The Huck Group
Key Executives
Leslie Flegel, Partner, Co-Managing Director
Since April of 2007 when he led an investment group in the purchase of the company, S. Leslie Flegel has been Chairman of the Board of The Huck Group, a leading manufacturer of wood and metal merchandise displays. In January of 2008 The Huck Group acquired MII, Inc.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Flegel founded Source Information Management Company—which became Source Interlink Companies (NASDAQ: SORC), a $2.5 billion marketing, merchandising and fulfillment company for entertainment products. He served as the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from its inception in 1995 until November 2006. Mr. Flegel’s entrepreneurial career began in 1981 when he formed Display Information Systems Company (DISC), a retail display allowances consultancy and a predecessor company to Source Interlink Companies.
With more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing and advertising, Mr. Flegel is a nationally recognized authority on retail marketing and distribution. In 2006, he founded The Flegel Academy for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. The program currently has an enrollment of 20 full time students.
Jason Flegel, Partner, Co-Managing Director
Before joining The Huck Group, Mr. Flegel served as Source Interlink Company’s Executive Vice President of Distribution and Fulfillment, responsible for the company’s magazine and in-store services operating divisions from 2002 until 2007. Earlier in his career with Source, which began in 1995 when it became a public entity, he oversaw operations in front-end management, information, and retail display allowances. Prior to that, from 1988, Mr. Flegel was Chief Financial Officer and a Principal of DISC, the predecessor company to Source Interlink Companies.
Mark Flegel, Partner, President
Mr. Flegel previously held the role of Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Source Interlink Companies from 1992 until 2007 at which time he joined The Huck Group as President and COO. While at Source, he was responsible for five company P&L’s, including wood and metal manufacturing, totaling in excess of $60 million in annual revenue.
Sam Dressler, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Mr. Dressler has worked in the store fixture industry for over 15 years, beginning as a Project Manager before eventually becoming General Manager of Manufacturing. Since 2000, he has been in sales, developing and managing national and regional retail accounts. Mr. Dressler has experience in store fixture design, engineering, program development, and program management. He is now responsible for sales, marketing, engineering and account management for The Huck Group.
Cory Phipps, Senior Vice President of Operations
Mr. Phipps has been in the fixture industry for over 16 years. He joined The Huck Group in 1995 as Purchasing Manager. Mr. Phipps also has a background in sales and account management and a Business Administration Degree from Westminster College. Most recently, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations.
Michelle Carter, Vice President of Human Resources
With over 20 years experience in Human Resources, Ms. Carter initially began her career with The Huck Group in 1980. In 2000 she began serving in the benefits and compliance department and today is responsible for the design and implementation of all human resource strategies, policies and procedures. She is pursuing her Society of Human Resource Professionals (SPHR) certification. She is a member of the National Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and is actively involved in the Adams County Safety Council and Quincy Area Employer Advisory Council.
Terri Paulus, Vice President of National Accounts
Ms. Paulus has been in the store fixture industry for 21 years. Ms. Paulus began her career as Customer Service Representative for National Accounts. In 1997, she was promoted to Senior Customer Service Representative for National Accounts and subsequently became National Accounts Project Manager. In 2002, Ms. Paulus was promoted to National Accounts Customer Service Manager. Currently, she serves as Vice President of National Accounts.
Kent Smith, Vice President of Manufacturing
Mr. Smith has been with The Huck Group since 1983. He began his career in the shipping department and then moved to production where he ultimately assumed the role of Production Manager. In 2003, he was appointed Plant Manager, overseeing three plant locations. Additionally, for the past 12 years, Mr. Smith has managed sales accounts with current annual revenue of approximately $25 million.
Steve Studdard, Vice President of Manufacturing
Mr. Studdard joined The huck Group in 2010, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in Manufacturing and Management. His background includes a wealth of experience from a diverse group of industries; automotive, consumer goods and The Department of Defense. Mr. Studdard has managed processes from steel processing and plastic blow molding to injection and precision machining. Additionally, Mr. Studdard is well versed in international standards including ISO/QS9000, ISO14001, TS16949 and Lean Manufacturing.
Angel Valentin, Traffic Manager
Before joining The Huck Group, Mr. Valentin served as Source Interlink Company’s Director of Logistics, responsible for the company’s magazine and in-store services international and domestic logistics operations from 2005 until 2008. Earlier in his career he served as a logistics and operations manager for General Electric, which began in 2002.
Lindsy Henderson, Account Manager for National Accounts
Ms. Henderson has been with The Huck Group for seven years. She has her B.S. in Construction Management from Western Illinois University, and her MBA from Western Governors University. Ms. Henderson has a total of twelve years experience in Account Management and Operations.
Sheila Downs, Account Manager
Sheila joined The Huck Group in 2010 with 18 years experience in Program and Production Management. Before joining The Huck Group, Sheila began in Engineering and was later promoted to Production Manager. She has also held roles in overall Business Unit Management and Program Management for various major product lines.