OUR TEAM
M.E. Woodbeck Jr.
Chairman
Mr. Woodbeck, known to many as Woody, has served as Chairman of OCC Systems for more than 25 years. He is a Management Trustee for the Operating Engineers Pension, Health & Welfare Fund and previously served as President of the Great Lakes Fabricators and Erectors Association. Woody led OCC Systems' Overhead Structural Steel Division for 30 years, providing strategic leadership and industry expertise that contributed significantly to the company's growth and success. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from St. Michael's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Tom Woodbeck
CEO
Tom has worked at every level of OCC Systems throughout his career, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations and the industries it serves. He began as a millwright apprentice and worked his way through college, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from St. Michael's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With more than 45 years of experience in the conveyor industry, Tom brings extensive knowledge, practical expertise, and valuable insight to the organization. His hands-on leadership style, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence have played a key role in the continued growth and success of OCC Systems.
Ted Woodbeck
President
Ted has been a valued member of OCC Systems for more than 33 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Ted began his career with OCC Systems as an Estimator in the Structural Steel Division before transitioning into Conveyor Project Management. Throughout his tenure, he has successfully led numerous multi-million-dollar projects, earning a reputation for his technical expertise, strong leadership, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.
Michael Sherman
Vice President
Mike serves as Vice President of Installation at Overhead Conveyor Company (OCC Systems), where he oversees all aspects of project execution across the company's portfolio. Since joining OCC in 2001, Mike has held key roles including Site Superintendent, Site Manager, and Installation Manager, steadily advancing through the ranks. With over two decades of experience, he has successfully led installation efforts on projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. His leadership ensures that every job is completed safely, on time, and under budget. Mike is known for his hands-on approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence. His dedication continues to drive OCC's reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable solutions in the material handling industry.
Len Bochenek
Vice President
Len brings more than 25 years of experience in management, leadership, and the coordination of complex projects across both the public and private sectors. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to joining OCC Systems, Len proudly served in the United States Navy, where he developed the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that continue to guide his professional career. As a member of the OCC Systems team for more than 20 years, Len has played an integral role in the successful execution of projects while fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and project teams.
John Knapik
Tooling Systems President
John earned his degree in Construction Management from Bowling Green State University in 1989 and has built a distinguished career spanning multiple industries, including Automotive, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, and Civil Bridge construction. Since 1996, he has focused primarily on the Automotive sector, developing extensive expertise in managing complex projects and delivering successful outcomes for clients. John joined OCC Systems in 2020 as a Senior Project Manager and, through his leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence, advanced to his current role as President of the Tooling Systems Division.
Mark Kalfayan
Industrial Division General Manager
Mark joined OCC Systems in December 2024 to support the growth and development of the Industrial Solutions Division. A Local 2158 Millwright with a degree in Engineering Technologies, Mark brings more than 30 years of leadership and management experience across industrial construction, plant operations, and program management. His extensive industry knowledge, hands-on approach, and proven track record of leading complex projects make him a valuable asset in driving the continued success and expansion of the Industrial Solutions Division.
Randy L'Esperance
Engineering Manager/Advisor
Randy has dedicated more than 38 years to the conveyor industry, building a career founded on technical expertise, innovation, and leadership. He began his journey in 1988 as a drafting apprentice, where he developed his drafting and engineering skills through hands-on experience and practical application. Randy later served as President of Fenton Engineering & Design, Inc. for 18 years, leading a team that provided engineering and design services to the conveyor industry. In 2021, Randy and his talented engineering team joined Overhead Conveyor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the OCC Systems family. Today, he leads a dynamic group of engineers based in OCC Systems' Flint, Michigan office, which opened in 2022.
John Cole
Corporate Safety Director
John joined OCC Systems in 2021 as Site Safety Manager and brings more than 24 years of safety management experience to OCC Systems. Throughout his career, he has overseen safety programs for complex Automotive, Industrial, and Commercial construction projects, with the past 17 years dedicated primarily to the Automotive industry. Through his leadership, expertise, and commitment to workplace safety, John has successfully managed safety programs on numerous award-winning projects recognized for their outstanding performance and safety records. OCC Systems is a ten-time recipient of the Zero Injury Safety Award presented by the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC) in Washington, D.C. Additionally, OCC Systems became the first company in the history of a General Motors Body Shop installation to achieve 1,000,000 work hours without a recordable injury.
Alanna Woodbeck
Purchasing Manager
Alanna has been a valued member of the OCC Systems team for over 15 years and has built a diverse background within the conveyor industry. She spent her first four years serving as a Field Safety Representative, where she played a key role in promoting and maintaining safe work practices across project sites. Her dedication, organizational skills, and industry knowledge led to her transition into her current role as Purchasing Manager, where she oversees procurement activities and supports the successful execution of projects throughout the company. Alanna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her combination of field experience, business expertise, and commitment to operational excellence makes her an important contributor to the continued success of OCC Systems.
Matt Gudaitis
Estimating Manager
Matt brings more than 30 years of experience in the conveyor industry and has been a valued member of the OCC Systems team for over ten years. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of key roles in engineering, project management, and estimating, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of project execution and operational success. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. His unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and industry experience enables him to effectively lead projects and contribute to the continued growth and success of OCC Systems.
Craig Dahl
Merchandise Sales
Craig brings more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, including 29 years with General Motors, where he served as both a Project Engineer and Engineering Manager. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing new vehicle launches and driving innovative manufacturing solutions across the organization. Craig earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. His accomplishments include holding a U.S. patent for Synchronous Manufacturing and receiving the prestigious General Motors Chairman’s Honors Award for his contributions to the Modular Conveyor Business Process. His extensive technical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable asset to the OCC Systems team.