BARTON Appoints Randy Rapple New CEO, Announces Other Key Organizational Changes

Randy Rapple, CEO

The Barton Group has named R. Randolph Rapple its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 1. Rapple is a 40-year employee of the family-owned producer and distributor of garnet abrasives used in waterjet cutting and abrasive blasting. Most recently, he served as president of Barton Mines Company, LLC, with responsibility for sales and marketing.

“Randy Rapple brings decades of institutional knowledge to the position,” said Chuck Bracken, chair of the board of directors, “including a deep understanding of our industry and markets, Barton board of directors, shareholders, and family relations, operations and, most importantly, our employees and the unique nature of the Barton culture.”

Charles H Bracken, Chairman, Board of Directors

Rapple succeeds Bracken, who has been CEO for the past 20 years and joined the board in 1988. Bracken will remain chair of the board of directors and will continue to work with the leadership team.

In his new role, Rapple’s priorities will include oversight of Barton International GmbH — an international operation based in Germany and launched in 2021 — and development of new products to meet the needs of a changing market.

Other personnel moves, aimed at strengthening the Barton leadership team and ensuring internal and external operations continue to evolve to meet customer needs, include:

Joe Morris is promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. Morris has held a variety of positions on the sales team during his 15 years with Barton, including inside sales representative, regional sales manager, market manager and, most recently, national sales manager.

Vickie Berwaldt is named vice president of sales operations. A member of Barton’s sales management team since 2013, Berwaldt has led the order fulfillment team, overseen the Barton quality program, and successfully managed sales operations in the face of challenging supply shortages. In her new role, Berwaldt will continue to lead the customer service, logistics and inside sales teams.

Stephen Podnorszki is promoted to director of waterjet parts. During his 17 years with Barton, Podnorszki has held positions in logistics, sales, and most recently, was product manager for waterjet parts. He will continue to lead this growing segment of Barton’s business.