AD Bearings & Power Transmission Division Welcomes Two New Divisional Board Members
AD Bearings & Power Transmission Division Welcomes Two New Divisional Board Members
Wayne, PA – AD is excited to welcome Chris Hughes, President of Transmission & Fluid Equipment, Inc. (TFE), and Brad Fitzgerald, General Manager of Binkelman Corporation, to the AD Bearings & Power Transmission (BPT) Divisional Board, effective August 2026.
Chris and Brad are the newest member-owner representatives to be nominated and elected to join the progressive AD BPT Division Board. Both candidates bring a wealth of industry and leadership experience to help advance the division’s continued growth and strategic priorities.
Transmission & Fluid Equipment (TFE), headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission, fluid power, automation, and industrial products. The company has been a respected independent distributor in the industry for decades and is widely recognized for its commitment to customer service and technical expertise. Chris Hughes has spent his career helping guide the growth and success of TFE and has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the Bearings & Power Transmission industry, including serving as Chairman of IDC-USA prior to its merger with AD.
Binkelman Corporation, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is a leading supplier of industrial motion, fluid power, conveyor, belting, and automation solutions. Since joining the company in 1994, Brad Fitzgerald has held positions across operations, purchasing, information technology, and management, helping drive the company's continued growth and evolution. His broad industry experience and leadership have made him a respected voice among distributors and supplier partners alike.
"Chris and Brad are highly respected leaders who have each dedicated their careers to helping independent distributors succeed," said Darin Davenport, President of AD's Bearings & Power Transmission Division. "They bring different experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the Board, but share a common commitment to servant leadership, strategic thinking, and industry engagement. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and excited about the contributions they will make over the next three years."
Chris and Brad succeed two outgoing board members, Frank Stangl, President of Weimer Bearing & Transmission, and Geoff Filker, Principal of Eastern Industrial Automation. AD extends its sincere appreciation to Frank and Geoff for their years of service, leadership, and contributions to the division.
Justin Phelps, Owner/President of Power Drive Systems and Chair of the AD Bearings & Power Transmission Division Board, shared, "Both individuals are proven leaders who understand the importance of collaboration, the value that the AD community delivers to their supplier partners and are committed to independent distribution. Their experience, insight, and commitment to the industry will be valuable additions to our board as we continue advancing the strategic goals of the division."
AD is grateful for leaders like Chris and Brad, along with the other dedicated owner-members who serve on the Divisional Board. Their guidance helps shape the strategic direction of the Bearings & Power Transmission Division and ensures AD remains focused on helping members and supplier partners grow and thrive. They join the following servant leaders who are equally committed to the Board’s success:
Justin Phelps Owner/President Power Drive Systems, Inc.
Mark Balcom President and Owner Pooley Inc.
Chris DuComb President W.C. DuComb Company, Inc.
Jeremiah Johnson VP Corporate Operations Purvis Industries, Ltd.
Brian Kolman President Brewer Machine & Gear Company
Rob LaRue President Baldwin Supply Company
Ryan Watts President Apex Industrial Automation LLC