Tim Cromwell grew up around machinery. Now, the machinery has grown up around him. Once fascinated by the wood-turning equipment and small engines his father worked with, Cromwell found his career calling with the massive, complex industrial pieces he appraises and sells today. The knowledge he has accumulated through the years is what he likes to share with fellow dealers in his capacity as chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Machinery Dealers National Association (MDNA). Cromwell has been an MDNA member for more than two decades. His initial connections were made while he was a sales executive for machinery dealerships in the United Kingdom and the U.S., and continue now that he runs his own company — Ironside Machinery, headquartered in Riegelsville, Pa. Since 2015, he has been served in various MDNA leadership posts — as the organization’s public relations chairman, and currently as the Philadelphia area’s chapter leader and representative on the national board. He also spends time advising leaders of other MDNA chapters on how to make the most of their responsibilities. “Involvement is crucial,” he says of his commitment to the organization. “What good is membership in anything if you’re not going to take full advantage of what it offers you? Business is all about the relationships you build, and the MDNA is how you can build them.” Cromwell started out as an auctioneer so, not surprisingly, Ironside — the name connotes his fondness for the "big iron” of the industrial plant floor — specializes in appraisals and sales of used equipment. While much of its business is conducted around his home base in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown, Pa., Ironside’s customers have come from across North and South America, as well as Europe. The company also offers a clean-out service that empties facilities of everything, from the presses and milling machines down to the office chairs, to make the building ready for a new occupant. “Ironside Machinery would not be here without the MDNA,” he declares. “In the 2 1/2 years I have owned this business, 95 percent of the deals I’ve done have been with MDNA members.” The MDNA was established in 1941 and today has nearly 400 member companies worldwide. They include machinery dealers, auctioneers, and appraisers. A subsidiary group, the Association of Machinery & Equipment Appraisers (AMEA), is the world’s premier industrial appraisal association. Cromwell also is a member of AMEA. "My experience with the MDNA is something that has made me money and kept me in business,” he concluded. “Simple as that.”
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Welcome to “The Women of MDNA,” a series of posts where you’ll meet some of the remarkable women in our industry. Through MDNA, some have discovered a pathway to learn and grow, applying their skills and experience in a new way. Consider Michelle Guzzino, president of Exact Machine Service, who has already jumped into chapter leadership and is a shining example of what women can accomplish in the industry.
How did you get involved in the industry? In June of 2021, my husband and I bought Exact Machine Service. I manage the day-to-day operations for the business, including the sales department. I had no experience in machine sales, although I did bring a bit of experience in the manufacturing field, having worked in corporate finance for manufacturing companies in several different roles. We sell new and used equipment and provide services to many different machine brands and models, and we are always looking for new opportunities to add value to the manufacturing customers we support. What inspired you to enter this field? I had worked in corporate finance for 20 years. It got to the point where I wanted to learn something new and different and see how I could grow. My next step would have been to be a CFO, but I was leaning more toward the business side. That’s what led me to go in this direction. My experience in the manufacturing field my entire life made this opportunity appealing. Even though we’re in sales and service, I’m still connected to the manufacturing world. How else have you been involved in MDNA? Right now, I’m the secretary for the Philadelphia chapter. Getting involved in leadership in MDNA has been so helpful. I get to hear more and understand more about the field. Right now, I’m still learning and growing, but depending on positions that might open up for me in the future, I would be willing to look into different leadership roles. What is the benefit of being involved in MDNA? One of the biggest benefits on being involved in MDNA is the relationships you build with other people in the industry. Our chapter encourages the members to connect and build relationships. Most of the time, they’re your competitor, but they’re still willing to help. I came in with no experience. The guys I met were willing to share their experience and best practices in this market and brainstorm ideas. The other way MDNA brings value is the business opportunities it affords. Someone else may have the right customer for a machine you’re trying to sell, so you can partner with other members to make a deal. Once you partner with them, they might come to you with opportunities. There’s