Pete Kalgreen: President

My name is Pete Kalgreen and I am President of the Akron Bearing Company. I attended Saint Vincent- Saint Mary High School and the University of Akron, home of the mighty Zips. I started working at Akron Bearing on Saturdays and after school at the age of 16 doing shipping/receiving. After college I worked inside sales, later as a road salesman, and then became president in 1990. My wife Diane and I like to travel, especially hiking in the Appalachians. We have five children and two grandchildren.

Ralph Jones, my grandfather, started Akron Bearing after his employer, Ahlberg Bearing, decided to close their Akron branch in 1940 during the depression. From those humble roots he started a company that has survived these 70+ years because of his basic and sound business ideals that we carry on to this day. We take care of our customers, make sure their needs are met, and solve their problems. Ralph frequently said “You cannot do business from an empty cart.” Ralph, you sure were right!

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Michael L. Fickes: Executive Vice President, Purchasing

I began my career at Akron Bearing as a stock boy in the summer of 1972 before entering high school. I’ve handled a diverse number of duties since then, but for the past three decades I mostly just buy stuff.
I’m a graduate and staunch supporter of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. I read voraciously and enjoy sports, woodworking, English ale, and Friday night cornhole.

I have five kids (four daughters and a son) ranging from 13 to 33, and one long-suffering, ageless wife.

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Matt Kalgreen: VP, Inside Sales

Hi, I'm Matt. I started getting paid at Akron Bearing in 1977, but have been part of the fun since I was three. I would sneak butterscotch candy from my Grandpa Jones' desk drawer and playing hide and seek in the basement with my two older brothers, Pete and Andy. I've been happily married to Judy since 1982, and have three sons (Tim, Steve, and Dan) the last two who work here with me. I like to travel all over the world, but love to call Akron my home.

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Sue Kalgreen: Assistant Treasurer, Accounting Manager

Hi, I’m Sue Kalgreen. I officially started working at Akron Bearing in 1973, but could be seen in the office stealing candy from my Grandfather’s desk and playing in the basement of the old building. I’m currently in charge of the bookkeeping department, but have plans to become “Goddess Sue Law-Controller of the Universe” in the near future. In my spare time I enjoy going to antique stores and creating needlepoint artwork. You can often find my creations entered in Stan Hywet’s Ohio Mart Stitchery Showcase and have won many ribbons for my works.

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Allen Cook: VP & Treasurer

I joined the Company in 1976 as a salesman and was quickly promoted to outside sales after a month. I was later appointed to VP &Treasurer and elected to the board of directors. My current responsibilities include: Network Administrator, Accounting, Human Resources, and managing insurance, taxes, and pension.

I have a BSEE from Case Institute of Technology, MS in Physics and a MBA in Finance from the University of Akron.

In my spare time I enjoy fishing & hunting, especially fly fishing in Alaska.

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Bob Capron
Everything Southeast of Akron (ex. Canton, New Philly, Dover, Navarre, Amish Country…etc.)

Hi, I’m Bob Capron. I have worked at Akron Bearing for over 30 years, most of which I have been an outside salesman. I am married to my wife Karen and we have 5 children and 12 wonderful grandchildren. I am a graduate of Kenmore High School. I am also a proud Veteran of the Korean War serving in the Army.

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Dave Beskitt
Everything East of Akron (ex. Kent, Brimfield, Alliance, Mogadore, Salem…etc.)

I began working for the Akron Bearing in 1994. For the past several years I have worked as an outside sales rep in the eastern counties of Ohio. I am a lifelong resident of northeast Ohio and graduate of the University of Akron.

Go Zips!

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Mark Greer
Everything Southwest of Akron (ex. Wayne and Medina County (except Wadsworth))

Hello, I’m Mark Greer. I started working at Akron Bearing in 1984 during my senior year at Green High School stocking shelves. While working as a Customer Service Representative at Akron Bearing I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Akron and was promoted to an outside sales position in the early 1990’s. I live in eastern Wayne County with my wife and 4 children and enjoy woodworking, hunting, fishing, shooting, and raise chickens as a hobby. I have had a lifelong fascination with all things mechanical and Akron Bearing fits well with that. Give me a call next time you’re having trouble with your machinery and equipment and I’ll be glad to help you.

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Tony (Mike) Falatok
Everything North of Akron (ex: Cuyahoga Falls, Northern Summit County, Cleveland and surrounding areas…etc.)

Hi, I’m Tony (Mike) Falatok. I graduated Green High School in 1991 and received a degree in Business Management and Finances from the University of Akron in 1997. In 2001 I started working at Akron Bearing as inside sales and was promoted to outside sales in 2006. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys.

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Mike Ulle
Everything West of Akron (ex. Barberton, Wadsworth, Ashland…etc.)

