PRESS RELEASES
Promotions, new patent application filings, and a prestigious certification usher in new era at Key-Link Fencing & Railing
11/15/2023 – A string of strategic changes at Lancaster County-based Key-Link Fencing & Railing include progressive moves in both leadership and product innovation, shifting the company into a new period of success.
The company has made a handful of leadership changes in accordance with its long-established succession plan that will help streamline operations and allow for an efficient manufacturing process to move its product to the market faster and more productively. Ezekiel Harnish has taken over the role of COO after serving as vice president of information systems since 2019. Raj Pathak is now the director of engineering and Dave Lechlitner has been named director of information systems.
In addition to the new leadership, the company has taken extensive measures to invest in its future success by both applying for multiple United States patents on proprietary innovations Key-Link Fencing & Railing engineers have developed and by obtaining powder coating certification for its in-house powder coating lines.
The state-of-the-art fencing and railing innovations have been highly praised by customers, suppliers, and installers throughout the country and include several features, components, and methods that are now patent pending. The patent applications and the patent protection that is expected to result from these patent applications will leave Key-Link as the exclusive source of these proprietary railing products. These patent pending innovations provide never before seen benefits to both the installer and the customer.
“Our innovative engineering team has been making breakthrough, industry-leading designs for decades and our approach to cable railing systems has become the gold standard for installers,” Key-Link CEO Javan Lapp said. “We are now seeking to protect the ingenuity and investment of our team members in setting the high standards of distinctive quality that Key-Link products provide to customers.”
To further emphasize and validate the company’s quality, Key-Link sought to obtain powder-coating certification from the Powder Coating Institute. To receive certification, Key-Link’s powder coating process underwent a significant multi-faceted audit that resulted in an award of PCI-4000 status, the highest level of certification that the Institute offers.
“While our team members have always taken great pride in the quality of our in-house powder coating, the PCI-4000 certification is third-party validation of our product and processes,” said Lapp. “We are proud of our team and the work they’ve put in to accomplish this.”
Key-Link Hires New Midwest Territory Manager
11/13/2023 – Key-Link Fencing & Railing is pleased to announce the hiring of a new territory manager, Brent Mason, based in Kansas City, Missouri. His territory will include Missouri, Iowa, and parts of Illinois, with expansion into other states as needed.
Mason comes to Key-Link with 8 years of sales experience and more than four years of experience as a distributor representative selling deck products and accessories.
“We were impressed with Brent’s experience, attitude, and approach to his work,” said Tim Smoyer, Key-Link’s Vice President of Sales. “As he gets to know our customers in the channel, he’ll be a valuable asset to them in growing their businesses.”
Mason says he chose to join the Key-Link team for a few important reasons. “I really value Key-Link’s people-centered approach and the way the company focuses on education and development,” he said. “I also know from past experience that Key-Link has quality products that contractors appreciate.”
Since starting on September 4, Mason has been enjoying meeting people and plans more connections in the coming months. “I look forward to meeting more customers and collaborating with them,” he said.
Javan Lapp promoted to CEO
1/10/23 – Key-Link Fencing & Railing, Inc., and Superior Plastic Products, Inc., announced that Javan Lapp has been selected to serve as the next CEO. Reuben Lapp, the previous CEO and majority owner of the family-owned companies, announced the promotion of Javan Lapp, (not related to Reuben) previously the COO, on November 18, 2022.
Reuben Lapp will continue his active involvement in the companies as owner and Board Chairman. The second-generation owner has recently completed succession planning that provides a path to ownership for the third generation currently active in the business. “My vision is to create a legacy company and my desire is to prepare a path for the next generation of family ownership”, shared Reuben Lapp. “Javan has proven that he is the right leader to grow the business through this next phase. I have full confidence in Javan’s ability to serve our customers and strategically lead the organization.”
Javan Lapp has served as COO since 2016 and has been an active leader in the business since 2009. As COO, Javan has led organizational development initiatives to support the growth of the companies, with a strong attention to culture-building and operational excellence. “I am honored to be selected to serve the organization as CEO,” said Javan Lapp. “I am humbled by the trust placed in me by Reuben and the Lapp family, as well as the support of the Leadership Team. We have great team members who are ready for the challenge of growing together and building a bright future for our organization and our customers.”