a lot of respect in this industry, and people are ethical as they do business. If they know that you are working on that opportunity, they won’t come after it. They are more concerned about how we can we help each other out, and I really appreciate that. What is it like working as a woman in a male-dominated industry? In my opinion, men and women are capable of the same things. If you like a subject, you’re going to study and be just as qualified as anyone else. I’m not treated differently. If I treat people with respect, if I listen to them and understand where they’re coming from, most people appreciate that. It's so important to be honest and humble. I think it’s helpful to ask questions, such as, “Can you explain that a little bit better?” Or “I was thinking about this. What do you think?” People are more receptive to that kind of approach. What do you like best about the industry? This is an industry that is open to everyone. How much people succeed depends on just how much they dedicate their time and come up with ideas for the field. Passion for the field is key. I like the industry because both men and women are equally capable of being great in the field. Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th, honoring those who have served honorably in the armed forces of United States. The day was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. The observance was originally known as Armistice Day, because major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
Again, this year, MDNA is privileged to celebrate the many veterans who have served our country. They deserve our highest praise. In recent weeks, it has been our pleasure to pay tribute to some of these heroes who have ties to the MDNA. Here is a recap of that recognition. Captain Bill Newton was an Army Air Corps air gunner during World War II. He also was a Scripps-Howard News Service war correspondent who covered the Japanese surrender on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri, where he later joked with friends that he’d "left a ring in (Gen. Douglas) MacArthur’s tub." During his career as a Scripps-Howard staff writer, he also reported on village life in Spain under the Franco regime and traveled with soldiers of Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist army during the Communist revolution in China. Newton was among 14 American news correspondents who died in the line of duty in a plane crash near Bombay, India, on July 12, 1949. He is the maternal grandfather of John Paff, owner and founder of MDNA Premier Vendor Fort Wayne Marketing. Larry Lachant served in the Army from 1955-1957 as a corporal in the 7th Army’s 4th Ordnance Battalion, Quartermaster Corps. He was stationed not far from UiJongBu, in present-day South Korea. He would tell his son Michael that, very much like the Cpl. Klinger character in the iconic TV show, “M*A*S*H”, he would get into trouble with his superiors for not filling out the proper paperwork before sending out supplies. He said he couldn't stand the thought of "his guys" freezing in trenches and foxholes waiting for gloves and boots and jackets, while the right paperwork was done, so he would just send it first and correct it later. After his time in the service, Larry founded MI-RO Machinery after working for MDNA member Federal Machinery. His son, Michael Lachant, CEA, grew up in the business and now runs MI-RO Machinery, in Woodbridge, NJ. Charles H. Thornton, III, is the father of Chip Thornton, CEA, and the grandfather of Chase Thornton, both of whom are with MDNA Member firm Presses for Industry, of Detroit. He served in the Army during the Korean War, from 1952-1954 as a military police officer (MP) stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Among his duties there was tracking down deserters — often in the wild and woolly Kentucky backwoods — as well as service members who were AWOL (absent without official leave). Charles H. Thornton, III, is now 90 years old and among a ever-smaller number of veterans of the Korean conflict. Army Private First-Class James Conway and Marine Sergeant Ryan Emmons are the father and stepson, respectively, of Mark Conway. Mark is with MDNA Member Tramar Industries, of Novi, MI. PFC Conway fought in Ardennes Forest Campaign — more commonly known as the Battle of the Bulge — and was wounded in action on December 13, 1944, earning his first Purple Heart. He was wounded again on December 21, 1944, earning a second Purple Heart. That injury took him out of action and he spent the remainder of the war recovering from his wounds. James Conway was honorably discharged in 1945 and spent the next 35 years working at Chrysler, retiring in the 1980s. He passed away in 2001. Sgt. Emmons served in the Marine Corps from 2000-2005 as a helicopter mechanic. He was assigned to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1) and traveled to South Korea with President George W. Bush. Today, Ryan works as a cybersecurity manager in Georgia. Through November 10th, we're proudly sharing the stories of U.S. Veterans. This week's spotlight is on U.S. Army Private First-Class James Conway and U.S. Marine Sergent Ryan Emmons, Father and Stepson, respectively of Mark Conway. Mark is with MDNA Member Tramar industries.
