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.
Charlie Cronin is the RVP of the Rockies, he resides in the Denver market and is responsible for profitable growth, engagement, customer retention and penetration. He brings over 10 years of experience from in the field to strategic leadership. Charlie has built and led high performing teams with a results driven track record. Cronin’s extensive knowledge and dedication to collaboration helps customers go from business objectives to market-ready solutions. Charlie has been awarded and recognized for his work previously with Apex Tool Group.
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!
Ellen HardenWard, Vice President of Marketing, has over 18 years of experience bridging the world of ideas and execution. She develops strategy and creative content to promote and grow the Lawless brands in all regions.
Ellen honed her creative and design skills in ad agencies in Atlanta and New York City. She has been published and awarded for her work on many accounts including Delta Air Lines, Memphis Tourism and Pro Line Products. Her experience has allowed her to bring new creative solutions to the industrial industry. In this industry she has touched many brands prior to joining the Lawless Group. Kennedy Manufacturing, Southwire, Wright Tool and Verusen to name a few.
A farm girl at her roots, Ellen is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is a superior multi-tasker and works with all departments in the company. She maintains the brand image, design process, and ensures the marketing efforts are reflective of the company and its customers in tandem.
When not brand building – Ellen is traveling. Whether catching a show on Broadway, back at the family farm or across the pond, she’s forever visiting towns big and small, finding inspiration in city lights and on country roads.
Blake is a proud Texan who loves living in the city and the country. He has been in the world of numbers for over 25 years – from supporting companies to managing his own.
Blake sold his company to work with Richard Lawless and the Lawless Group. This allowed him the right balance of city and country. He chose Lawless Group for the ever-changing landscape, pace, and diverse solutions within the industry. As chief financial officer, Blake is involved in the detailed operations of our business and he is responsible for all financial and commercial aspects of the Lawless business for our customers and stakeholders. He brings a wealth of experience in managing acquisitions and mergers. Blake has a deep knowledge of the applications and disciplines needed to provide accurate and consistent assessments of investments. He’s a vital element of the Lawless Group’s success navigating the landscape to manage growth and drive strong top and bottom-line results.
When Blake is not in the city, you’ll find him in a blind or training for a marathon. He and his wife of 28 years, Leann, are parents-of-five (two human, three canine).
Jeff co-founded Building Connections in 2003 who partnered with the Lawless Group in 2022. His experience spans brings 30 years in the construction industry and includes Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Construction Project Engineer, and Account Manager. Jeff manages distributor accounts, works with contractors and distributors on projects, and provides training for sales representatives, contractors, and engineers. He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University and is a Registered Professional Engineer.
