Grote promotes Thorstensen, Bode to director positions

June 27, 2014
Grote named  Eric Thorstensen to a newly created position of director of business development, and protmoted Kent Bode to director of OEM sales.

Grote has named long-time Grote executive Eric Thorstensen to a newly created position of director of business development, leading Grote’s business development teams.  Simultaneously, Kent Bode, another successful career Grote manager, has been named director of OEM sales, filling the slot left open by Thorstensen. 

“Eric has substantial knowledge and experience in leading teams in sales, quality, operations, international business, and engineering.  His in-depth knowledge of customer needs and Grote processes make him the perfect leader to develop the innovative solutions our customers expect from Grote,” said global vice president, sales and marketing, John Grote.

Kent Bode has had similar success at Grote.  “Kent has held positions in engineering, product development, and sales,” added John Grote.  “During his time as a regional OEM sales manager, Kent was responsible for developing our OEM business in the Southeastern territory, as well as managing the majority of our OEM tractor accounts.  In his most recent position, he held the dual role of eastern regional manager and national accounts manager for the Heavy-Duty aftermarket division.  In that capacity, he led his team to a record performance and developed some of our newest team members into high performing technical specialists.”

Both men will be operating out of Grote headquarters in Madison, Ind.

Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.

About the Author

These are press releases approved by our Aftermarket Business World Editors

Sponsored Recommendations

Coming in 2025...

New year, new articles – let’s talk what’s new in 2025.

In Focus: GEARWRENCH Diagnostic Tools - GWSCAN, GWSMARTBT, and GWSMART07

The new GEARWRENCH diagnostic tools offer free software updates.

That's a wrap

In this article, we cover the basics you need to make the sale — planning, preparing, demonstrating, and more.

Hot to go

With the painted flames blazing on the sides of this truck, technicians always know when this distributor has arrived.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!