Kwik Lok CEO to retire, successor named

John K. Rothenbueler, chief executive officer of Yakima, WA-based Kwik Lok Corp., has announced his plan to retire as of April 1. Don Carrell, currently the chief operating officer at Kwik Lok, will succeed Rothenbueler, who will maintain his role as board chairman. John K. Rothenbueler

After assuming a leadership role of Kwik Lok Corp. in January of 2015, Rothenbueler was formally appointed by the board of directors to the role of CEO in October of 2015.

Following a successful career as a certified public accountant, Rothenbueler was asked to bring his financial and leadership skills to Kwik Lok Corp. and help the company transition to the third generation of family ownership. 

“John’s contributions to Kwik Lok have been too numerous to count. He has developed a strategy that keeps our company healthy and innovative while maintaining a positive culture in the face of great change.  I am glad he will remain in the role as board chair and happy that he has reached this well-deserved milestone in his career,” said Stephanie Jackson board spokesperson.Don Carrell

Carrell has worked in the manufacturing sector for more than three decades, holding a variety of leadership positions. He is a graduate of Washington State University and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University.

“I am committed to continuing the Kwik Lok legacy of customer service, innovation and growth,” said Carrell.  “We have a terrific team and are well-positioned for an exciting future.”