Baldwin Announces New Vice President

Baldwin Supply Company Welcomes
New Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
Hiring of Mike Tobias continues Baldwin’s focus on hiring and promoting for growth

MINNEAPOLIS—April 17, 2017—Baldwin Supply Company, a leading independent supplier of power transmission, automation, conveyor belt, and other industrial products, today announces that Mike Tobias has joined the company as vice president of Marketing and Business Development.

Tobias brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to his new position at Baldwin, where he is responsible for helping to further differentiate Baldwin in the marketplace and position it for continued and accelerated growth. Prior to joining Baldwin, Tobias spent 17 years at Gates Corporation, a leading manufacturer of power transmission belts and fluid power products, most recently as the director of Northern Division Sales. He also spent two years at industrial distributor Kaman Industrial Technologies as an account manager.

The hiring of Tobias comes on the heels of a number of promotions and hiring's at the company designed to provide both long-term stability and innovative thought leadership as the company grows its market share. In January, the company’s COO, Rob LaRue, was promoted to president and COO as Rob Herem, who had presided over Baldwin as president for eight years, transitioned into a president emeritus role. Last fall, Paul Bohlsen joined Baldwin as vice president of Finance after having spent 16 years in finance positions with General Mills. Additional recent new hires include Gary Chavie as director of Automation and Pat Swanson as product manager for Motor Sales.

“This is an exciting time of change at Baldwin, as we embrace the opportunity to strategically direct our future and, as a result, the future of the industry,” said Dave LaRue, owner and CEO of Baldwin. “I have every confidence in our new president, our new vice presidents and our entire team to help Baldwin continue to thrive as an independent family business and to meet and exceed the needs of our customers, our partners, and the industry.”