Hydraquip, Inc. Welcomes New President, Scott Nelson

Houston, Texas – On January 1, 2021, Scott Nelson began responsibility as president of Hydraquip, Inc. With over 25 years of service within the company, Scott has played a key role in Hydraquip’s growth and will be instrumental in leading the company in its next chapter.

Scott started at Hydraquip in 1995 in an inside sales role before being promoted to outside sales in 1998. After gaining trust with his customers and fellow employee owners, Scott was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in 2007. In his management role, Scott maintained several key accounts and earned the prestigious “Salesperson of the Year” award three times: in 2007, 2008 and 2011.  Scott was instrumental in growing Hydraquip’s largest product line, Danfoss Power Solutions, through various markets in upstream oil & gas, including well stimulation, seismic, and drilling.

Scott continued to gain influence at the company and within the industry, as he was later promoted to Vice President with responsibility for overseeing the leadership of Texas and Louisiana. Scott currently serves as an officer and a member of the Board of Directors for Hydraquip, and he continues to maintain his fluid power specialist certification with the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS).

“I feel proud to serve the customers of Hydraquip for the past 25 years,” says Scott, “and I look forward to the new challenge of leading this organization.  We have a talented team of employee-owners, world class vendor partners and great opportunities to continue to grow and diversify our business.”

“Scott and I have worked together closely for many years, and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead this business,” said Richard Neels, President of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (EOHI) the parent company of Hydraquip, Inc. “His reputation in the industry, passion for the people in this business and ability to create value for our customers will continue to lead him to future success.”

EOHI is a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas and the parent of Hydraquip, Inc.,  Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., Elite Controls, Inc. and Gulf Controls Company, Inc. collectively doing business primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Arizona & New Mexico.

Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. and COVID-19

Houston, TX – March 18, 2020: Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (EOHI) and its subsidiaries – Hydraquip, Inc., GCC, Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. (SIT) and Elite Controls, Inc. (ECI) –have announced efforts they have made to permit company branches to remain open as confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) grow worldwide.  Safety is the company’s number one initiative.

In addition to its standard routine cleaning and sanitation, EOHI has added extra precautionary measures to permit for safe interactions at will call locations and to protect from any spread of infection. EOHI has instituted a mandatory policy requiring team members to stay home if they are feeling ill or have symptoms of a respiratory infection and are further restricting customers and vendors from access to its facilities.


“It is clear that COVID-19 is creating a major disruption to business in general,” stated Richard Neels, President of EOHI. “But we encourage our employees to work remotely if their position permits, and to use current technology to provide access to our customers via phone, email or online chat. Facing this threat united together is the only way forward, and our team of employee owners thank our customers for their continued understanding and support.”

EOHI is a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas and serves as the parent of Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., GCC and Elite Controls, Inc., companies specializing in the power equipment and motion controls industry.

Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. Announces Senior Director of Marketing and Talent Development

Houston, TX – June 14, 2019 – Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (EOHI) today announced the advancement of Jennifer Werth with her new title as the company’s Senior Director of Marketing and Talent Development. Jennifer had previously been serving as the company’s Marketing Director, overseeing the marketing department companywide and developing strategic initiatives to enhance relationships with the customers and manufacturers of EOHI’s subsidiaries: Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., Elite Controls, Inc. and GCC (Gulf Controls Company, Inc.). With this advancement, Jennifer will have further responsibilities in assisting with the company’s recruiting, training, and other HR efforts.


Jennifer joined EOHI in 2013 as its Director of Marketing until in 2017, when she took a year off to be closer to her family in Alaska, working and living in Seattle, Washington. She returned to EOHI in 2018 having gained further development in her marketing expertise from the experience. Jennifer’s work has since been predictably superb, with Jennifer being named Employee of the Month for the entire company for April 2019.


“We sincerely appreciate all the work and effort Jennifer provides this company,” says Richard Neels, President and CEO of EOHI. “She is a whirlwind of activity, industriously confirming that our companies present and operate as the world-class organizations that they are.”


“I look forward to this new role as I assist my fellow employees in this expanded capacity,” says Jennifer. “This company deserves the very best and I want to do what I can to make sure this is accomplished.”


EOHI is a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas and serves as the parent of Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., Gulf Controls Company, Inc. and Elite Controls, Inc., companies specializing in the power equipment and motion controls industry.

GCC Welcomes Joseph Kane as its Managing Director for Pacific Northwest Region

Portland, OR – June 3, 2019: GCC (Gulf Controls Company, Inc.) announces the hiring of Joseph Kane as Managing Director for the Pacific Northwest region (GCC NW) to lead and oversee the GCC offices in Kent (Seattle), Washington, Spokane, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

Joseph joins the company with nearly 30 years of experience in the fluid power industry. Since graduating from West Point in 1990 and serving overseas, Joseph served in progressive sales and operations roles with well-known industrial manufacturers like Alcoa, Bosch Rexroth, Atos, Swagelok and Hydraulex Global. Joseph brings his leadership and communication skills from both large and small organizations to GCC NW where he will implement long term business strategies to achieve the company’s objectives.   

“I am thrilled to join the GCC NW team,” says Joseph. “The majority of my career has been spent in the fluid power industry and I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to GCC NW.”  

“We are very excited to welcome Joseph to the GCC team,” says John Flieman, III, CEO of GCC. “His experience in the fluid power industry, accompanied by his leadership skills, will allow him to be a huge asset to GCC NW.”

