After announcing his plans to retire at year end, Dave Bratton, Chief Executive Officer of Sammons Enterprises and Briggs International, announced that Briggs International President Mike Winemiller will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Briggs International, effective January 1, 2014. In this position, Winemiller is responsible for the strategic growth and profitability of the global Briggs brand.
“Beyond his knowledge of the materials handling industry and the Briggs business, Mike is a walking example of our Briggs culture. His innovation and leadership skills have made Briggs Equipment US the largest materials handing distributor in the country,” Bratton said. “Mike made several contributions which enabled the company to increase revenues by 300% during the last 13 years. It has been a pleasure to work with Mike the last 25 years. I have every confidence in the success of the business under Mike’s guidance.”
Winemiller’s leadership has positioned Briggs Equipment as one the most efficiently run materials handling companies in the world. During the past five years, he led the organization through a challenging economic climate. Winemiller’s knowledge of the industry and his ability to read the market resulted in several acquisitions and successful integrations, which grew Briggs’ footprint and offerings to customers.
Since his first days with the company, Winemiller was mentored by former Briggs President Homer Denning and current Briggs International CEO Bratton, two knowledgeable men with successful materials handling track records. Building upon what he learned from them, Winemiller’s management style has focused on relationships – with customers, vendors and his co-workers. Rather than be just a supplier for customers, he and his team have focused on helping customers solve their business problems and grow their businesses. Winemiller’s relationships with Briggs’ vendors span his 30-year tenure with the company.
Winemiller joined the Equipment Group at Briggs Weaver in June 1983, as part of Briggs’ management training program. In 1986, he was tasked with conceptualizing and developing Briggs’ first computer system. Winemiller continues to guide Briggs’ strategic technology initiatives. He gained extensive operational experience at the branch and regional level beginning in 1996, when he was Regional Manager for California, Las Vegas and Arizona. He spearheaded the centralization of the parts and service operations into a call center, increasing the company’s efficiency and reducing expenses.
Winemiller served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the company before his promotion to President of Briggs Equipment US in January 2007. He was promoted to President of Briggs International in 2012.