Hi my name is Mike Ulle. I grew up in Akron and went to ST. Vincent St. Mary High School. I currently live in Canton where I attended Walsh University. In 1996 I started working at Akron Bearing as inside sales and was promoted to outside sales in 2003 where I enjoy being on the road meeting our customers.

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Aaron Angelo
Assisting Bob Capron

Hi, I'm Aaron. I work on the inside sales crew and have been with Akron Bearing for 13 plus years. I live in Green with my wife Kim, where we enjoy working on our house and around the yard. In my spare time I listen to music and play the guitar in a Blues Band named Cold Shot.

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Steve Kalgreen
Assisting Mike Ulle

Hi, I’m Steve. I grew up in Akron and graduated from Springfield High School. I then went to Oxford, Ohio where I got my bachelors degree in Psychology from Miami University. While there I met my beautiful wife, Kelsey. I have also recently earned an MBA from Walsh University in North Canton. Today my wife and I live in Plain Township. I have been with Akron Bearing since 2005 and really enjoy working with my customers and co-workers. My ultimate life goal is to be on (and hopefully win) Jeopardy. 

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Kevin Delagrange
Assisting Mark Greer

Hi, I’m Kevin Delagrange and work inside sales at Akron Bearing. I have had my own business since 1988 spending the last 20 plus years performing and teaching juggling throughout the country. In 2005 I was awarded the IJA (International Jugglers Association) lifetime achievement award for “Excellence in Education”, an award I am extremely proud of. Stop in our “walk in area” and there is a good chance I’ll be the smiling face that you will see. Play your cards right, and you might see some juggling tricks too.

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Libby Fickes
Assisting Tony Falatok

Hello, my name is Libby Fickes. I grew up in Firestone Park and graduated from St. Vincent St. Mary High School & attended the University of Akron.

I started my career at Akron Bearing in 2004 as an inside sales person, became a stock holder, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2006. I assist Tony (Mike) Falatok with his outside sales territories.

I currently live in the Highland Square area with my 8 year old daughter and my two evil dogs (a 1-1/2 year old pit bull mix and a very cranky 4 year old shi-tzu). In my spare time I like to explore the great outdoors, hike, listen to music, watch movies, read and attempt to finish the daily crossword.

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DJ (Dan) Kalgreen
Assisting Dave Beskitt

My name is DJ (Dan) Kalgreen. I am a graduate of Springfield High School and attended Bowling Green State University. I've been working full time at Akron Bearing since May 2010 and am part of the 4th generation of family members to work in the family business. Recently I have been given the opportunity to work with Dave Beskitt as his inside sales “go to” guy.

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Jeff Willis

Hi, I’m Jeff Willis. I've been with Akron Bearing since 1979 working through all levels of job positions: shipping/receiving, inside sales, and outside sales. I’m currently semi retired and working inside sales again. I'm an Akron, Ohio native and enjoy baseball, local college basketball, my German Shepard, and dining at small business restaurants.

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Richard Sestokas: Shipping & Receiving

Hi, I am Richard Sestokas. I have worked at Akron Bearing since October, 1984. I attended Archbishop Hoban High School and the University of Akron. I am involved at my church and at Archbishop Hoban High School and enjoy watching football, baseball, and hockey.

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Dan Everett: Purchasing

Hi, I’m Dan Everett. I am a lifelong resident of Akron. In April of 1989 I started working at Akron Bearing. I have three lovely daughters, a dog named Harley, I’m a musician in a couple of local bands, and I like to ride my motorcycle as much as possible. I also love to play golf when I have some free time.

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Kathie Cook: Accounts Payable

Hi, I am Kathie Cook. I have been with Akron Bearing for over 30 years, although it was part of my life from a very young age. I loved getting butter rum lifesavers from my grandfathers’ desk. I graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in education and currently work in the accounts payable department. I’ve been married 40 years to Allen Cook, and have two lovely daughters, and two rambunctious grandchildren (twins). In my spare time I like to go to craft shows with my daughter (Jessica) looking for unique gifts.

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Jessica Cook: Accounts Payable, IT

I’ve worked at Akron Bearing, it seems, all my life. In high school I would help count inventory, empty trash cans, and weed. While in college, I aided shipping/receiving as well as filing for my mom (Kathie). I came back to Akron Bearing just as they were finishing the building addition (2001), became a shareholder soon after, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2006.  I now work in accounting, sitting between my mom and Aunt Sue.

In my spare time I enjoy video gaming, helping a good friend run a local gaming/artist convention (Con on the Cob), playing in a kickball league, and going to craft shows with my mom.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

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Karen Ocheltree: Accounts Receivable

For 15 years I worked full time at A.G. Edwards until I wanted to cut back my hours to be able to spend more time with my two young boys. The wonderful people at Akron Bearing gave me that opportunity in 2005. I currently work in the accounting department and spend my free time with my family.

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