The
Board of Directors of Dakota Granite Co. announced that effective January 1,
2011, Rick Dilts (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) will assume the
position of CEO/General Manager of Dakota Granite Co. They also announced the
retirement of Chuck Monson, long-time General Manager, Chairman of the Board
and CEO, as of December 31, 2010.
Dilts
has been with Dakota Granite Co. for a total of 15 years, having started his
career with the company as a territory representative. He later joined a family
business as Chief Operations Officer of Dakota Style Chips. Rick came back to
Dakota Granite seven years ago in his current position.
Dilts
is married to Jody (Gefre) Dilts, originally of Aberdeen, SD, and they have two
children, Austin and Erin. He is looking forward to the opportunity of managing
the company, making changes to expand the marketing, production and efficiency
aspects of Dakota Granite Co.
Along
with the change in structure of the company, the following key people will be
retiring from Dakota effective December 31, 2010: Jon Kampen, Production
Superintendent; Bill Ruoff, Block and Commercial Sales Director; Dale Egan,
North End Shop Foreman; and Nancy Fosheim, CFO.
Monson
and Fosheim will retain their board positions with Dakota Granite Co. as
Chairman of the Board and Secretary Treasurer. Both will be available to the company
as consultants for a two-year period. Monson will also retain his stock
interest in the company.
Along
with Dilts' promotion, Mick Redmond will be moving into the Block and
Commercial Sales Director position, Curt Kunde will be responsible for
maintaining financial and administrative information, Pat Raffety will be the
Plant Superintendent, and Wayne VanHout will be placed in charge of quarry
development and management.
"I
feel this should be a smooth transition in the leadership of Dakota Granite
Company," said Monson. "In addition, the restructuring will position
the company to continue to thrive in a challenging marketplace."
Dakota
Granite is a family-owned business, has been in business since 1925 and
currently employs 72 people.
CHUCK MONSON RETIRES FROM DAKOTA GRANITE CO., RICK DILTS PROMOTED TO CEO/GENERAL MANAGER