Hickory, NC - August 18, 2017 - The expected change in leadership came last month as Mike Nolte officially announced that Gene Wood will replace him as President of Utility Solutions, Inc. (USI), a NC based designer and manufacturer of hot line tools for the electric utility industry. Since partnering in 1990, the two co-founders have successfully positioned their company as a recognized leader in several categories of the utility industry. As the announcement was made in late July, it was clear that both have high expectations and are very eager to begin their new roles.
"Simply speaking," Nolte said in a company wide memo, "I would want no one else other than Gene to take my place as President." Mike and Gene's partnership is one widely known in the utility products industry. They began working together more than 25 years ago, sharing a unique entrepreneurial spirit. "Both Gene and myself knew someday this change would happen," Nolte goes on to say. "My key responsibilities will now involve long range planning, bureaucratic and Chairman functions, and anything that will allow Gene to maintain his focus on growth."
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Gene Wood and Mike Nolte
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In some ways, Gene's role has changed in name only. "
Having built USI with Mike since the beginning, I have no learning curve or coming up to speed",
Gene goes on to say. "Our steady growth reflects the long term thinking and conservative nature of both Mike and I, which has not changed. My role as President will be to foster employee growth at all levels, drive innovation and deepen customer engagement.
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Since leaving GE in 1993, Gene has spent his career at USI building the brand, the patent portfolio and company infrastructure. Immediately, Gene has established departmental directors to oversee Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Engineering, Production and Human Resources.
"I am taking the reigns of a rock solid company prepared for the future. I have a team of professionals that surround me, hand picked for their skills and talents. It's not hard to see why we are expecting big things."
USI's steady growth is due in large part to several patented products that have changed the way lineman approach hot line work. "We will continue to increase our market penetration by designing and manufacturing quality engineered products for the modern power grid," Gene continues. "Our newest BLUE STRIPE® Take-Apart Hot Stick is a prime example of our ability to improve the function, safety and reliability of tools that lineman rely on everyday.
USI will continue to be an engineering led company."
"I feel now is the time to make the change,"
Mike said. "Not too long ago Gene and I wore many hats, and worked long hours to build the type of company we would want to work for. I can now begin to enjoy that success and spend a little more time with family." Mike will keep his office hours, continue making key sales visits and has plans to attend this year's ICUEE show in October.
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