Smoyer Promoted to Vice President of Sales
10/5/20 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing announce the promotion of Tim Smoyer to Vice President of Sales. Prior to his promotion, Tim served as National Sales Director for the companies.
In his new role, Smoyer will continue to give leadership to the sales team, but will also oversee customer service and marketing.
“Tim has shown himself to be a strategic sales leader and effective team builder since he joined the company late last year,” says Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to his continued leadership of the newly aligned sales and marketing functions.”
As Vice President of Sales, Tim will also be a member of the leadership team, working with the leaders of Superior’s other major business functions to steer the company forward.
“My immediate focus will be bringing value to our customers through service, business planning and marketing expertise,” Smoyer says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to strengthen profitability along with our business partners.”
Tim Smoyer came to Superior from Super Enterprises, a Marvin Window and Door distributor, and has had a 30-year career in the building materials industry.
Key-Link Announce Hiring of New England Territory Manager
8/14/20 – Superior and Key-Link are pleased to announce the hire of Paul Johnson as territory manager for New York and New England. Johnson brings two decades of building materials sales experience to his new role, having successfully managed sales territories for Ply Gem and ABC Supply.
“Paul will be an immediate asset to our customers,” says Tim Smoyer, National Sales Director. “He knows the region and our products and has a deep commitment to customer service. We are ready for him to get started.”
Johnson will be based in Northbridge, Mass., near Worcester, giving him easy access to the customers in his region. He plans to visit existing accounts in the coming weeks to begin to build relationships across the territory. Benjamin Kauffman, the former territory manager, will be working with Johnson during the transition and then moving to a new sales role in the company.
“I am happy to have joined a company with such strong values and quality products,” says Johnson. “I look forward to working with distributors, dealers, and contractors to really grow the market for Superior and Key-Link in the Northeast.”
Superior Announces Hiring of New Territory Manager for Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana
3/18/20 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are happy to announce the hiring of Chris Donley as Territory Manager for Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
Donley comes to Superior and Key-Link with several years of experience selling decking and railing and several additional years in the building materials industry. He is based in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
“Chris is a great fit for this role and this company,” said Tim Smoyer, National Sales Manager. “He will Soon he’ll be a major asset in reaching out to our current customers and starting to build relationships with potential customers in his territory.”
“I’m looking forward to getting to know all of my accounts and learning how we can work together to grow our businesses,” Donley said. “I’m also excited to be able to educate dealers, distributors, and contractors in my region about Superior and Key-Link’s quality products.”
When not working, Donley stays busy planning an October 2020 wedding with his fiancée, spending time with his family, and enjoying outdoor activities near his home.
Key-Link and Affiliates Announce Key Promotions
1/27/20 – With the arrival of the new year comes new roles for Superior and Key-Link staff.
In the Superior and Key-Link engineering department, Alex Rodriguez, Jr. has been promoted to Mechanical Engineering Manager, where he will be responsible for all mechanical development and support. Rodriguez has managed the tool and die shop for several years and has been overseeing the mechanical fabrication/construction team for several months. As manager, he will also have responsibility for Mechanical engineering (machine and tool design) and Electrical engineering (machine programming, automation, and controls).
Also in the Engineering Department, Mike Alexander has been promoted to Product Engineering Manager. Alexander has been the product engineering team lead, but now, with his promotion to manager, Superior and Key-Link will have a department head overseeing the key work of product design, specification, and technical support.
“Both Alex and Mike have proven themselves by taking on increasing levels of responsibility and excelling in those roles,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Having these knowledgeable managers focused on mechanical engineering and product engineering will help Superior and Key-Link continue to serve our customers with well-designed and well-manufactured products.”
Bowman Hired as Marketing Manager
12/12/19 – Superior Plastic Products and its affiliated companies are pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Bowman as Marketing Manager.
Bowman has a 20-year career in marketing, with experience in branding both national accounts and local and regional businesses. In her role at Superior and companies, she’ll be overseeing the marketing department, developing marketing strategy, and collaborating with both the inside and outside sales teams to ensure an excellent customer experience.
“We look forward to having Heather lead our marketing strategy in 2020 and beyond,” says Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our brands in the market.”
