Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. has hired Steve Mueller as regional sales manager.

It is the second time the below-the-hook and material handling equipment manufacturer has hired to the role this year, having recruited Teddy Berman as its first ever hire as a direct employee in a territory in January.

Mueller brings a wealth of experience to the position, including over two decades at Fastenal, a fasteners and industrial supplies distributor. He will be responsible for offering the full range of Caldwell products, in addition to Renfroe lifting clamps and RUD lifting points, to the Upper Midwest area, covering North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois.

Mueller said: “Having spent 22 years [at Fastenal], I have a deep-rooted enjoyment of technical sales and supporting distribution, developed in a similar role that covered the same geography. The synergies between old and new roles are great. However, my focus is now firmly switched to in-the-field Caldwell representation. I will be supporting our distributors with end-user visits and participation in customer events, while delivering product expertise across our broad range of equipment.”

Darrin Noe, director of sales and marketing, said: “We were looking for someone to reinforce our connectivity with our distributors in the Upper Midwest and Steve is the perfect guy to re-hoist the Caldwell flag in the region. He has outstanding personality traits and combines them with a solid work ethic. Steve is personable, well-rounded, grounded, and easy to talk to. Throw in his extensive industrial knowledge and it’s a great recipe for success.”

Mueller’s work will dovetail with Berman’s efforts in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee regions, where he also represents the full brand trifecta. As widely reported, Caldwell continues to hire to sales-focused positions, making sure distributors and end users find it easier to do business with the company than any other lifting manufacturer. Assembling the right team is a critical part of that mission, Noe emphasized.