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Leadership Team

 

 

 

 

 

Peterson's Executive Committee

L-R: Duane Doyle, Tom White,

Rich Hasper, Jerry Lopus, Jeff Goggin,
Keith Davidge, Bill Nicholson,

Chris Smith, Mark Ehni and Eric Martin

 

 


  Duane S. Doyle Owner & CEO – Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – June 19, 1972
  Duane S. Doyle  
Duane Doyle is the owner and CEO of Peterson Holding Company, the Caterpillar dealership for Northern California and Southern Oregon. He is the third-generation owner of the heavy-equipment business, which was founded, in 1936, by his grandfather, Howard Peterson. In 1995, Doyle assumed the business from his father, William E. Doyle, Jr., and continued growing the company’s scope and influence. Doyle spent his youth learning the business from the ground up during summers and holidays in high school. After graduating from UC Berkeley 1977, he moved into the managerial side of the business, taking on key positions throughout the company in the parts, sales and service divisions. As owner and dealer principal, Doyle expanded his company into Southern Oregon in 2003, re-organizing Peterson into three separate entities under the Peterson Holding Company banner: Peterson Tractor Co., Peterson Machinery Co., and Peterson Power Systems, Inc., Under his watch, the trio of companies has risen to the top of Caterpillar’s dealership network in excellence, recognition and influence the world over. To this day, Doyle is one of the few CAT dealer principals who can tear down and rebuild a D8, and many other Caterpillar machines.
 
Peterson Career History
Jul. 1995 CEO/Owner – Peterson Holding Co. & Subsidiaries
Jan. 1992 Executive Vice President & General Manager
Mar. 1986 Vice President – Product Support
May 1985 San Leandro Tractor Sales Manager
Nov. 1984 San Leandro Service Operations Manager
Jan. 1981 Redding Service Manager
Jun. 1978 Parts/Service Coordinator/Warms Springs Dam
Aug. 1977 Parts & Service Salesman – San Leandro
Jun. 1977 Journeyman Mechanic – San Leandro Tractor
Jun. 1973 Apprentice Mechanic – San Leandro Tractor
Jun. 1972 Apprentice Mechanic – Lift Truck Division
   
Jun. 1977 – University of California – Berkeley, CA – B. S. Business Administration & Accounting
 

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Gerald R. "Jerry" Lopus President – Peterson Tractor Co.
Hired On – June 6, 1966
  Gerald R. "Jerry" Lopus  
Jerry Lopus is the President of Peterson Tractor Co., Peterson’s original heavy equipment business. During his 40-year career, Jerry has helped Peterson set industry trends in both the product support and sales sectors of the business. His willingness to take risks and see them through has led Peterson to a place of prominence within Caterpillar’s (NACD) dealership network. In the 70s and 80s, Jerry helped build Peterson’s product support capabilities and reputation into a broad-reaching entity, planting on-site product support operations for customers in South America and the Middle East as well as closer to home. His philosophy of building long-term relationships with customers and partnering on their investment has helped create a strong customer base that continues to return year after year. In the late 80s, Jerry led the charge to shut down foreign competition in Northern California, driving marketshare PINS up into the high 90s in large equipment. His personal style of customer involvement and follow-through has made him a key component in building Peterson into a multi-dimensional powerhouse in Caterpillar’s dealership world.
 
Peterson Career History
Jan. 2002 President of Peterson Tractor Co.
Oct. 1992 Vice President – Machine Sales
Mar. 1986 Vice President – Marketing/Gen. Mgr. Earthmoving
Dec. 1980 Vice President – Product Support
Aug. 1975 San Leandro Parts Manager
Mar. 1975 Rehired as Parts & Service Salesman
Oct. 1973 Worked for Quinn/CAT
Nov. 1970 Parts & Service Salesman – San Leandro
Feb. 1970 Warranty Claims Clerk – San Leandro Tractor
Jun. 1966 Apprentice Partsman While Attending College
   