“I am looking forward to meeting Superior, Key-Link, and Cardinal customers and learning how our marketing team can partner with them,” says Bowman. “Our marketing strategy going forward will focus on a customer experience that drives the success of our dealers, distributors, and the contractors that use our products.”
Heather Bowman lives in Lititz, Pennsylvania with her husband and three children and is based in the companies’ New Holland offices. Outside of the office, she enjoys bike rides on the Rails to Trail and adventures with her family.
Announcing Smoyer as National Sales Manager
11/4/19 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing are pleased to announce the hiring of Tim Smoyer as National Sales Manager. In his new role, Smoyer will be overseeing the outside sales team and coordinating sales and distribution strategy. He comes to Superior with 30 years of experience in both sales and the building materials industry.
“We are happy to have Tim joining our team in this key role.” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Tim’s experience and industry background will be a great asset as we continue to pursue an aggressive sales growth strategy, improve our customer service, and deepen our partnership with our distributors and dealers.”
“I’m excited about joining this growing company and using my talents to contribute to that growth,” Smoyer said. “Together with the sales team, my main focus will be learning how to best serve Superior and Key-Link’s customers.”
Smoyer most recently worked as a Regional Sales Manager for Super Enterprises, a Marvin Window and Door distributor. His work history in the building materials industry includes time at Stock Building Supply, Pella Window and Door, Shelly Enterprises, and A.D. Moyer Lumber.
Tim Smoyer lives in Lancaster County with his wife Debi and they have five adult children and eight grandchildren. He will be based out of the company’s New Holland offices. In addition to his work, he enjoys his ministry as a vocational and lay pastor. Tim also competes as a powerlifter at both state and national levels.
Announcing Our New Chief Financial Officer
9/19/2019 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliate companies are pleased to announce Kristy Olshan as their new Chief Financial Officer. With over a decade of experience in financial leadership, and over fifteen years as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Olshan brings a strong track record of financial performance and a growth mindset.
Prior to her role with Superior Plastic Products, Olshan spent over 10 years as a senior finance executive in a Fortune 1000 company progressing through roles of increasing responsibility. Her most recent role prior to joining Superior was Finance Director for a division growing 30%+ a year annually.
Olshan is excited to help support Superior Plastic Products and affiliate companies through advancement in the marketplace. She plans to add value through prudent financial management while metering the rate and pace of investment to support the company’s growth and strategic objectives.
Olshan was born and raised in York, PA and currently resides in Conestoga, PA with her husband and two young children. Between her healthy work-life balance and enjoying her family, she finds time to work on her garden and 17-acre property.
“Kristy brings the kind of experience and energy that will help our companies grow and succeed. We are delighted to have her filling this key role and contributing to our leadership team,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer.
Announcing Our New Customer Service Manager
8/13/2019 – Superior Plastic Products and its affiliated companies announce the hiring of Sally Christman as Customer Service Manager. Christman has an impressive 19 years of experience in customer training and sales.
“Sally has built a career in customer service and dealer relations in the building industry, and we are excited to welcome her to our team. I am confident that her experience and commitment to excellence will enable her to lead our customer service team in reaching new levels of customer satisfaction,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer.
“I am looking forward to growing the team and serving our customers,” said Christman. Her positive attitude and strong leadership skills make her a great addition to the companies’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of their customers.
In addition to her work, Christman is married and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
McPeak to Take Over New Sales Territory for Superior Plastic Products
9/17/18 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing are pleased to announce that Sean McPeak will be taking on additional sales territory for both companies in central and western Pennsylvania. He is already a regional account manager in eastern PA and New Jersey and will continue to provide service to his customers in those regions.
McPeak began as an inside salesperson and was quickly promoted to outside sales, where he has spent the last three years working for both Superior and Key-Link, as well as for their affiliate company, Cardinal Building Products.
“Sean has a deep knowledge of our products and will be an excellent resource for all of his accounts,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “He also brings a high level of service and commitment to our customers.”
McPeak, who will start connecting with his new accounts in the weeks to come, says that he’s ready to take on new challenges. “I’m excited to meet new customers and get started.”
