From time to time we interview a client or former client about his or her career transition and their experience with Kelleher Associates. 

KAI: Can you share with us some of your overall career highlights?

Ray: I had a series of engineering, marketing and sales positions that led to several GM positions. In the recent past, I was Group Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Qualitrol Division of Danaher Corporation. Teleflex, a two billion dollar public company, then recruited me to run their Marine Industrial Group. Most recently, Telex Communications, a private company owned by several large investment groups, recruited me as President and CEO. My successes revolve around the ability to grow both the top and bottom lines of complex manufacturing companies through the use of world-class practices and processes. That's where I excel.

KAI: What was your most recent position, with what company, and what were some of your responsibilities?

Ray: It was the Group President position at Teleflex Corporation in charge of the Marine Industrial Group. We sold a variety of products including mechanical cables and controls, hydraulics, sonar and gas devices, electrical gauges and a variety of other products and systems to the marine and several industrial markets. My responsibility was one of general management to improve profitability and grow the business of these 11 operating companies and two joint ventures (Japan and China). We did extremely well in both areas.

KAI: In what ways did Kelleher Associates help you in your search for your next career opportunity? When did you start working with Kelleher Associates? Was this your first experience in working with an outplacement situation? What were some of the things they worked on with you?

Ray: I worked with Kelleher Associates for about nine months. This was my first experience with an outplacement firm and it was a humbling experience. Ed Kelleher was invaluable to me in the process of finding myself as well as finding another position. I was a difficult case because at that point in my life, I had many directions and goals I wanted to pursue, some more important than others. They worked very diligently with me to determine what I really wanted to do at this juncture of my life. They have a very personal touch and they treat their clients like family, not statistics. I needed that. I wasn't sure I wanted to get back into the corporate environment, but through their counseling, I became aware that I did. I also wanted to write a business book and they were invaluable in assisting me and encouraging me to pursue this dream. We will be publishing the book in the next few months. It never would have happened without their encouragement and persistence.

KAI: What did you take away from the experience working with Kelleher Associates?

Ray: I came away with a sense of friendship and family with the Kelleher Associates staff. I came away knowing that few things in life could be more disruptive and dramatic than the loss of one's job and no outplacement firm would be better equipped and more dedicated to help and assist an individual return to wellness than Kelleher Associates.

KAI: Congratulations on your new position. What is the name of your new company, and how did you come to your new position?

Ray: I am the CEO and President of Telex Communications, a 75-year old company based in Minneapolis that serves several markets including communications and pro-sound. I feel very fortunate and honored to be part of a company with such a great history and to lead 2000 dedicated employees.

Korn Ferry was doing the executive search for the current CEO who was retiring. They contacted my ex-boss at Teleflex and he recommended me for the position and the rest is history.