Who’s at the helm?
Our leadership team has years and years of combined manufacturing know-how. They question. They challenge. And they’re passionate about setting a high bar to help our customers win.
DEREK DEGEEST
President
As third-generation president of DeGeest Corporation, Derek’s vision has led DeGeest to become a technology leader in software development, data analytics, automation, and the use of robotics throughout the manufacturing process. Derek is a strong advocate for manufacturing and partners with area high schools and technical colleges to encourage young people to pursue careers in the industry.
Likes
As a connoisseur of hot sauce, Derek won’t accept just anything to complement his meals. His go-to is Texas Pete. And if you ask him, it goes with everything. This might be why Amazon has a scheduled stop at his house each month to replenish his supply.
Dislikes
Derek isn’t a fan of negativity. His positive attitude shines through no matter the situation. And it explains why the company is driven by the belief that anything is possible.
Special Skills
With a sharp analytical mind, Derek is constantly thinking about process and creating better ways of doing things. He always looks at the big picture and is a huge believer in sharing his experience to help manufacturing continue to grow
ALICIA DEGEEST
Marketing + Media Relations
Alicia is a brand builder and creative problem solver. Her energy is infectious and her attention to detail is second to none. Having spent many years leading national accounts at a regional advertising agency, Alicia transitioned into the family business and oversees all marketing and public relations at DeGeest.
Likes
Spend any time with Alicia and you might hear her say, “Yes, I really do need all these cats.” Granted, she loves her four kids. But considering she has the same number of cats says a lot about her love of felines.
Dislikes
Coming from the marketing agency world, Alicia has put the formal business attire days behind her. Now striving for comfortable and confident work gear is her goal when outfitting the DeGeest crew.
Special Skills
Come for a tour! she'll say to those she meets that want to learn more about manufacturing. Especially to students and the community to see the opportunities and technology inside DeGeest.
KYLE MIELKE
Director of Finance
Kyle loves to analyze numbers. As Director of Finance, he oversees revenue forecasts, expenses and cash flow. He also interprets financial data for use in strategic planning to help DeGeest navigate future growth and manages the company’s reporting and compliance requirements.
Likes
Kyle loves to cook. As a Packers fan, he celebrates each week of the season by whipping up the “signature dish” from their opponent’s city. Speaking of the Packers, ask him about his collection of 34 Packers jerseys.
Dislikes
You won’t catch Kyle in an amusement park as he finds nothing amusing about them. You know the amusement park photos of people on rides where there’s always that one person hiding out of fear? That’s Kyle.
Special Skills
Kyle’s boundless enthusiasm landed him an appearance on the long-running game show, The Price Is Right. He even made it on stage to play a game called “That’s Too Much” and promptly lost his chance to win a Jeep Renegade.
BRAD RUPPERT
Director of Operations: Automation
Brad is the point person for all things Automation. Under his watch, budgets and timelines are met and customers are kept in the loop regarding the status of their project. One of his most impressive skills is listening. This allows him to ask smart questions and create a sensible plan of action for making Automation a reality.
Likes
Brad is a pretty mean cornhole player. If you dare, grab some bags and throw down a challenge – just be careful what you bet. He’s also into classic cars, backyard camping, hunting, football, and NASCAR.
Dislikes
As a road warrior for customer installations, Brad has come to strongly despise sleeping in airports versus the more comfortable option of a bed. He’s also been known to turn up his nose to IPAs.
Special Skills
Brad takes a lot of pride in being a dad to four lucky kids. Not one to grab all the glory, he attributes much of his success in this regard to his amazing wife.
DAVE SCHAAP
Director of Operations: Steel Works
From LEAN techniques to supply chain wizardry, Dave knows manufacturing. At DeGeest, he leads our manufacturing operations with an eye on continuous improvement. He’s also revitalized the company’s capacity plan and implemented production metrics for each department.
Likes
As an operations guy, it’s no surprise that Dave loves to solve problems, which explains why he’s into puzzles and word games. He’s also a foodie, and his latest hobby is to attend a Minnesota Vikings game in every NFL stadium.
Dislikes
Waiting for anything and being late are among Dave’s pet peeves. If you have a meeting with him, chances are you’ll be the second one in the room. He’s also against bad coffee, which according to him is a waste of water.
Special Skills
Besides a love for cultural foods, Dave has remodeled six houses and moved nine times over the years. If you need advice on either subject, he’s your guy.