MADISON, Ind. — Grote Industries, a world leader in high-performance LED lighting technology, has announced the recent appointment of Jim Braun as chief financial officer and John Grote as vice president of sales and marketing.
 
Braun holds a BBA from the University of Cincinnati and earned his MBA from Ball State University. His history with the company began in the mid-80s, when he accepted a position as the organization’s manager of general accounting. After serving as controller, continuous improvement coordinator, vice president of manufacturing and executive vice president of fleet/OE business, Braun was moved into the position of vice president of corporate strategic planning and development.
 
“Jim has an exemplary record of success and leadership,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Dominic Grote. “His intimate understanding of our business is an extraordinary asset.”
 
John Grote joined the family-owned business in 1999 as brand manager and held positions as marketing manager and aftermarket sales and marketing director. He has a BS from Clemson University and an MBA from Indiana University. In 2005, Grote was tapped to lead the company’s efforts in establishing a European office and became the first managing director, Grote Industries Europe.
 
“We have a great deal to accomplish both domestically and internationally and John’s global perspective and ability to see the bigger picture in context, will be invaluable in our decision-making process,” Dominic Grote said. “I’m excited to have him back here in Madison, as part of our Executive Management Team.”
 
Grote said that knowledge is power and that having close, daily access to the caliber of talent represented by Braun and John Grote, will help the company not just survive, but thrive moving forward.   
 
“We’re already introducing exciting new products, successfully challenging international and domestic competitors and getting closer than ever to our customers” Dominic Grote said. “Now, with Jim and John in position, I see setting a new standard for both the company and the industry at large.”