of Central Florida. He grew up in his parents’ multiple laundries, both overseas and in Florida. The company says this gives him a dynamic view of owning and managing an industrial laundry while also possessing a set of skills in customer service, sales and marketing.
“He has gained an understanding of the laundry industry working hands-on,” says the company. “Being the son of our very own director of technical service, Hayward Lindsey, we believe he will be a great asset for our customers and company.”
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