Leadership

Chip Wittern is an experienced professional with more than 25 years of experience as a C-level executive within the vending industry. Recognized as an innovative leader, Chip has a proven track record in revitalizing market growth, expanding distribution channels, and streamlining operations and business processes. Chip has built his success on a foundation of innovation, versatility, and a customer-centric approach.

Chip is President, Sales and Marketing of The Wittern Group and President and Founder of Intelligent Dispensing Solutions (IDS). Under Chip’s leadership, IDS has become the industry leader in inventory tracking and asset management vending equipment. For over 15 years, Chip has been the driving force behind IDS’ strategy as it diversified and transformed its product and service offerings to adapt to advancements in technology, shifting markets, and changing customer needs.

Chip has a passion for assisting organizations through the use of technology and a belief that organizations should have access to innovative and unique vending solutions to maximize operational efficiency and bottom-line profit. Chip’s aptitude for product design is evident through the numerous patents he developed and by being awarded the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s (NAMA) OneShow New Product Award. Chip is a dynamic leader in the development and deployment of new technology and inventory dispensing systems in the secured, controlled dispensing industry.

A 35-year veteran of the vending industry, Chip previously held positions with Selecta, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and Federal Machine Corporation, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Chip attended Simpson College and Drake University. He is currently a board member for the Sean Nelson Foundation and The Wittern Group. Chip enjoys hunting and spending time with his family.

Heidi Chico, named one of the leaders in the vending manufacturer by Automatic Merchandiser, has a unique marketing perspective forged by her strong spirit and extensive knowledge in the vending industry. These experiences are the basis for her conviction that enduring customer service and quality are created through continuous process improvement through lean manufacturing of equipment that creates convenience throughout the controlled dispensing spectrum.

She spent more than two decades dedicating herself to the family business, The Wittern Group founded by her grandfather back in 1931. Today still owned privately and operated by FA Wittern Sr. descendants. Heidi, in conjunction with the vision of the family, shared the drive to deliver solutions in the controlled automated and foodservice industry. Powered by that positive mission and under their leadership established itself as the industry leader in innovation.

Heidi began her career at The Wittern Group after earning her Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University. While at The Wittern Group, she led the team that introduced the recent development of the Point of Sale software, carbon deduction pledge in hardware, new American Disability Act requirements, and new ways to deliver controlled solutions for the self-serve industry.

Heidi serves on the Greater Des Moines Junior Achievement Board, NAMA Board, Drake University, and The Wittern Group Board. She has served on the Board of the Young President Organization on a chapter and regional level.

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Jason Archer is the Director of Customer Service at The Wittern Group. In this role, he is responsible for all operational aspects of customer service, production scheduling, and logistics. This role involves interaction with C-level executive and management within the organization to reach strategic goals.

Jason comes to The Wittern Group with over 18 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution. Previously, Jason was Corporate Operations and Safety Manager for Shorr Packaging Corp, a leading provider of packaging supplies and services. In this role, Jason was responsible for all operational aspects for eight (8) Distribution Centers across the United States, which totaled over one million square feet of warehouse space.

Jason begun his career as Assistant Plant Manager for Gardner-Gibson based in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role Jason was responsible for managing a two shift operation that employed over 100 indivdiuals.

Jason holds a Bachelors of Liberal Arts degree in Business Management. He is Lean Bronze certified (LBC), OHSA certified and has participated in many executive Leadership/Mentoring programs.

Bryan Benes is the Director of Quality, Parts and Service and is responsible for all quality aspects of the manufacturing operation, as well as, quality processes throughout the entire organization. He is also responsible for the customer service operations of Vendnet, IDS’ parts and service division managing a team of approximately a dozen Service and Parts professionals. The VendNet team is tasked with worldwide phone based parts and service for the entire Wittern Group suite of companies. Performing this manager role involves interaction with Executive and Management of various levels to reach a common goal of providing exemplary service to customers.

Bryan is a seasoned professional in the quality sciences with over 30 years of experience in the field. His depth of practical application ranges from Aerospace and Automotive industries to consumer goods industries. His skill level has primarily focused on the development, maintenance, and streamlining of effective quality management systems with experience in ISO9001, AS9100, and TS16949.

Bryan is a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality with active certifications in Quality Engineering, Quality Auditing, Quality Management, and Six Sigma Black Belt. His education exists of a technical degree in Nondestructive Testing and a business degree in Management.

