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Changes Will Draw on Company’s Core Strengths to Expand Service, Strengthen Competiveness, Improve Profitability and Position J.B. Mathews as Florida’s Leading Garage Door Company
Orlando, FL, November 20, 2009 – J.B. Mathews, Florida’s premier garage door company, announced a major realignment and a new management team. The changes announced by newly appointed Chairman John S. Mathews will fundamentally reorganize the company’s garage door services business to improve profitability and strengthen competitiveness in the midst of the continued housing crisis. The company will accelerate the introduction of innovative services offerings and pricing options with a core management team that will centralize services across its four branches, which include Orlando, Stuart, Tampa and Jacksonville. The core team will be lead by newly appointed Chief Executive Officer William F. Mathews, former company president. Mathews’ team will include newly appointed President Lester E. Hobbs, new Vice President of Operations Donald Jett, Vice President of Sales Douglas W. Fisher, Vice President of Finance Erika Rose Smith and Craig S. Mele assuming the new role of Vice President of Marketing and Advertising.
"Times have been tough throughout the state of Florida during this economic crisis. We were buoyed by the news that the remodeling market is seeing the beginnings of a turnaround in 2010 and wanted to position the company for success going into the new year," says Chairman Mathews. "This reorganization is designed to transform J.B. Mathews into a more innovative, integrated and agile service provider with its next generation of leadership firmly in place. The changes we’re announcing today will now make it possible for all of our branches to work together to assume a position of market leadership and better serve our customers."
To support the company’s realignment and new strategic directioning, JB Mathews has retained the services of Orlando-based financial consulting firm, iCFO. iCFO is an innovative financial consulting concept that provides CFO, controller, audit and fraud analysis resources to businesses on an interim basis or long term. Headed by Elroy McConnell, iCFO will interface directly with the entire management team, helping to build the back-end financial and planning infrastructure to prepare the company for rapid growth and expansion. "Our goal is to help propel J.B. Mathews into a future with solid financial planning and a vision for building an eternal company," says McConnell.
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John S. Mathews Chairman of the Board and Owner of JB Mathews Company: An Orlando native and graduate of Edgewater High School, John Mathews has worked in the housing and construction industry since 1972 and has been with the company since its inception. With a strong track record of driving growth and innovation, as Chairman he will provide strategic vision and direction for the team. "We see a new era of opportunity to provide greater value to our customers by weaving both products and services into solutions that suit their needs." |
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William F. Mathews Chief Executive Officer and Owner of JB Mathews Company: An Edgewater alum like his brother John and graduate of FTU, William Mathews started his career in the construction industry in 1974 after serving in Viet Nam as a member of the United States Air Force. In 1979, he began working at Gordon-Mathews, with brother John Mathews, which in 1984 officially became JB Mathews Company. "These changes are designed to align our branches in a way that will enhance decision-making and speed of execution, as well as help us continue to deliver the types of products and services our customers want most." |
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Lester E. Hobbs President of JB Mathews Company: Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Lester has worked in the garage door industry since 1971. He joined J.B. Mathews in 2002 as Director of Sales and a year later was promoted to Vice President. As president Lester will provide day-to-day guidance in driving revenue and expansion. "This industry is driven by innovation and we want to be on the forefront providing quality products and personalized services to both our consumer and business customers. We are in a unique position to service our markets with a broader mix of products and services that meet market demands now better than our competitors." |
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Erika Rose Smith Vice President of Accounting & Finance / Corporate Secretary & Treasurer, Officer and Controller of JB Mathews Company: Born in Valdosta, GA and raised in Jacksonville, and a graduate of Terry Parker High School, Erika graduated Summa Cum Laude from DeVry Institute of Technology in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She joined JB Mathews Company as Assistant Controller in 1994 and in 1999 became Controller and corporate officer. In 2007, she graduated from Keller School of Management receiving a Master’s degree with distinction in Finance and Accounting, and in 2009, Erika earned a Certified Public Accountant certification. Erika oversees all financial operations for the centralized organization . "Our company is on the precipice of becoming the market leader. I am building a solid financial base to position the company for rapid growth and expansion." |
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Donald Jett Vice President of Operations: Donald has over 35 years of management experience. Previously, he served as General Manager for the company’s South Florida location. As Vice President of Operations, he is responsible for the overall operations of the Company’s facilities and business operations. "With over 35 years of management experience and 30 years managing in a retail environment where customer service is number one, I plan on leading JB Mathews Company to the next level in our quest for excellent customer service." |
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Douglas W. Fisher Vice President of Sales A Florida native, Doug has lived in the Central Florida Area for over 28 years. He attended Florida State University and graduated from Orlando College with a Business and Marketing degree. Doug has spent the past two decades with J.B. Mathews Company, starting in 1989 as a New Construction Commercial Salesman. He was promoted to Orlando Commercial Sales Manager in 1998, Orlando General Manager in 2004 before assuming his new role as Vice President of Sales "I am excited about the direction the company is taking. We have the talent and resources to become the dominant player in our key markets and I am looking forward to helping the company reach new heights." |
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Craig S. Mele Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Born and raised in the Chicago area and a graduate with honors from Loyola University of Chicago, Craig has over 15 years of leadership experience. After a successful career with Clear Channel Communications, in 2005 he accepted the position of General Manager for JB Mathews Company’s Jacksonville Branch. In his new role, Craig will expand the successful initiatives he used to spur rapid growth in Jacksonville. "We are introducing some truly innovative packaging and pricing options for all of our customers. We are fully aware of their pain and want to help improve the beauty and safety of their homes with the latest state-of-the-art garage door solutions. Home and business owners are our first priority. We are indeed a customer-focused company." |