MADISON, Indiana (September 1, 2022) – As Grote Industries enters its 121st year of business, the family continues its leadership and embraces change to prepare for the future. Recently, fourth generation family members Dominic, John and Mike Grote acquired 100% control of Grote Industries, Inc. Along with this expansion of their ownership, Grote’s vision has also progressed. The company is now poised to focus on creating and leading security-related innovations, helping to make the world safer and smarter through connected visibility.
Dominic Grote will continue as CEO and President, while John Grote has been named Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Grote continues in his role as Managing Director, Asia. Bill Grote, Chairman of the Board, and Buzz Grote will continue to serve on the Board of Directors as the third generation “passes the reins” to fourth generation leaders.
“We believe this expanded vision connects the Grote team to our customers and looks ahead to things that can make their businesses more profitable by being safer,” said Dominic Grote, CEO and President of Grote Industries. “As we talk about transitioning in the business and being a fourth-generation family business, the statistics are generally not in favor of businesses passing from generation to generation, but we have taken many steps over the past two generations to do what it takes for the business to ensure that we are able to continue as a family business, providing our employees, customers and communities with continued continuity.
“We are happy to see our sons continuing the growth of what our grandfather started in 1901,” said Bill Grote, Chairman of the Board and former CEO. “We’ve worked hard to be good at change and we’re excited for all the changes to come.” Grote Industries is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of innovative visibility and safety systems for the on-road, off-road and trailer body markets. For more than 120 years, Grote Industries has provided industry-leading solutions to OEM and aftermarket customers worldwide in the transportation, agricultural, safety and consumer markets. Grote management says there is more exciting news to come as they invest in new innovations and technologies.
“We are investing for the future. We see an ever-expanding opportunity globally in areas such as telematics, electric vehicles and autonomous driving, where our key capabilities and technologies can be leveraged and profitable for our customers,” said Mike Grote, Director General Manager of Grote’s Asian Division. “It’s an exciting time for Grote Industries. When you work hard and do something that benefits the community and people, it’s fun.”
As part of the larger strategic vision, internal transitions are underway, including the appointment of John Grote as Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries. As the new COO, John will lead global business operations in North America, Europe and Asia and help drive a greater focus on operational performance across the business. John worked for Grote Industries for 23 years in a variety of sales and marketing and general manager positions, from chief marketing officer to first general manager of Grote Europe to global vice president of sales and marketing.
Prior to 1999, John spent several years in the consumer product markets as a brand manager for L’Oréal and product manager for Philips Electronics in the healthcare segment. He earned his MBA from Indiana University and a BS in Finance from Clemson University. He has been active in numerous industry associations over the years and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Planning Committee for the Association of Truck Trailer Manufacturers ( TTMA).
“I am delighted to be appointed Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries and look forward to helping us realize this new vision for the company,” said John Grote. “Our real purpose is not only to support the communities in which we find ourselves, but also to help make the world a safer place. The world is changing rapidly, and we are preparing for this change by implementing many things to drive future growth and the transition to new technologies and opportunities. I’m thrilled to see the impact we’re having on this industry.”
To learn more about Grote Industries’ commitment to safety and its new vision, visit Grote.com/leadership-of-grote.
Management Information
Dominic Grote has been President and CEO of Grote Industries since 2009 and represents four generations of family commitment to the lighting industry. Grote’s career with the company began in 1993 and included leadership positions in sales and marketing and product development. He previously served as vice president of sales and marketing for the company. As President and CEO, Grote is responsible for the overall health of Grote Industries’ business and providing strategic direction and clarity for the future.
John Grote is Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries and joined the family business in 1999 as Chief Brand Officer. He also held the position of after-sales sales marketing manager and marketing manager. In 2005, John Grote was asked to lead the company’s efforts in establishing a European office and became the first Managing Director of Grote Industries Europe.
Mike Grote is the Managing Director of Asia. He has many years of experience in several leadership positions in sales, product development (LED interior and front lights) and operations (purchasing, molding and assembly) during his 24 years with the company. company. Mike has extensive sales development experience, including implementing regional and national fleet sales programs, as well as software and dental product sales leadership roles prior to his time at Grote.
About Grote Industries
Grote Industries is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of innovative visibility and safety systems for the on-road, off-road and trailer body markets. Grote products include a complete line of vehicle lighting, electrical and reflective systems, along with the accessories needed to support their long-lasting performance. For more than 120 years, Grote, a family business, has provided industry-leading solutions to OEM and aftermarket customers around the world. Grote’s headquarters is located in Madison, Indiana, and serves international customers with locations in Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Grote employs more than 1,500 people worldwide. Additional information is available at grote.com.
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