Julie Burgess joined IDS in 2005, and has over ten (10) years of experience in providing sales and implementation management and support for IDS’ Fortune 500 clients. Focusing within the Office and Tech, and Automated Retail segments, Julie oversees all aspects of client projects from pre-planning through implementation and installation. She coordinates with cross-functional teams at all levels of Client organization to ensure project success.

As Project Manager on Client projects, Julie ensures cost, schedule and performance updates align to project objectives. She leads the development of schedules and schedule templates to manage and track work progress. In addition, Julie is skilled in identifying and executing configuration management practices across the project lifecycle to ensure any potential schedule change impacts to the project baseline are identified. Julie is responsible for integrating project schedules with the overall Client program requirements, and providing consistent and timely updates.

Prior to joining IDS, Julie held a position of Account Executive implementing payroll systems for ADP Clients for four (4) years, providing complete client implementation and support for clients transitioning to a web based service. Prior to that, she held a position of Key Account Manager at Ingram Entertainment for 15 years, managing the day to day activities and requests for key clients, for both sales and service inquiries and resolutions.

Mitch Erickson began his career with The Wittern Group over 25 years ago as a Supervisor before being promoted to Design Engineer. As Design Engineer, he is responsible for designing products ranging from traditional snack and can/bottle machines to IDS’ non-traditional machines including Supply Lockers and the Textile Management System.

Mitch received his degree at Des Moines Area Community College for Computer Aided Design. He enjoys spending his time with his family, as well as coaching and watching his kids play sports.

With over 35 years in Information Technology, Bruce Gilmore brings a wide background of experience in systems architecture, data storage systems, new technology integration, and sales and customer support to the team. He is skilled at management of large teams to implement cutting-edge technology into customer organizations.

As the Director of Advanced Technologies for The Wittern Groups Intelligent Dispensing Solutions (IDS), Bruce is responsible for setting direction on the development of new products and integrating the rapidly developing Internet of Things into our existing and new product lines. He works closely with both Marketing and Engineering to see that our strategy moving forward is in line with customer requirements and leverages emerging and established technology in new and useful ways.

Prior to joining IDS in 2013, Bruce was the Western Region Director of Customer Support for Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) overseeing all of the personnel who service installed storage equipment across the western half of the US. In this capacity, he worked closely with sales staff and C level customers across a diverse array of companies ranging from tech startups, tech giants and major financial and insurance institutions to build and maintain strong working relationships.

Before HDS, Bruce was the Engineering Manager for VendNovation, a software startup now partially owned by The Wittern Group. He architected and directed the team that developed the platforms IDS leverages in their web-based solutions.

Bruce has an MBA from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Western Washington University.

As Chief Marketing Officer at The Wittern Group, Ashley N. Hubler is responsible for linking the innovations of the company’s product team to the customer-focused operations of Wittern’s business units to build the brand, shape the value proposition, and create consumer awareness through all channels. In this role, Ashley oversees the enterprise marketing strategy of The Wittern Group and the IDS brand, including consumer insights, digital marketing, creative development and agency management, marketing effectiveness, lead generation, and media communications. Ashley leads cross-functional teams and communicates developments in the industry while analyzing data, trends and traffic to create unique content and identify growth opportunities.

Prior to joining The Wittern Group in 2015, Ashley was Manager, Strategic Communications and Proposals with MainStream, LLC, a boutique management consulting firm. At MainStream, she managed a diverse set of responsibilities that spanned across MainStream’s public and private sector business units including marketing and communications, capture management, and contract negotiation and compliance.

Ashley earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Coe College. Post undergraduate, Ashley completed The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager program and Wall Street Prep’s Financial and Valuation Modeling program. She is a Project Management Institute (PMI) certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Ashley enjoys traveling, golfing, and fly fishing.

Dennis Park has over 30 years of sales and sales management experience in the healthcare industry. As Solutions Manager with Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, Dennis focuses within the Surgical Scrubs, Uniforms, and Textiles segment. At IDS, Dennis brings his vast knowledge of the healthcare industry and his expertise in professional sales to assist customers in their inventory management efforts for their complete line of industrial textiles primarily in the healthcare, hospitality/leisure, food service, and construction industries.

Prior to joining IDS, Dennis held positions at global healthcare companies including Philips Healthcare, Agfa Healthcare, Allscripts, and GE Healthcare. While at these companies Dennis successfully managed territory budgets in excess of 35 million dollars in revenue while performing in direct sales, sales management, and channel director role.

