Our Team

Jake Schmidt

Logistics Supervisor

About

Jake runs the logistics department at LaValley Industries, where he balances cost and time in moving finished equipment, assembly components, and parts for repairs to and from customer and vendor locations across the continent.

Quote

“Learned and honed with my military experience and career was the ability to work well with people to build a trusted network you can rely on. Our customers get what they need, when they need it as often as possible.”

Education

Army service for 6 years, 5 years in logistics

Rich Prosser

Sales and Product Representative

About

Rich has an extensive background in HDD sales that totals nearly 4 decades, including time directing North American sales for a prominent company in the industry before coming to LaValley Industries. He is a believer in the innovative solutions LVI provides for HDD.

Quote

“I love advocating our game changing products and building a greater awareness in the industry.”

Education

BS in International Business, 36 years in the HDD industry

Steve Savard

Sales and Product Representative

About

Steve knows everything there is to know about the entire family of LaValley Industries products. In addition, his careful consideration of an industry’s needs allows him to match each customer with a product that will deliver solutions to any job site.

Quote

“An enjoyable part of my job is helping customers find material handling solutions for their specific application.”

Education

Bemidji State University

Craig Larson

Sales and Product Representative

About

Craig put in his time on various directional drilling rigs with two prominent companies in the HDD world before applying his industry knowledge and experience at LaValley Industries. Totally consumed by the HDD bug, he can’t get enough of the challenges that each project creates and enjoys working with customers to find the right solution for their job.

Quote

“Throughout my tenure I have had the pleasure of working with many industry icons and leaders. These people I have worked and formed friendships with along the way have helped shape me into the person that I am today.”

Education

Over 25 years in the HDD industry

Gary Yerbich

Business Development Specialist

About

Gary’s role at LaValley Industries is developing opportunities for expanding products and industries. With over 25 years’ experience in telecommunications, he’s passionate about making work safer for everyone. When he’s not chatting with customers or troubleshooting design with engineering, he’s providing lead vocals and rhythm guitar for his band, coaching the high school trap team, or overlanding with his family in their Jeep.

Quote

“I really enjoy meeting new people and helping figure out ways to improve how work gets done, from removing roadblocks to setting direction, with our team of committed folks!”

Education

AAS in Communications Engineering, over 25 years' experience in telecommunications industry from technician to operations management

Matt Barkdull

Product Representative

About

Matt comes to LaValley Industries with over 20 years of experience in heavy equipment retail. Based in Houston, Texas, Matt represents LaValley Industries products in the southern U.S. with field support, new purchase and rental deliveries, and operator training. When he’s not on the road, he likes to cook, garden, and spend time outdoors with his wife and three small children.

Quote

“I enjoy delivering top notch support to contractors in the field, exceeding expectations for the product, and experiencing project successes with our customers.”

Education

BAS in Technology from Pittsburg State University; AAS in Diesel Equipment Technology from Texas State Technical College

Jaimie Smith

Sales and Service Coordinator

About

Jaimie started out with LaValley Industries as an intern and currently oversees inventory management and purchasing. She ensures that all necessary parts for production, sales/service, and R&D are either in-house or on their way.

Quote

“I enjoy working with each department… they each speak a different language and I sometimes feel like the company interpreter.”

Education

Degree in accounting from Bemidji State University

Jesse Prince

Production Manager

About

As a competitive marathoner, Jesse has found many parallels between his athletic pursuits and the world of manufacturing – the biggest being the concepts of working hard and thinking long term. He oversees the purchasing, assembly and shipping departments at LaValley Industries.

Quote

“It’s a very rewarding position helping our team work together to meet and exceed customer expectations.”

Education

Bemidji State University, University of Minnesota