Jun. 1970 – Chico State University – Chico, CA – B. S. Economics
 

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Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Goggin President – Peterson Machinery Co.
Hired On – July 1, 1980
  Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Goggin  
Jeff Goggin is the President of Peterson Machinery Co., Peterson’s heavy-equipment operations for southwest and central Oregon. During his 27 year career, Goggin has gone from parts apprentice to president with the drive, determination and market savvy that has improved upon each division he’s managed. Under his direction, Peterson Power Systems (PPSI) entered the temperature control and turbine industries, becoming Caterpillar’s top dealer for both markets sectors. In 2000, PPSI was named the worldwide Top EPG (electric power generation) dealer in North America, when the rest of the country was slipping into recession. His crew also developed a software program for project management that is utilized at most Caterpillar dealerships in North America. In 2006, Goggin moved to the Oregon operations, where he is continuing to build Peterson Machinery Co., into a cutting-edge enterprise in the Pacific Northwest. His combined tractor and engine experience gives him a unique capacity to understand and help shape the future for Peterson in Oregon.
 
Peterson Career History
Jan. 2006 President – Peterson Machinery Co.
Jan. 2002 President – Peterson Power Systems, Inc.,
Aug. 1995 Vice President & General Manager Power Division
Oct. 1992 General Manager – Power Division
Feb. 1990 General Manager – Branch Operations
Jan. 1987 General Parts Manager
Aug. 1985 General Parts Mgr./Parts Service Sales Mgr.
Oct. 1984 Parts Manager – Tractor Division
Jan. 1983 Parts Manager – Power Division
Jan. 1981 Parts & Service Sales Rep.
Jul. 1980 Component Exchange Clerk – San Leandro Tractor
Jun. 1978 Apprentice Partsman (While Attending College)
   
Jun. 1980 – University of California – San Diego, CA – B. A. Economics and Communications
 

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Eric L. Martin President - Peterson Power Systems, Inc.
Hired On – January 19, 1987
  Eric L. Martin  
Eric Martin is the President of Peterson’s engine division – Peterson Power Systems, Inc. His inherent optimism affects everything he touches, making him a favorite among customers, employees and management alike. His rise through both Peterson’s tractor and engine divisions – in rental, sales and product support – has given him an intimate knowledge and understanding of Peterson’s industry mix and the diversity of customer needs. Martin’s career has exemplified model teamwork, at one time managing three Tractor divisions simultaneously with noteworthy success. Under his direction, his teams repeatedly achieved record marketshare levels, twice starting at ground zero with truck engines and Caterpillar’s CCE line of small equipment. Martin’s leadership style and commitment to the customer’s needs has carried him to the top of his field and will continue to forge new opportunities in the business world for Peterson.
 
Peterson Career History
Apr. 2008 President - Peterson Power Systems
Mar. 2007 Exec. Vice President & Gen. Mgr. – Peterson Power
Jan. 2006 General Manager – Peterson Power Systems
Aug. 2004 General Manager – Peterson Rents and Used Equipment and San Leandro Sales
Apr. 2001 Peterson Rents – General Manager
Oct. 1999 BCP/CCE Tractor Sales Manager – Tractor
Nov. 1992 TEPS Business Manager – Peterson Power
Oct. 1991 Truck Engine Salesman – Peterson Power
Jan. 1987 TEPS Coordinator – Peterson Power
 
 
Prior Work History
1985-86 General Mgr., Gilroy Equipment, Gilroy, CA
1980-85 Service Mgr., Illini Express Inc., Sioux City, IA
1979-80 Technician, Mack Truck Sales, Sioux City, IA
   
Feb. 2007 – University of San Francisco – SF, CA – B. S. Organizational Behavior
1982-85 – Morningside College – Sioux City, Iowa – Business Administration and Finance
1979-80 – Western Iowa Technical – Sioux City Iowa – A.A. Automotive Repair
 