Mark’s father, Pvt First Class James Conway, known as “The Smiling Irishman” was a decorated World War II Combat Engineer. He enlisted in the army in 1940 and did his basic training at Fort Custard in Kalamazoo, MI. He was then stationed in Fort Worden WA from 1941-1944. He shipped off to France in July of 1944. In late December 1944, James fought in Ardennes Forest Campaign (the Battle of the Bulge), when German forces staged a massive drive to recapture lost areas in the Ardennes region of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, in what some say was Germany’s last stand. It was during this battle that James was wounded in action on December 13, 1944, earning his first purple heart. He was wounded again on December 21, 1944, earning as second purple heart. It was this injury that took him out of action, and he spent the remainder of the war recovering from his wounds. Private First-Class James Conway was honorably discharged in 1945 and spent the next 35 years working at Chrysler, retiring in the 1980’s. James passed away in 2001. _____________________________________________________________________________________ MDNA Veteran Spotlight: Sergent Ryan Emmons Mark Conway’s step son, Sergent Emmons served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000- 2005. His MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was Helicopter Mechanic. He served in the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1) and traveled to South Korea with President George W. Bush. Ryan Now works as a Cyber Security Manager in Georgia. _____________________________________________________________________________________ A grateful nation and the MDNA thank you for your service and are honored to celebrate you during our salute to all Veterans. Through November 10th, we're proudly sharing the stories of U.S. Veterans. This week's spotlight is on Charles H. Thornton, III. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, from 1952-1954. Charles was a MP (Military Police Officer) and was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. During his service he hunted down deserters and service members who had gone AWOL (absent without official leave). Charles H. Thornton, III is the father of Chip Thornton, CEA and grandfather of Chase Thornton, both of MDNA Member firm, PRESSES FOR INDUSTRY. Chip recounts hearing his dad talk about his time as an MP. “One story that he told us, always stood out to me. He and a partner would have to go up in the hills and back woods of Kentucky. He would always find himself stumbling on a Moonshine Still (guys making illegal Moonshine was very prevalent in those times). He said many times he would be looking down the barrel of a shotgun. He would say “I am only looking for so and so”, and the Moonshiners would always say go look at his Mama’s house. Sure enough that’s where they would find them. He also would hear the Moonshiner’s running their souped-up cars built for running the mountains at night with huge motors and stripped out so they could put all the crates of moonshine in the cars. And, when sitting in his vehicle at night during a stakeout they would always here the cars racing up and down the mountain and occasionally you could hear one drive off the cliff and explode or crash.” God bless Charles H. Thornton, III (still with us today at 90 years old), and thank you for your service. Are you or your loved one a U.S. Veteran? We want to celebrate your story too. Please send your story and photos to mark@mdna.org. And thank you for your service! All through October, we're proudly sharing the stories of U.S. Veterans. This week's spotlight is on Larry Lachant. He served in the Army from 1955-1957, after the "police action" was technically over but guys were still being killed every day.
Larry Lachant was a Corporal in the 7th Army, 4th Ordinance Battalion, Quartermaster Corps. He was stationed not far from UiJongBu. He would tell his son Michael how volatile the weather changes were, one day it was in the 90's, the next it was below freezing. And very much like the Klinger character from the M.A.S.H TV show, he would get into trouble with his superiors for not filling out the proper paperwork before sending out supplies. He couldn't stand the thought of "his guys" freezing in trenches and foxholes waiting for gloves and boots and jackets while the right paperwork was done, so he would just send it and make it up later. After his service to the country, Larry founded MI-RO Machinery after working for MDNA Member Federal Machinery. Son, Michael Lachant grew up in the business and now runs MIRO Machinery. Are you or your loved one a U.S. Veteran? We want to celebrate your story too. Please send your story and photos to mark@mdna.org. And thank you for your service! All through October, we're proudly sharing the stories of U.S. Veterans. This week's spotlight is WWII air gunner and war correspondent Bill Newton.
Newton covered the Japanese surrender from the deck of the USS Missouri, and later joked with friends that he'd "left a ring in MacArthur's tub." He also reported village life in Spain under the Franco regime, and traveled with soldiers of Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist army during the Communist revolution in China. Newton was among 14 American news correspondents who died in the line of duty in a plane crash near Bombay, India, on July 12, 1949. Bill Newton is the maternal grandfather of MDNA Premier Vendor John Paff of Fort Wayne Marketing. Are you or your loved one a U.S. Veteran? We want to celebrate your story too. Please send your story and photos to mark@mdna.org. And thank you for your service! Looking back on his company’s 25 years as a member of the Machinery Dealers National Association, Jose “Pepe” Sardinas most appreciates the “association” part of that relationship. Sardinas is vice-president and co-owner of AM Metalmaq Inc., a suburban Miami concern that is marking a quarter-century of involvement with the MDNA this year. That time together reflects well on the MDNA, he says, because the organization’s principles and members have been so valuable to his business. “It’s a group of folks who do the same thing you do and are eager to help you,” he explained in a recent conversation. “You ask them for advice or their opinion and you know you’re confident you’re getting good advice and an informed opinion.” AM Metalmaq joined the MDNA in 1998, three years after Sardinas joined forces with co-owner and company president