The Team

Meet The Spencer Industries Team

Every successful project starts with a great team! At Spencer Industries, we really excel when we are a team, understanding and solving the problems together. We offer an exceptional team manufacturing exceptional products using vacuum forming, thermoforming, pressure forming and twin-sheeting, as well as many value-added assembly techniques.

We are smart, hardworking, and easy to talk with and we know our stuff! Give us a call and tell us what ideas you have. We have always loved a good challenge!

Meet The Spencer Industries Team

Every successful project starts with a great team! At Spencer Industries, we really excel when we are a team, understanding and solving the problems together. We offer an exceptional team manufacturing exceptional products using vacuum forming, thermoforming, pressure forming and twin-sheeting, as well as many value-added assembly techniques.

We are smart, hardworking, and easy to talk with and we know our stuff! Give us a call and tell us what ideas you have. We have always loved a good challenge!

Jarid Hirt

president

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Jarid Hirt

PRESIDENT

Jarid Hirt brings more than four decades of hands-on experience in engineering, operations, plant management, sales, and executive leadership to his role as President of Spencer Industries. His career began in 1985 as summer help during high school and progressed through manufacturing and engineering roles before he was appointed Manufacturing Engineer after graduating in 1989. Over the years, Jarid advanced through increasingly responsible leadership positions, developing a comprehensive understanding of the business from the production floor to long-term strategic planning. This breadth of experience allows him to lead with both technical depth and operational clarity.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology and Engineering from Ball State University and an Associate’s degree in Plastics Manufacturing. Jarid is known for leading by example - working alongside his team, fostering collaboration, and integrating engineering innovation with disciplined execution to deliver solutions that are technically sound and commercially impactful. Deeply rooted in his community, he remains committed to responsible growth, investing in people, and building relationships that strengthen both the company and the region it serves.

Brian Gehlhausen

VP / ENGINEERING MANAGER

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Brian Gehlhausen

Vice President / Engineering Mgr.

Brian’s career with Spencer Industries began in 1994 as a production employee during his summer break from college, followed by internships in the Engineering Department that laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the company’s thermoforming and assembly operations. After graduating from Purdue University in 1997, he officially joined the organization and has since contributed to its growth and operational advancement for more than two decades. Throughout his tenure, Brian has held leadership roles across Manufacturing Engineering, shop floor supervision, Assembly Management, Project Engineering Management, Maintenance Management, and Engineering Department Management - experience that provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the business.

As Vice President, Brian leverages that cross-functional expertise to strengthen processes, support continuous improvement, and ensure operational alignment across departments. He's known for his steady leadership style, collaborative mindset, and commitment to developing strong teams at every level of the organization. Brian remains deeply invested in the company’s long-term success and in the people who help drive it forward.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Tina, their three children, and grandchild, as well as being active outdoors and serving his local community.
Clint Coleman

Clint Coleman

Treasurer

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Clint Coleman

Treasurer

Clint Coleman has been a valued member of Spencer Industries since 2004, bringing more than two decades of financial leadership and operational insight to the organization. He began his career as a Cost Accountant and steadily advanced through the accounting department, becoming Controller in 2011 before being promoted to Treasurer in 2019. Clint earned his accounting degree from Indiana State University in 2002 and obtained his CPA license in 2009. His progression within the company reflects both his technical expertise and his deep understanding of Spencer Industries’ operations. Clint works closely with customers, vendors, employees, and leadership to ensure financial accuracy, transparency, and disciplined oversight. He takes pride in leading a dedicated accounting team that supports the company’s long-term stability and commitment to excellence.

Jay Porter

regional sales manager

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Jay Porter

regional sales manager

Jay Porter serves as Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region, supporting both existing and prospective customers with technical expertise and strategic insight. Since joining Spencer Industries in 2002, he has built strong partnerships for more than two decades, beginning with nearly ten years in Engineering before moving into Sales Management. His engineering background and hands-on experience allow him to bridge the gap between technical design and customer objectives - ensuring clarity, precision, and confidence throughout every project. Jay is known for his collaborative approach and ability to clearly communicate not just what Spencer Industries can deliver, but how and why it works. He is committed to building long-term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Jay enjoys golf, staying active, spending time with his wife and children, and unwinding with a good bourbon.

