Exciting Changes Now Underway at Grote Industries

MADISON, Ind. (September 1, 2022) – As Grote Industries enters its 121st year of operation, the family continues in its leadership and embraces change in preparation for the future. Recently, fourth-generation family members, Dominic, John and Mike Grote acquired 100% control of Grote Industries, Inc. Along with this expansion in their ownership, the vision for Grote has also progressed. The company is now poised to focus on creating and leading safety-related innovation, helping to make the world safer and smarter through connected visibility.

Dominic Grote will continue as CEO and President, while John Grote has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Grote continues in his role as General Manager, Asia. Bill Grote, Chairman of the Board, and Buzz Grote will continue to serve on the Board of Directors as the third generation “hands the reigns” over to the fourth-generation leaders.

“We believe this expanded vision bonds the Grote team with our customers and looks toward the future on the things that can make their businesses more profitable by being safer,” said Dominic Grote, CEO and President of Grote Industries. “As we talk about the transition in the business and being a fourth-generation family business, the statistics aren't typically in the favor of businesses going from generation to generation, but we've taken many steps over the last couple of generations to do the right things for the business to make sure we're able to continue as a family business, offering our employees, customers and communities continued continuity.”

“We are happy to see our sons continue the growth of what our grandfather started back in 1901,” said Bill Grote, Chairman of the Board and past CEO. “We’ve worked hard to be good at change and are excited about all the changes to come.”

Grote Industries is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of innovative visibility and safety systems for the on-highway, off-highway and trailer body builder markets. For more than 120 years, Grote Industries has provided state-of-the-art solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers across the globe in the transportation, agriculture, safety, and consumer markets. Grote’s leadership says there’s more exciting news coming as they invest in new innovations and technology.

"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 pay off for our customers," said Mike Grote, General Manager of Grote's Asian Division. "This is an exciting time for Grote Industries. When you work hard, and you are doing something that's benefiting the community and the people, it's enjoyable."

As part of the larger strategic vision, transitions are underway internally, including John Grote being named Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries. As the new COO, John will lead global business operations in North America, Europe and Asia and help bring greater focus to the operational performance of the entire business. John has worked for Grote Industries for 23 years in various Sales and Marketing and General Manager leadership roles, from Marketing Manager to Grote’s first Managing Director of Grote Europe to Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Prior to 1999, John spent several years in the consumer products markets as a Brand Manager for L’Oreal 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 many industry associations over the years and currently serves on the board of the Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA) Planning committee.

"I am thrilled to be named as the COO of Grote Industries and look forward to helping us achieve this new vision for the company,” said John Grote. “Our true purpose is to not only support the communities we're in but also to help make the world a safer place. The world is changing fast, and we're getting ready for that change by implementing many things to drive future growth and transition to new technologies and opportunities. I’m excited to see the impact we have on this industry."

To learn more about Grote Industries’ commitment to safety and its new vision, visit Grote.com/leadership-of-grote.

Leadership Information:

Dominic Grote has served as president and chief executive officer of Grote Industries since 2009 and represents four generations of family commitment to the lighting industry. Grote’s career at the company began in 1993 and has 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 setting the strategic direction and clarity for the future.

John Grote is Chief Operating Officer of Grote Industries and joined the family-owned business in 1999 as Brand Manager. He has also served as Marketing Manager of Aftermarket Sales and Marketing Director. In 2005, John Grote was tapped to lead the company’s efforts in establishing a European office and became the first Managing Director of Grote Industries Europe.

Mike Grote serves as the General Manager of Asia. He has many years of experience holding several senior leadership roles in Sales, Product Development (LED Interior and Forward lamps), and Operations (Purchasing, Molding and Assembly) in his 24 years at the company. Mike has extensive experience in sales development, including implementing regional and national fleet sales programs, as well as software and dental sales leadership roles prior to his Grote work history.