George Alves. The company offers a broad selection of new equipment and as well as pre-owned inventory for machine and fabrication shops. Its facility, in Hialeah, provides an ideal location to showcase its wares for customers coming in from Miami International Airport, just a couple of miles up the highway. AM Metalmaq, founded in 1991, is much less involved in exporting equipment to Latin American and the Caribbean than it was when it joined MDNA. Sardinas says what has been learned through the trade group has helped the company successfully adapt to changing domestic and international markets. “When people ask me, ‘What’s an organization like (MDNA) going to do for me?’,” Sardinas says. “I tell them, ‘Get yourself involved in it and learn,’ It’s all about the relationships you build over the years. This is an elite group of businesses, and so good to work with. What you can learn is, how to make money.” Sardinas says he and Alves relish the friendships and trust they have forged with fellow MDNA members — a process that began when they were recruited for membership at a trade expo in Miami Beach. They appreciate the one-to-one nature of such professional contacts, and have enjoyed “working the room” at MDNA functions. In the early years, their conversations often took place amid the scent of cigars the two would bestow as a nod to their Cuban heritage. “There’s less smoking now,” Sardinas admits, with a laugh. “But we still are occasionally asked, ‘Hey, where are our cigars?’” Sardinas, who resides in Kendall, Fla., with his wife Ileana, is pleased to have been part of MDNA leadership through the years, having served as the organization’s Southeast Chapter chair and as a member of its national board of directors. “We have its Code of Ethics posted on our wall,” he declares. “When you’re dealing with MDNA members, you know you’ve taken a step up.” Every once in a while, life throws you an opportunity that allows you to not only give back but also to recognize one of your friends for their outstanding contributions to the world. One such opportunity presented itself this year during one of my annual cancer benefit auctions when I was asked to help present Dan Wheeler, CEA, of Wheeler Machinery Sales, Inc. and MDNA’s First Vice President, as this year’s recipient of the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation’s “Never Be Defeated” award on Saturday July 15th, 2023, during their annual Barndance in Woodstock, IL. This award is earned by demonstrating an incredibly positive outlook under extreme circumstances and by greatly inspiring others to help them survive cancer. Travelling to be in attendance to help Dan celebrate this award, which was a surprise to him was Dan’s wife Gina, daughter Sara, my wife Kimmy, and MDNA & AMEA’s Bob Yeoman, Michael Ackerman, and his friends from the Testicular Cancer Foundation. The Barndance is a 7-hour volunteer run party that draws crowds in excess of 2,000 people to Woodstock, IL, for great BBQ, a ton of raffles, a live auction & awesome bands. The goal being to raise money to help raise cancer awareness through education & screenings, improving cancer care for local residents, & raising funds for cancer research. It really is the area’s best 7-hours of summer every year. When the call came, I was honored and humbled to help present such a major award to one of the best humans I know. I called a lot of Dan’s friends in the MDNA, as well as his family for help in giving the presentation a fun roast-type presentation rather than a typical dry formal presentation, and yes, big Dan cried…. The question then becomes, what kind of award do you present to your friend upon such a huge honor? I’m not a trophy plague-giving guy, I prefer more personalized tokens so for Dan, I quietly presented him with a 5-pound brass nut that I engraved myself. Anyone that knows Dan understands his passion for life, his willingness to help anyone, and his total dedication to his family. If you don’t know Dan, make it a point to meet him at a chapter meeting or convention, his fire for life is energizing & motivating, I am happy to call him my friend. This year’s Barndance raised $524,532 dollars for the fight!! Jake Josko, C.E.A. Vice President of Global Sales Direct: 312.841.9600 Cell: 224.230.5922 You can chart a company’s growth in many ways: sales volume, market share, units shipped, web traffic, year-over-year, month-over-month, etc. But at Machine Tool Emporium, LLC, the preferred unit of measurement is square feet. In January of this year, Machine Tool Emporium moved into new, purpose-built quarters in LaGrange, Ky., northwest of Louisville. The structure encloses 18,000 square feet — all air-conditioned and heated, and more than six times the area of the company’s original, rented quarters near the Louisville airport. “This is not some little warehouse,” said Mark Coxon, Machine Tool Emporium’s managing partner, and the MDNA’s Ohio Valley Chapter chairman and national Board representative. “This is a very professional atmosphere, where we can have machines of all sizes on display.” Machine Tool Emporium opened for business five years ago and, while Coxon said it still specializes in CNC chip cutting units, now handles an array of used machinery from lathes to punches and presses, saws and shears. "We dabble in pretty much everything,” he summarized. From the outset, his business has enjoyed what Coxon calls “quite a growth curve.” It soon became obvious that to continue on that trajectory would require more space. When he located a six-acre tract for sale in LaGrange, he didn’t hesitate. “We decided if we’re going to do it we’d better do it now, before we see 7- or 8-percent interest rates,” he recalls. The business offices, warehouse, and showroom were mapped out in a building that features foot-thick reinforced concrete floors to handle the weight of the wares. Ground was broken in August 2022 and the Emporium opened its new doors five months later. The additional square-footage is quickly being put to good use. Just a few months into its new surroundings, Machine Tool Emporium has shipped machinery throughout North America and as far away as India. And the prospect future growth doesn’t concern Coxon like it did a couple of years ago. "We have room on our land now for another 18,000 square feet,” he notes, with a smile. Want your member company featured on our social media channels, reach out to mark@mdna.org. |
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