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Richard S. "Rich" Hasper Director of Human Resources – Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – June 5, 1995
  Richard S. "Rich" Hasper  
Rich Hasper is Director of Human Resources for Peterson Holding Co., and its three operating companies. During his watch, Peterson has doubled its employee base to nearly 1,000 strong, challenging the traditional family-atmosphere which defines everything Peterson is and does. Hasper’s 30 years experience in Human Resources and employee relations has given him the unique insight, expertise and negotiation skills to balance the individual needs of employees with the growing requirements of a large, multi-level company. He and his team have built a large portfolio of benefits for both union and salaried employees, as well as a growing contingent of educational programs and on-the-job training for employee advancement. As part of Caterpillar’s Dealer Technician Advisory Group (DTAG), Hasper helps drive the trends of education within Caterpillar’s dealership network, reaching across the board from soft skills training to technical product education, which helps keep Peterson at the top of its field.
 
Peterson Career History
Apr. 1996 Director of Human Resources
Jun. 1995 Human Resources Manager
 
 
Prior Work History
1988-95 FMC Corp. – Mgr. Operations Human Resources Defense Systems Group, San Jose, CA
1984-88 FMC Corp. – Human Resources Division Mgr. Packaging Systems Div. Green Bay, WS
1981-84 FMC Corp. – Industrial Relations Mgr. Western Operations/Citrus Machinery Div. Lindsay, CA
1980-81 Foster Farms – Director of Personnel
1976-80 Varco Pruden Metal Buildings Personnel Mgr. – Western Operations
1973-76 Kawneer Architectural Aluminum Personnel Manager
1969-73 Security Pacific National Bank (Mgmt. Program)
   
Jun. 1969 – Humboldt State University – Arcata, CA – B. A. Journalism & Mass Communications
Jun. 1973 – Fresno State University – Fresno, CA – Graduate Studies in Industrial Relations
 

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Keith F. Davidge CFO – Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – Sept. 1, 2002
  Keith F. Davidge  
Keith Davidge is the Chief Financial Officer for Peterson Holding Co., and each of Peterson’s operating companies. The complexity of Peterson’s finances has literally quadrupled since he signed on in 2002. In January 2003, Peterson officially split into three separate entities, requiring individual tracking for the parent company, Peterson Holding Co., and its two operating companies – Peterson Tractor Co., and Peterson Power Systems, Inc., In July 2003, Peterson expanded into southern Oregon, adding a fourth business – Peterson Machinery Co., Before Peterson, Davidge built a strong career in finance, beginning with his CPA certificate at a Big 8 firm in the early 80s, then stints in the public and private sectors including invaluable experience at a venture-backed start-up firm. At Peterson, Davidge has successfully steered his team through each new challenge, forging a strong, multi-level infrastructure capable of handling anticipated future growth.
 
Peterson Career History
Jan. 2003 Chief Financial Officer/Corp. Secretary
Sep. 2002 Vice President – Finance
 
 
Prior Work History
2000-02 Tambourine, Inc., Vice President Finance, Corp. Secretary
1996-00 Deloitte & Touche, LLP Regional Director/Finance & Administration
1995-96 GATX – Assistant Treasurer
1988-95 GATX – Director Portfolio Investments
1984-88 GATX – Capital Corporation Director Financial Planning & Analysis
1981-84 Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, CPA's Senior Accountant – CPA Certificate (9/83)
   
Jun. 1981 – University of California – Berkeley, CA – B. S. Business Administration & Accounting
 

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Bill Nicholson Director of Information Technology - Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – August 8, 2006
   
Bill Nicholson is Director of Information Technology for Peterson Holding Company and its three operating companies. Most recently Nicholson led an enterprise network upgrade and spearheaded technology improvements across the three operating companies. He has more than two decades of accomplishment-laden experience in technology with a variety of private and public companies. Nicholson has driven technology achievements by leveraging his competency in corporate accounting and other key business functions in his effort to meet and exceed corporate goals and challenges. The scope of his experience has spanned manufacturing, financial data services, real estate, chemicals and construction. His joint business and technical skills provide a balanced and solid platform to help guide the future direction of technology for Peterson.
 