In addition to his experience working in large multi-national companies, Dennis has excelled at sales positions within smaller organizations by helping customers grow revenues while adding to the bottom line profitability. In addition, he was Co-Owner and Vice President of Sales of a medical equipment sales and service organization that went from a start-up to revenues exceeding 30 million dollars annually.

Dennis has also taken an active part in helping other sales professionals advance their careers by facilitating professional training programs. Dennis is a certified franchise owner and instructor for the Miller Heiman Sales Training Program and mentors other professionals in sales and customer service practices to improve the customer experience.

Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa. He is an active member of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and holds sales/technology certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VM Ware, EMC, and HP.

Emily Kay Fischer joined Intelligent Dispensing Solutions in 2012 as Solutions Manager. Focusing within the Pharmaceuticals and EMS segment, she has been instrumental in growing and developing the integrated asset management inventory control business within this space. At IDS, Emily provides customers with integrated hardware and software solutions to increase operational efficiencies, decrease costs, and save money for customers. During Emily’s tenure with IDS, she has facilitated numerous successful proof-of-concepts with Fortune 500 companies and was instrumental in the design and development of the first integrated personal medication dispensing device which passed 510K device review with the FDA.

Prior to joining IDS, Emily worked for 13 years as National Sales Manager with SignCAD Systems, Inc. In this role, she worked with cities, counties and state DOTS across the country on GIS based asset management inventory control for sign management and manufacturing. At SignCAD, Emily tailored integrated hardware and software solution for customers, as well as assisted in the development of an android app for field data collection.

She earned Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. When not working or being a mother, Emily channels her energy into teaching confirmation classes at Trinity Lutheran Church, instructing downhill skiing in the winter, and riding horses.

Jeffrey A. Foreman joined The Wittern Group in 2015 as a Solution Manager for Intelligent Dispensing Solutions (IDS). After a year with IDS, Jeffrey transitioned to Vendnet to work in the Technical Service Department. There he grew his knowledge on the industry and Wittern equipment.

In 2018, Jeffrey transitioned back to IDS as a Product Coordinator. As Product Coordinator, Jeffrey is responsible for a wide variety of tasks to support, track, and manage all IDS machines including service, installations, return details, and consumer support. Additionally, he is responsible for training and managing strategic service partners on all new and existing equipment and in partnership with the current service department. The role is also to ensure that all installation parties are being coordinated properly and possible on-site support.

Previously, Jeffrey was the marketing intern at Qualified Plan Consultants (QPC). QPC is an independent, fee-based, non-producing third party retirement plan administration and consulting firm. There Jeffrey assisted with digital marking, lead generation, marketing effectiveness and media communications.

Jeffrey earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an Information Systems Concentration from Drake University in 2015. He enjoys competing in Track and Field while coaching at the High School-level in the Des Moines area. He is also an avid bicyclist and work out enthusiast.

Darla Smidt joined The Wittern Group in 1985, as a Customer Service Representative in the Finance Department, reporting to the Collection Manager, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Assistant to the Finance Manager. As Assistant to the Finance Manager, she was responsible for drafting contracts, performing credit checks, and establishing credit lines for new and existing customers.

In 1989, Darla was promoted to Assistant to the Vice President of Sales, and in this role gained experience managing the company’s top tier customers. Most recently as Solutions Manager with Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, Darla focuses within the Supply Room and Integrated POS Solutions segments. In this role, she is the direct contact for several of IDS’ largest customers and is responsible for placing orders, managing shipments, and invoicing as well as day-to-day client relations. Darla also supports IDS’ inside and outside salesforce across all channel segments and travels to the various trade shows.

Darla was the recipient of the company’s 2017 “Live the Wittern Way” award after a unanimous vote by the award committee, for her dedication to both the company’s customers and her co-workers.

She earned an Associate Degree from the American Institute of Business (AIB). Darla is an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and enjoys playing golf and spending time with her family and friends.

Paul T. Ihn joined The Wittern Group in 2012 as Vice President, Engineering and Operations. In this role, Paul is responsible for all new product development and operations, as well as oversees the company’s advanced research and development activities and the verification and validation of Wittern’s traditional vending and controlled dispensing products.

Previously, Paul was the Vice President, Engineering and Operations for Chicago Metallic, a leading provider of acoustic stone wool and metal ceiling solutions and suspension systems. Prior to joining Chicago Metallic role, Paul served as Vice President, Engineering of Crane Merchandising Systems (CMS). This role resulted from the CMS acquisition of Automatic Products Inc. (API) in 2006. Paul joined API in 1996 as Senior Vice President, Engineering where he led the engineering function for both the St. Paul, Minnesota and Warminster, Pennsylvania facilities.