Nate Schuler

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

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Nate Schuler

Regional Sales Manager

Nate Schuler brings more than 30 years of experience to his role as Regional Sales Manager, beginning his career with Spencer Industries in 1994 as a Project Engineer before transitioning into Sales Engineering and regional sales leadership. His engineering foundation provides a deeper technical understanding of customer objectives, allowing him to translate design requirements into practical, manufacturable solutions. For more than two decades in sales, Nate has focused on helping customers develop new products and navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence. He is driven by the opportunity to support customer success and continuously seeks new partnerships where Spencer Industries can deliver measurable value.

Nate holds an Associate Degree in Design Engineering from ITT Technical Institute and completed The Dale Carnegie Course in 2000, further strengthening his communication and leadership skills. He takes pride in building strong relationships grounded in technical knowledge, responsiveness, and long-term collaboration.

Outside of work, Nate enjoys attending IU and WKU sporting events, traveling with his wife, Vicki, spending time outdoors hiking and hunting, and making the most of time with family and friends.

Jason Bennet

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

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Jason Bennet

Regional Sales Manager

Jason Bennet serves as Regional Sales Manager for the Southwest region, where he has been a key member of the Spencer Industries team since 2019. He focuses on strategic growth, market expansion, and strengthening long-term customer relationships across his territory. With a background in business development and sales management, Jason brings a disciplined, results-driven approach to identifying opportunities and delivering measurable value. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Purdue University, building the foundation for his leadership in regional sales strategy. Jason prioritizes clear communication and practical problem-solving, working closely with customers to ensure expectations are aligned and projects move forward efficiently. He takes pride in building trusted partnerships that support both immediate needs and long-term growth.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and creating memorable family experiences.

Project

Engineering TEAM

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Project Team

Spencer Industries is proud to support our customers with a strong team of engineers. The Project Engineering team will be in contact with you as your program develops from the very beginning stage all the way through to a mature account needing regular maintenance. They drive continuous improvement, process optimization and customer communication while supporting innovative operational excellence throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Each of these engineers will be willing to help in any way they can!

Pictured from Left to Right Brad Kessens, Trae Hirt, Logan Northener, Ben Hartwig

SALES

ENGINEERING TEAM

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Sales Engineering Team

Our Sales Engineering Team partners with customers from concept to production, delivering innovative plastic manufacturing solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs. We combine technical expertise with hands-on industry experience, focusing on both product development and manufacturability. The Sales Engineering Team is a trusted resource dedicated to delivering a proven, successful product development experience.

Pictured are Brian Gehlhausen & Nick Bryant
Design Engineer Team

DESIGN

Engineering TEAM

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Design Team

Our Design Engineering Team transforms customer concepts into functional thermoformed plastic products. Working closely with customers and production teams, they develop product designs, tooling concepts, and material specifications that optimize performance, appearance, and cost efficiency. Through innovation, technical expertise, and attention to detail, the team ensures every design meets customer expectations and manufacturing requirements.

Pictured are Chris Klem & Ryan Hochgesang

Three men stand side by side in a hardware store or workshop, smiling at the camera. The left man wears a black T-shirt, the middle man in a red polo, and the right man in a light blue polo.

manufacturing

ENGINEERING TEAM

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Manufacturing Team

Our Manufacturing Engineering Team focuses on developing and improving the processes used to produce high-quality thermoformed plastic products efficiently and consistently. They support production by optimizing equipment, tooling, workflow, and process controls to maximize productivity, reduce waste, and maintain quality standards. By driving continuous improvement and operational excellence, the team helps ensure reliable performance from concept through shipment.

Pictured are Reid Steffe, Brian Chandler & Quinn Mehling

Customer Service Team

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Customer Service Team

Our Customer Service Team serves as a direct connection between customers, production and distribution. This team ensures clear communication, timely updates, and quick resolution of questions or concerns. With a strong understanding of thermoformed plastics manufacturing, our customer service professionals are committed to building lasting partnerships through accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional service.


Pictured are Britni Chavez, Madonna Kline, Amanda Winters & Rena Martin
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