MEET OUR LEADERS
HELPING OUR TEAM & CUSTOMERS THRIVE
Our leaders come from varied backgrounds but share a common goal: to help Central McGowan and our team members thrive. We lead and make decisions that reflect our core values of Success, Trust, Innovation, Collaboration and Culture.
Our organization is structured into three strategic business units: automation, distribution and CO2 solutions with a strategic services group that supports them and the company overall.
OUR CORE VALUES
SUCCESS
that's shared
& lasting
TRUST
in our words
& actions
INNOVATION
that drives
excellence & growth
COLLABORATION
that delivers value-added
services & solutions
CULTURE
centered on people,
safety, family & fun
Our Leadership Team
I often refer to Central McGowan as a nearly 75-year-old startup. Because the key to sustaining a strong future is being open to continuous change and transforming the organization.
Joe Francis
CEO & Third Generation Owner (Visionary)
Joe's passion for Central McGowan is unmatched; his direction clear, his excitement contagious. He knew at a young age that Central McGowan would become his home. Founded in 1947 and purchased in 1954 by his Grandfather, Leo Henkemeyer, Joe is the 3rd generation owner.
Beginning his career in 2005, Joe was hired to do a variety of jobs including assisting in our fill plant, inside sales and customer service. After the sudden and unfortunate passing of his father and CEO/CFO in 2011, Joe took on the role of VP and CFO. He focused his attention on the financial side of things, and with the management team led the company through succession planning and a new leadership structure/company re-organization.
Joe is currently CEO, and owner of Central McGowan. Maintaining an aggressive growth approach and family ownership with employee focus are some of his top priorities.
Beginning his career in 2005, Joe was hired to do a variety of jobs including assisting in our fill plant, inside sales and customer service. After the sudden and unfortunate passing of his father and CEO/CFO in 2011, Joe took on the role of VP and CFO. He focused his attention on the financial side of things, and with the management team led the company through succession planning and a new leadership structure/company re-organization.
Joe is currently CEO, and owner of Central McGowan. Maintaining an aggressive growth approach and family ownership with employee focus are some of his top priorities.
Jason Kirby
Integrator President
Jason Kirby joined our team in 2024 as President of Gases and Supplies. Jason has progressed through a spectrum of roles in our industry, with a comprehensive blend of operational, managerial, and strategic expertise. Jason’s passion for our industry and business is key to our success as we drive our Gases and Supplies division forward, ensuring excellence in service and innovation for our customers.
Chris Babich
VP, Finance & IT
Chris has a true passion for the manufacturing industry, having spent his entire life and career in it. Chris joined Central McGowan in 2019 to use his broad base of internal operations experience to help guide our company’s expansion and growth, while driving excellence and discipline in our financial and IT areas.
Bob Crew
VP, CO2 Solutions
Bob was hired in 2016 with 25 years of experience in the welding and gas industry. Bob heads up our CO2 Solutions business, using his diverse set of skills including Accounting & Finance, Sales, and Division Management to aid in the strategic growth and direction of his busness unit and Central McGowan.
Pete Rogers
VP, Automation
Pete Rogers, the President of Central McGowan Automation, joined the team in 2019. As the division’s leader, he oversees the sales, service, integration, controls, fabrication, machining, and assembly of robotic solutions for its customers. Rogers possesses a strong mix of technical and leadership skills, having spent his entire 18-year career in FANUC robotic integration.
Mike Muenzer
VP , Sales & Marketing
Mike joined us in 2020 to lead day-to-day Distribution Sales, using his 20+ years of industrial sales experience to manage daily sales activities; establish sales structure and strategy; and strengthen our sales team, sales skills and customer relationships. He's charged with the oversight of Branch, Route & Field Sales, and Sales Specialists and general Distribution operations.
Dean "JR" Kiffmeyer
VP, Business Development
Dean has been with us since 1996. He has extensive experience in and enthusiasm for the business and industries we serve. Dean has held just about every position at Central McGowan which makes him an integral part of Central McGowan's leadership, and key to our continued growth and expansion.