Paul began his career at 3M Company, a diversified American corporation
manufacturing a wide range of products. He joined 3M in 1981 as a Biomedical
Engineer and for the next 14 years held various leadership positons in the medical products and medical imaging sectors.

Ihn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Aspects, and a Master of Science degree in Management of Technology.

David Dunnigan joined The Wittern Group in 2010 as a Senior Project Engineer. He has worked on the majority of the machines that Wittern produces but the bulk of his time has been spent working on IDS projects.

Prior to joining Wittern Dave worked 17 years for Automatic Products, a producer of automated merchandising equipment, located in St. Paul, Minnesota. His design and development included the refrigeration systems for Automatic Products. Before that Dave worked for the Whirlpool Corporation. While at Whirlpool Corporation, he focused on design and development of commercial ice makers and domestic refrigerators and freezers.

Dave graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Vicki, and doing yard work, as well as various repair/maintenance projects.

With over 14 years of product design and development experience, Jagadish brings wide range of experience from the automatic merchandising, engineering design service, and sheet metal fabrication industries.

Jagadish Vajramatti joined The Wittern Group in 2011 as Senior Design Engineer. In this role, Jagadish is responsible for design and development of various locker systems and automatic merchandising products, continuous improvements, product testing and validation, various agency certifications for locker systems and vending machines.

Prior to joining The Wittern Group, Jagadish was Project Leader for Onward Technologies Limited, India. He and the team designed various laboratory equipment and furniture, designed laboratory furniture layouts for its client Fisher Hamilton LLC, now owned by Hamilton Laboratory Solutions.

Before Onward, Jagadish was Design and Production Engineer for Suttatti Enterprises Limited, India. He was responsible for designing various sheet metal components, CNC Programming and production planning.

Jagadish has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India and he is a Certified SolidWorks professional.

With over 15 years of management and product development experience, John Van Horn brings a wide background of experiences from various industries and organizational functions including product evaluations, project management, and company operations. John joined Intelligent Dispensing Solutions in 2011 as a Senior Project Engineer in leading the development of various IDS programs and continues in his role as Vice President.

As Vice President of IDS, John is responsible for the strategic direction of IDS and assists IDS’ solutions managers in managing current and new products introduced. John was key in the release of some of the IDS’s recents programs including the equipment for the Textile Management System program.

Prior to joining IDS, John was Engineering Manager at Genesse Stamping and Fabrication. He was responsible for improving the efficiencies of project development, improving part quality, and increasing customer satisfaction. He worked closely with all divisions to ensure that from part quoting to the delivery of product met high standards of service.

Before Genesse, John was Lead Project Manager for SandenVendo America and was in charge of the development of various self-vending, and self-serving machines for major bottling companies such as Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper.

John has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Weber State University. Currently serving on the Board of Animal Lifeline of Iowa.

Ted Tufty is Project Manager responsible for quality inspection, installation, parts, and technical issues. With over eight years working with the IDS team, Ted is familiar with all aspects related to IDS. Ted’s backgrounds in IT Support Services and Project Management allow him to manage each project from beginning to end.

Ted works with many divisions within the Wittern Group to coordinate the many aspects for IDS including Vendnet Parts and Service, Quality, Sales, Manufacturing and Management. This allows smooth execution of projects for the success of all involved and your IDS project. He’s also one of the many support techs you may speak to when you call our support number.

Prior to joining the Wittern Group and IDS team in 2009, Ted worked in the vending business for over six years and the IT business for over ten years. His background affords him a broad knowledge base of many different aspects of the IDS world including products, hardware and IT aspects.

Ted has a Masters of IT Project Management from Colorado Technical University and multiple Bachelor’s degrees related to IT. He’s is originally from South Dakota. Ted is married and is World’s Best Dad to a daughter and a Great Dane. He spends much of his spare time catching up on emails, enjoying his wife’s experimental cooking and attending princess tea parties.

inPaul Murphy is a Sales Support Technician with IDS. In this role, Paul coordinates and manages the machine workflow. Paul aids the sales team, by providing the necessary support to IDS clients from the initial onset of building the machine to coordinating install and training.

Paul is a qualified business leader, with years of experience in customer service and project management. Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

In Paul’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, his wife and two young boys.