Peterson Career History
May 2008 I.T. Director - Peterson Holding Co.
Aug 2006 I.S. Services Manager – Peterson Holding Co.
 
 
Prior Work History
2005-06 Washington Mutual Card Services - Business Continuity Planner
2004-05 Gardco Lighting - I.T. Manager
1998-03 Cateluss Development - I.T. Director
1987-98 Swinerton & Walberg - Network Manager
Jun. 1999 – University of California - San Francisco, CA - B. S. Information Systems
 

 

 

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Thomas R. "Tom" White Treasurer – Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – January 15, 2001
  Thomas R. "Tom" White  
Tom White is the Treasurer of Peterson Holding Co. as well as an officer of the corporation. During his tenure with CAT Financial, White established high-level relationships with many of Peterson’s key accounts, both on a working and personal basis. Today, he continues to grow and develop strong customer relations which are the very foundation from which Peterson operates. As company treasurer, White serves a three-tiered client base, from equipment purchasers to corporate banking institutions to structuring finance packages with outside lenders. Balancing corporate needs and customer requirements has been the keystone of his success. Since White came to Peterson in 2001, the company has grown three-fold. In 2006, he reorganized Peterson’s three credit operations into one, under one roof in San Leandro, to standardize credit practices corporate-wide. White is recognized as an industry leader, highly regarded by all who work with him at Peterson, in the Caterpillar financial world, the banking institutions and the customers he helps every day.
 
Peterson Career History
Jul. 2005 Treasurer – Peterson Holding Co.
Jan. 2001 Corporate Finance Manager – Peterson Tractor
 
 
Prior Work History
1997-01 Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. Nashville, TN Senior Territory Manager
1994-97 The Associates, Irving, TX District Sales Manager
1986-94 Enterprise Fleet Services, San Leandro, CA. Senior Account Executive
   
Jun. 1985 – St. Mary's College – Moraga, CA – B. S. Economics and Business Administration
 

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Mark G. Ehni General Parts Manager – Peterson Holding Co.
Hired On – June 11, 1982
  Mark G. Ehni  
Mark Ehni is the General Parts Manager for Peterson Holding Co. and a key member of Peterson’s executive team. His entire career has been built upon excellence, determination and the forging of new ground. From U.S. Army Ranger, top-honors college graduate, and apprentice partsman to general parts manager, Ehni does everything at 110%. In his early management years, he spearheaded the sales and rental modules for the new CAT-based software system which Peterson implemented in 1989. He designed and built new parts departments for the Santa Rosa and San Martin stores, from the floor up. In 2004, he was charged with the corporate-wide implementation of the Six Sigma process improvement program – Quest for Success - as the original deployment champion. Ehni’s tenacity, and drive for excellence is a legacy of his father, a 40-year career CAT-man who retired as the Western Division Manager of Caterpillar’s Northern American group (now-NACD).
 
Peterson Career History
Nov. 2005 General Parts Mgr. – Peterson Holding Co.
Feb. 2004 Six Sigma Deployment Champion
Oct. 2002 Director – Corporate Services
Jan. 2002 Director – Information Systems
Jul. 1999 General Parts Manager – San Leandro
Oct. 1995 Product Support Manager – Santa Rosa
Feb. 1991 Parts Manager – Santa Rosa
Jun. 1989 Parts Operations Manager – San Leandro
Feb. 1987 Rental Fleet Manager – Tractor Division
Apr. 1986 New Sales & Rental Supervisor – Tractor Div.
Dec. 1985 Machine Salesman – Tractor Division
Jul. 1985 New Sales & Rental Supervisor – Tractor Div.
Aug. 1983 Asst to Sales Manager – Tractor Div.
Jun. 1983 Partsman – Power Division
Jun. 1982 Apprentice Partsman – Tractor Division
   
Jun. 1982 – Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois – B. S. Business Management and Administration – Magna Cum Laude
1976-79 – U.S. Army Airborne Rangers
 

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