AUBURN, Calif. – InterMotive Vehicle Controls announced today a significant leadership change. Owners Greg and Linda Schafer have decided to step down from their President and CEO positions, passing the baton to current Senior Vice President Carl Wacker, who will assume the role of President effective January 1, 2025.

The Schafers founded InterMotive 28 years ago, guiding the company through substantial growth and success. Their decision to step down from their day-to-day roles marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter both in InterMotive’s history and their own. The Schafers will be devoting attention to their family foundation and housing project geared toward people with intellectual disabilities, Lighthouse Living Foundation.

“Our goal is to build a 40-unit apartment community for adults with developmental disabilities in Reno, Nevada,” says Linda Schafer. “There’s a great need for communities like this across the country and currently there is nothing like it in the greater Reno area.”

Greg Schafer reminisces about InterMotive’s humble beginnings. “We started the company in our garage. I’m so proud of how it has evolved. Both Linda and I have full confidence in Carl and believe he is the right person to lead InterMotive into the future.”

Carl Wacker brings a wealth of automotive experience and a proven track record of success to his new role. Only a year at InterMotive and Wacker has demonstrated his skills in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency. His vision for the future aligns well with InterMotive’s values and long-term goals.

“I am deeply honored to take the wheel as President of InterMotive,” says Wacker. “Building on the strong foundation laid by Greg and Linda, we will continue to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

As part of the transition, Greg Schafer will adopt the CEO position and remain involved for support and guidance as Wacker takes on his new role. Both Greg and Linda will remain on InterMotive’s Board of Directors.

InterMotive Enterprises: is the parent company of InterMotive Vehicle Controls and LGS Group. InterMotive provides commercial safety and performance optimization products. Our plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its functions in new ways. We specialize in custom solutions for work truck, transit and paratransit, law enforcement, ambulance, fire truck, school bus, RV and personal-use mobility industries. To learn more, call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.

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An eventful week of CEO announcements continued with Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) appointing T.J. Reed to the dual role of CEO and president of Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.

Effective immediately, Reed is responsible for all aspects of the Thomas Built Buses (TBB) and Freightliner (FCCC) brands, including strategy, sales and operations, DTNA said in a statement on Monday. Mario DiFoggio, general manager and direct sales and marketing for Thomas confirmed with School Transportation News on Tuesday that the expectation going forward is this will be a dual role overseeing both TBB and FCCC.

As of Sept. 9, Reed succeeds Kevin Bangston, who was appointed president and CEO of Daimler Truck Financial Services North America. Reed was the president of Daimler Truck Remarketing and the SelecTrucks brands but will remain responsible for the business unit and according to DTNA will continue to support the team until his successor is named. He has over 25 years of experience in the truck manufacturing industry.

“His skillset certainly aligns perfectly for where both entities are headed in the EV space,” DiFoggio said. “With that said, TJ’s overall strategic leadership style and background played a significant part in him being appointed to this role.”

Related: Update: Blue Bird CEO-to-be Smith Resigns, Horlock to Remain On
Related: Thomas Built Buses Seeks Bangston Replacement Amid Move to DTNA Financial
Related: School Bus Contractor Switzer-Carty Adds Oyster to Business Development Team

Reed joined Daimler Truck in 1998 as a customer application engineer for vocational trucks and since then has held various roles in product marketing and strategy as well as pricing and P&L responsibility within DTNA. He joined Meritor in 2016 and held several leadership positions in his four years with the company, including vice president of global business development for electrification.

“T.J.’s broad experience across the industry, as well as his exceptional customer focus, makes him the perfect fit for this role,” stated Jeff Allen, senior vice president, operations and specialty vehicles for DTNA via a press release. “His expertise and personality will enable him to drive innovation and growth for both companies.”

DTNA President and CEO John O’Leary added the company is excited to have Reed at the helm of Thomas and Freightliner.

“His extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills will further strengthen and drive the success of both,” he stated. “With his vision and holistic approach to operations he will be a valuable asset to these already strong businesses and help continue to pave the way to sustainable transportation.”

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) has appointed T.J. Reed to the position of president and CEO of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp (FCCC) and Thomas Built Buses (TBB), effective September 9. In his new role, Reed will be responsible for all aspects of the TBB and FCCC brands at DTNA, including strategy, sales and operations. He succeeds Kevin Bangston, who was recently appointed CEO and president of Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) North America.

Reed, currently president of Daimler Truck Remarketing (DTR) and the SelecTrucks brand, has over 25 years of experience in the truck manufacturing industry. He joined Daimler Truck in 1998 as a custom application engineer for vocational trucks and has since held various leadership roles in product marketing and strategy, as well as pricing and P&L responsibility within DTNA. Reed also spent six years outside the company with Meritor Inc., where he held several senior leadership positions, including vice president of Global Business Development for Electrification.

“T.J.’s broad experience across the industry, as well as his exceptional customer focus, makes him the perfect fit for this role,” stated Jeff Allen, senior vice president, operations and Specialty Vehicles, DTNA. “His expertise and personality will enable him to drive innovation and growth for both companies.”

“We’re excited to have T.J. at the helm of these specialty vehicle business units. His extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills will further strengthen and drive the success of both FCCC and TBB,” said John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA. “With his vision and holistic approach to operations he will be a valuable asset to these already strong businesses and help continue to pave the way to sustainable transportation.”

Reed holds an MBA from Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and history from Muskingum University.

Reed will remain responsible for DTR and will continue to support the team until his successor is named.

About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation:
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) is a leading manufacturer of gas, diesel and alternative-fuel chassis for the medium-duty pick-up and delivery markets. FCCC supports its industry-leading chassis with a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 factory direct support, a nationwide service network with more than 400 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and an official customer-support mobile app. FCCC also manufactures chassis for the motor home, school bus and shuttle bus markets. FCCC is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. For more information, visit fccccommercial.com or call 1-800-FTL-HELP.

About Thomas Built Buses:
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at https://thomasbuiltbuses.com or at https://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

About Daimler Truck North America:
Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. Daimler Truck North America designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

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ELKHART, Ind. – Since 1996, Forest River, Inc. has remained a leader of the recreational vehicle, cargo trailer, pontoon boat, and commercial vehicle industries. Today, Forest River is proud to continue this legacy with changes to its leadership team.

Founder and CEO Pete Liegl announced three leadership changes designed to continue Forest River’s forward trajectory and dedication to customer satisfaction.
– Chief Financial Officer Darrel Ritchie will lead Corporate Management. Having started with Forest River in 2002, Ritchie brings deep understanding of the company and is poised to continue the Forest River commitment to excellence.
– David Wright, another 22-year expert, will assume management of Forest River’s Commercial Division, inclusive of buses, vans, trucks and cargo trailers.
– Doug Gaeddert, who has run towable divisions for 25+ years, will now oversee Forest River’s entire Recreational Vehicles Division including towables and motorized.

Pete Liegl remains CEO and will continue to lead strategic oversight of Forest River. “I believe it is important to envision the future and plan for a smooth transition for the continued legacy of Forest River, Inc.” said Liegl. “I will remain fully engaged and devote significant time to help the incoming leaders.”

About Forest River, Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.

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