A family owned recycling business has announced several leadership changes as it prepares to transition from its third to fourth generation.

Holland-based Padnos, founded in 1905, said yesterday that nine employees have been promoted to leadership or client-facing roles within the company, including fourth-generation family members Jonathan Padnos, Josh Padnos and Sam Padnos.

The third-generation Padnos family members who lead and operate the business today, Doug, Jeff, Mitch and Shelley Padnos, will guide and advise the new team through a planned leadership transition.

CEO Jeff Padnos noted many family owned companies struggle with maintaining successful businesses through generational transitions.

“We know succession in a family business is a lifelong process and doing it right requires time, discipline, planning, communication and most important, passing on the culture that has made Padnos what it is,” he said.

He said the new team represents the “best in the business,” and they have “proven track records” of serving the company’s vendors, customers and employees.

Shelly Padnos, EVP, said the new leadership team includes existing and new leadership talent “loaded with lots of Padnos history and business smarts.”

New Padnos leadership

Matt Heitmeier was named VP of metals. Heitmeier joined Padnos in 1991 and has been instrumental in leading the company’s non-ferrous business. He will assume responsibility for the company’s ferrous and non-ferrous sales and purchasing activities.

Ben Irwin was named CFO. Irwin joined the firm in 2004. He will continue to direct the company’s finance functions and broaden his company-wide leadership responsibilities.

Leslie Lynch recently joined Padnos as its chief administrative officer. Lynch’s responsibilities will focus on leading the company’s administrative functions with optimal efficiency and innovation.

Scott O’Neil is now VP of ferrous sales. O’Neil joined the company in 1999 and has been instrumental in the company’s successful ferrous product purchase and distribution. His new role will focus on the development of critical strategic partnerships with steel mill and foundry customers, as well as major industrial suppliers.

Jonathan Padnos joined the company in 2011 and was key to advancing the company’s plastics business — from sales and purchasing to full operational responsibilities. He represents the fourth generation and will be responsible for overseeing the company’s strategy and annual business plans with his teams.

Rick Post was named VP of secondary fibers. Post joined the firm in 1993. He has played a role in the buying and selling of recyclable paper and will continue to work closely with paper mill customers and major regional suppliers as the company broadens its reach.

Al Tomes was named VP of manufacturing. Tomes joined Padnos in 1990 and has been a key player in the company’s manufacturing processes. Tomes will lead all aspects of the company’s manufacturing activities.

Additionally, Josh Padnos and Sam Padnos, also fourth-generation family members, joined the company in 2014. Both are actively engaged in account executive roles.