January 1, 2025
Hapco Pole Products names Tom Hardy as President & CEO
Abingdon, VA – Hapco Pole Products, a trusted leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of pole solutions to the outdoor lighting and aluminum flagpole industry, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Hardy to the position of President & CEO, effective January 6, 2025.
In over two years at Hapco, Hardy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving record-breaking company results through innovative strategies and enhancements across Sales, Marketing and Customer Service departments. His efforts have reinforced Hapco’s ability to consistently exceed customer expectations, leading to strengthened long-term partnerships that solidify Hapco’s reputation as an industry leader in quality and service.
Mike Harris, President and COO of Hapco's parent organization, Dyson Kissner Moran (DKM), expressed his confidence in Hardy's appointment: “Tom brings a proven track record of effective leadership and customer-focused strategies. His extensive experience, including his time at a former DKM company, Burner Systems International, and roles in sales and operations across manufacturing and transportation industries, positions him perfectly to lead Hapco into its next chapter of growth.”
On stepping into this leadership role at Hapco, Hardy added, “I am honored and excited to assume the leadership position at Hapco, a remarkable company with a strong brand presence in both light poles and flagpoles. I look forward to working with our exceptional team of dedicated employees to propel Hapco’s continued growth and success.”
Hardy will succeed Fred Vermeer, who is set to retire on May 31, 2025. Vermeer has served as President and CEO of Hapco since 2015, leading the company to its position as the top aluminum light pole and flagpole business in the United States. Under his leadership, Hapco has flourished, with Vermeer elevating every facet of the organization while fostering a culture of high-performing teams that have made Hapco a world-class operation. Reflecting on his tenure, Vermeer remarked, “I am deeply grateful to DKM for the privilege of leading Hapco over the past decade. It has been an incredible journey, working alongside such dedicated individuals and building lasting business and personal friendships. While I will miss it all, I am confident that Tom is exceptionally well-equipped to sustain and grow Hapco’s leadership in our industry.”
Vermeer will be working closely with Hardy on the management transition until his retirement, sharing his extensive experience and insights across strategic planning, operational excellence, team leadership, and industry relations to ensure a seamless transition as Hardy acclimates to his new role.
About Hapco
Hapco, a leading manufacturer of light and traffic poles for over 70 years, designs and produces precision-engineered light poles, pole arms, and pole accessories at its 325,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing campus. Proudly “Made in Abingdon, VA, USA,” Hapco offers a diverse product portfolio, including aluminum flagpoles for sister company Concord American Flagpole, and aluminum and steel poles, decorative streetscape poles, and solar poles manufactured for the transportation, utility, commercial, industrial, and municipal markets nationwide.
About DKM
The Dyson Kissner Moran Corporation is a privately owned international holding company. Founded in 1954, DKM brings expertise in Capital Management, Manufacturing Efficiency and Logistics as it partners with local management to define and implement strategic goals for each of its companies. In addition to Hapco Pole Products, DKM owns a diverse range of business including leaders in the arts and crafts industry, aluminum extrusions, and components for the semi-conductor test industry.
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