Magee Promoted to Territory Sales Manager in Southeast
5/14/18 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are pleased to announce the promotion of Chase Magee to Southeast Territory Sales Manager. Magee, who will be based near Tampa, Florida, will be focused on connecting with current customers in the region and reaching out to potential new ones.
“My goal is to build face-to-face relationships with dealers seeking high-quality outdoor products,” said Magee. “I’m interested in both growing the territory and strengthening relationships with the customers we already have.”
“The Southeast is a market we’re rapidly growing into, and it will be a huge benefit to our customers and to us to have someone on the ground,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Chase will be able to connect with our dealers and give them the kind of service and attention that Superior and affiliates are known for.”
Magee, who is transitioning from purchasing into sales, will relocate to Florida in June.
Martin Hired as Human Resources Coordinator at Key-Link Fencing & Railing
5/2/18 – Superior Plastic Products has hired Sherrill Martin as Human Resources Coordinator for all its affiliated companies.
In her new role, Martin will handle new hire paperwork, administer benefits, manage employee files, and carry out other HR duties. She has several years of experience in human resources, and before joining Superior and affiliates, she worked as HR Director at another local company.
“Sherrill’s experience has allowed her to develop skills in all aspects of HR,” says our Chief Culture Officer. “She brings valuable resources for both the immediate needs of individual associates and the long-term culture of the companies.”
Martin’s interest in people, and her desire to help them succeed, make her a natural fit for the role.
“My goal is to be approachable and helpful to our employees,” Martin says, “while empowering them to reach their personal and professional goals.”
This coordinator role is a new one for Superior, but necessary for their ongoing growth. With more than 200 employees, the companies’ management team needed a skilled coordinator to handle oversight of human resource-related tasks.
Sherrill is here to keep us moving forward as we continue to stabilize, grow, and improve.
Smucker Named Outside Sales Rep for Delaware, Maryland, and Eastern Virginia
2/23/13 – Key-Link Fencing & Railing and affiliated companies are pleased to announce that Andrew Smucker has been named outside sales representative for their Zone 2 territory, which includes Maryland, Delaware, and northeastern and eastern Virginia. This is an expansion of Smucker’s territory and gives him additional sales responsibility.
Smucker started with the companies in 2010 as an inside sales representative at Cardinal Building Products. From there he moved to outside sales for Cardinal, and then Superior and Key-Link Fencing & Railing.
“Andrew has already proven himself to be an excellent sales representative for the company,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are happy to offer him this position because we know that he will provide our customers with the service and attention that our companies are known for.”
Smucker says he too is excited to begin working in his new role. “This is a new adventure,” he said, “I’m looking forward to building new relationships and getting to serve our customers in this region.”
Smucker is based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and four children.
Key-Link Fencing & Rail Promotes Piersol to Management Team
11/10/17 – Key-Link Fencing & Rail, a leading supplier of residential and commercial aluminum rail and fencing, recently announced the promotion of John Piersol to Key-Link Fabrication Manager. Formerly a foreman in the machine shop, Piersol helped launch and grow the company’s cable railing system by leading the Swiss screw machine shop.
“John has consistently demonstrated a strong desire to grow and improve,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “He added brought added value and improvements to our machine shop, and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in the coming months.”
In his new position on the management team, Piersol will oversee a key component of the Key-Link Value Stream. He will be responsible for the Swiss screw machines, gate-welding, and post mount manufacturing.
Weaver Promoted to Vice President of Engineering
11/1/17 – Superior Plastic Products & Key-Link Fencing & Railing have promoted Elmer Weaver to the newly-created role of Vice President of Engineering. Formerly the company’s machine shop manager, Weaver started with Superior (then Quality Fence) in 1999.
The machine shop staff and responsibilities expanded under Weaver’s leadership as he and his team took on new challenges, including building the company’s innovative cable railing system from scratch. “Elmer combines a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience with a relentless drive for innovation and improvement – a rare combination,” said Javan Lapp, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “He is always pushing the company to explore ways to improve.”
As Vice President of Engineering, Weaver will have oversight of equipment planning, acquisition, and maintenance, as well as all research and development related to equipment or products. In addition to the managing the machine shop, he will be overseeing the maintenance department and product engineering.
