EVP of REED Manufacturing Retires

Dave Lendon recently announced that he is retiring from his role as executive vice president at REED Manufacturing, Tupelo, MS, according to a news release.

Lendon joined REED in 1997 and worked out of the then-office in Franklin, TN, under the leadership of Ed Nelson. He maintained his Tennessee residence for a decade as he integrated himself into the family business. Lendon then made the permanent move to the corporate office in Tupelo, MS, following in the footsteps of prominent REED leadership.

“We’re now an employee-owned company and have been since 2012,” Lendon said. “The family let us run it, let us do our thing. They were super supportive. We were able to do what we needed to do. I liked who I was working for, and I liked the company I was working for.”

As the executive vice president, Lendon took an important role in maintaining REED’s standing in the industry. In defining success at REED, Lendon reflected on a particular challenge the company faced. When an account was purchased by another company, a vast amount of business was gone overnight. The industry, including REED competitors, shrank. “Maintaining success and coming through those hard times is probably the toughest success we’ve had,” Lendon said.

Lendon leaves behind one message for the future innovators of REED, “We’ve always been about growth, but a very controlled growth,” he said. “We have always focused on partnering with the right partners and weren’t afraid to say no every now and then.” Lendon is confident in the next generation and says REED’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Charlie Fisher, is the guy to make that happen.

REED’s President, Zeb Atkinson, speaks highly of Dave and his time with the company. “I have had a working relationship with Dave for over a decade and can say that it has been an honor and privilege knowing him and calling him my friend,” Atkinson said. “Dave’s charisma, positive attitude, and wit will certainly be missed by all of us at REED Manufacturing, by our customers, and by everyone he ever knew in the industry. Among many other important contributions, Dave was instrumental in REED entering the protective-apparel market and has guided our successful growth in FR (flame-resistant) products. His leadership has helped put REED on course for another successful 100 years. Speaking for all of us at REED, we wish Dave and Phyllis all the best in their retirement and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives.”

Lendon intends to assist REED’s transition as a consultant and national partnership adviser, the release noted.