LaShanda Cleveland brings several years of human resources leadership to her role as Director of Human Resources at Lawless Group. Known for her forward-thinking approach, LaShanda has led large-scale talent management, learning and development, and workforce initiatives that strengthen performance, build capability, and drive organizational excellence. Her career includes directing international HR teams, implementing enterprise-wide technology systems, and creating programs that enhance engagement and develop future leaders. A dedicated and influential leader, LaShanda is committed to advancing Lawless Group’s people strategy with innovation, integrity, and purpose.
Sonya Bynum serves as Chief Operating Officer of Lawless Group, bringing more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience to the organization. With a proven track record in streamlining processes, building high-performing teams, and driving cross-functional alignment, Sonya plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence across the company. Her career spans leadership in industries where efficiency, precision, and people-centric management are critical to long-term success. At Lawless Group, she oversees day-to-day operations while guiding strategic initiatives that support growth, innovation, and partner success. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Sonya is dedicated to delivering scalable results while fostering a culture that prioritizes people, performance, and sustainable growth.
Rodney Hill brings more than 24 years of sales leadership to his role as Chief Sales Officer of Lawless Group. With a strong background at Fastenal Company and proven success leading business development at Lawless, Rodney has built his career on driving growth, developing talent, and building lasting partnerships. His expertise spans sales strategy, market expansion, and team development, with a particular focus on strengthening relationships in the building products sector and beyond. Since stepping into the CSO role, Rodney leads strategic initiatives that align with the company’s broader objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and meaningful impact for partners and customers. Known for his vision and collaborative leadership, he plays a vital role in advancing Lawless Group’s mission to deliver value, innovation, and trusted solutions across the industries it serves.
Jeff Gwynn brings more than 25 years of marketing and communications expertise to his role as Chief Marketing Officer of Lawless Group. Known for his results-driven approach, Jeff has led high-impact strategies that elevate brands, generate measurable growth, and strengthen industry engagement across construction, electrical, industrial, and safety markets. Since joining Lawless Group, he has advanced the company’s marketing evolution, where he leads initiatives in brand development, digital innovation, and customer engagement. A collaborative leader with a passion for storytelling and strategy, Jeff is dedicated to positioning Lawless Group as an industry thought leader while driving value for customers, partners, and stakeholders alike.
TOP 5
Tom has 30 years of experience leading major brands with expertise across several areas of distribution including all ISA and STAFDA markets, hardware, automotive, farm and agriculture. Previously Northcott was the Regional Vice President of Sales for the Central Region for WernerCo. Tom will lead sales and the Hobart team who has also joined Lawless North Central.
Prior to that, he was the North American Director of Sales for Sunex Tools, a premium automotive hand tool, storage and lifting company. Tom also was part of what then was a start-up company with Positec, building a national sales team for Worx Outdoor Equipment and Rockwell Power Tools as their Director of North American Sales. He was also instrumental in initially building the IRWIN brand as the Regional Sales Manager for the Central region for 8 years starting with it’s conception. However, Tom is most proud to have started his career with Porter-Cable Power Tools as a Territory Manager and held numerous positions over his 10-year career, with the last role being Manager of National Accounts.
Tom is very proud of his 23-year-old daughter who recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a major in Marketing and a minor in Economics. Tom enjoys SCUBA diving whenever he can and is an ASE licensed mechanic and spends most of his free time restoring and showing old cars.
Jerrel has a laser focus on showing how Lawless can radically improve the future for customers. He’s here to serve customers, as fast as he can make that happen. He’s all about helping others grow. Not surprisingly, Jerrel doesn’t talk much about himself. Oh but he does talk! and wants to talk about whomever he’s talking with. Hey, you could be next.
And when, you should know he’ll bring unparalleled sales acumen to the conversation. Hold up: that doesn’t mean schmaltz. Turns out they don’t teach that. He’s earned it over the past 22 years with experience from Newell Rubbermaid, to Colony Hardware, Apex Tool and Werner Co. So whether he’s talking with an end user, a customer, or a manufacturer, he’s always hunting for a way to make great partnerships. You will not find a more energetic, innovative cheerleader for your business’s success. Mr. Enthusiasm.
Put simply, the guy’s a human accelerator.
John is responsible for growing and managing the North Central Region for The Lawless Group. This includes service to Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Prior to TLG, John has worked in both national distribution and as an independent manufacturer representative for a national agency.
John brings a unique combination of experiences to the role having earned both an Illinois State Plumbing License, as well as an MBA from Columbia College. He has built 25 years of construction, industrial and safety relationships throughout the Midwest. He has a proven track record of exceeding customer expectations, negotiating win-win solutions, and growing market share.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, is always up for friendly competition and values being present in the moment.
Lynn Grado does what needs to be done and has been since 1995. He has worked in all aspects of the business from purchasing to customer service to sales and warehousing. His experience, dedication and loyalty have been vital to the Lawless Group.
Today Lynn is the Director of Warehouse Operation, responsible for directing all warehouse operations including inventory, shipping, and receiving. He manages the team and oversees that all inventory is picked, packed, and ready to be loaded for shipment in the most efficient way possible.
Lynn has dedicated his life to service. Service to supporting our troops, service to our customers and service to his family. Service that gets the job done and moves more product. Service we are honored he gives tirelessly, each and every day.
When Lynn is not moving product, you can find him moving up and down the road. Whether on a long Harley ride with his wife Linda or burning the road to visit their 5 children and 14 grandchildren. When not on the road you’ll find them with a margarita in hand and of course chips and dip. We’ll raise our glass to that and a job well done!
