Dave Riebe has been named president of Kountry Kraft, manufacturers of custom cabinetry since 1959.
The Newmanstown, Penn.-based company, ranked 266 in the FDMC 300 list of top companies with an estimated $16 million in sales and 125 employees.
“We sell an experience… the experience of feeling at home in the kitchen," said Riebe. "The experience of being together. That to me is what the business is about – providing that experience for families,
for generations, for life.”
In his role of president, Riebe will preserve the longevity of Kountry Kraft by running the company on a daily basis under the guidance of Dee Hurst-Funk, CFO, and Elvin Hurst (CEO). Since starting with the company, Riebe has immersed himself in Kountry Kraft by working with every employee in every department, from delivering a kitchen in Annapolis (Maryland), to assisting in finishing and order processing, said Hurst-Funk.
"He rolled up his sleeves to become familiar with every part of the company," said Hurst-Funk. “We’re excited about the fresh vision Dave (Riebe) brings to the business. He comes with knowledge and experience in manufacturing that will enrich the legacy and longevity of Kountry Kraft.”
Hurst said that Riebe brings a fresh vision to the business with more than 25 years of experience leading organizations and developing teams in diversified manufacturing companies. He is recognized as an executive whose personal leadership style effectively balances a pragmatic management approach with strong creative and innovative abilitie, Hurst added.
Prior to Kountry Kraft, Riebe worked at Carlisle Construction Materials as director of five different businesses. He was president of Pennex Aluminum Company, and he held various positions at Danaher Corporation (Kollmorgen) with increasing responsibility; most recently he was vice president and general manager, and he also served in general management, product marketing, and manufacturing roles. Riebe has also provided management consulting to senior business leaders, and he spent the first five years of his career in engineering positions at General Motors Corporation.
Riebe has a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Mechanics from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.