GCC has the ability in hydraulics, pneumatics, fluid conveyance and automation knowledge to provide world class products and complete fluid power systems to its customers. GCC is part of EOHI, a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas. EOHI is also the parent of Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., and Elite Controls, Inc.

Elite Controls, Inc. Receives UL 508A Panel Certification

Houston, Texas, December 5, 2018 – Elite Controls, Inc. (ECI) is proud to announce accreditation as a UL 508A Certified panel shop.  The ECI team completed the necessary training and process inspection for UL 508A certification on November 23, 2018.

The UL 508A certification is the standard for industrial control panels, allowing ECI to bid on a wider variety of projects. UL 508A certification enhances customer confidence, confirming that ECI adheres to proper component usage, enclosure environmental ratings, wiring & motor protection, safety markings & conformance to the National Electric Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC).

The aspect of UL certification requires processes to optimize all facets of operation, allowing ECI to deliver high quality panels more quickly to customers.  ECI also has technical training and resources available through the UL advisory resources.

“Since the inception of Elite Controls, Inc. in 2015, we’ve been continually working to add capabilities and optimize efficiency for our panel shop,” said Scott Jones, president of ECI. “I’m thrilled with our team for successful completion of this certification, and I am excited about our increased ability to serve current customers while furthering our capability for future projects.”

ECI provides complete automation systems, specializing in Danfoss PLUS+1 and Eaton ProFX mobile controls and builds custom mobile and industrial control panels.  In addition, ECI sells a wide array of electrical & electronic components including electric motors, variable frequency drives and various sensor products. With a 17,000 ft2 state of the art facility in Houston, Texas, they have capacity to design and build panels for a wide range of applications.

“We are honored to have Elite Controls as part of our employee-owned family of companies,” says Richard Neels, president of ECI’s parent, Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. “They enhance our ability to offer fully electric and electrohydraulic systems, and with over 45 years of combined experience, the team is capable of handling the most basic panel designs to the most complex applications.”

EOHI is a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas and the parent of Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. Elite Controls, Inc., and GCC collectively with locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon.

Gulf Controls Company to Become GCC with Acquisition of Valin Corporation’s Fluid Power Division

Tampa, FL – On November 30th, 2018, Gulf Controls Company, Inc. acquired the assets of the Fluid Power division of the California-headquartered Valin Corporation. Valin Fluid Power is a value-added distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric products, with locations in Kent, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Spokane, Washington.

Valin Fluid Power will continue operating with the same employees and location, as a northwest division of Gulf Controls Company, although as a result, the entire company will be rebranded as “GCC”. The name “GCC” was chosen because of its ability to maintain identity for Gulf Controls customers in the Gulf Coast Region, yet allow expansion without geographic affiliation, as to provide a united front with key vendors and customers.

“We are excited about the synergies between vendors and the Bosch Rexroth partnership shared by both companies,” stated John Flieman III, CEO of GCC f/k/a Gulf Controls Company. “Today marks a significant milestone for the continued growth and success of our newly rebranded company, GCC.”

“This company has a long history of serving fluid power production and needs in the northwest region,” says Rod Longnecker, President of GCC. “This acquisition will allow us to diversify into new geographical territory and new markets while enhancing our skill set to better serve our current customers.”

Valin’s Fluid Power division joins the family of 100% employee owned companies operating under Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (EOHI)., EOHI is the parent company for GCC and other U.S. fluid power companies: Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., and Elite Controls, Inc.

“We believe Valin’s Fluid Power division to be a fantastic addition to EOHI, as they come from another 100% employee-owned company, and they have already demonstrated their excellent ownership attitude and drive,” commented Richard Neels, President and CEO of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc.  “We are thrilled that the leadership at Valin Corporation is entrusting us with their dedicated and talented employees.

SIT Welcomes New Members to it’s Board of Directors

Houston, TX – On June 1, 2018, Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. (SIT) announced the appointment of Bill Boyle, Vice-President of Sales & Operations and Todd Welsh, Director of Special Projects, to join SIT’s Board of Directors.  SIT’s Board of Directors now consist of 6 members as they join Kevin Hayes, President of SIT; Dona Sunseri, VP of Administration & Contracts Chip Griepenstroh, Executive VP of Operations; and Dominic Lorino, VP of Engineering.

“SIT will benefit from the experience Bill and Todd bring to the team. They both have significantly contributed to our sales in the marine and offshore industries throughout the years, and we’re looking forward to their contributions as part of the Board,” stated Kevin Hayes.

Todd has over 30 years’ experience in the fluid power industry, having joined Hydraquip Corporation as an engineer in 2003.  He then moved to engineering manager before later being promoted to Director of Special projects for Hydraquip Custom Systems, Inc. when the company was created in 2007.  Todd’s leadership in the design and delivery of hydraulic jacking systems was instrumental to the company’s growth into the international offshore market.  He transitioned to SIT when Hydraquip Custom Systems, Inc. merged with SIT in 2016.

“I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to our companies’ growth and success as a  director. We have a lot of new talent in the organization, and I look forward to providing them leadership and mentoring,” stated Todd Welsh.

Bill Boyle has been with the company for the past 23 years.  Bill started working for Hydraquip Corporation in 1995 as the Louisiana Branch Manager and was instrumental in launching the company’s business in the state. He later served as Director of Sales & Marketing for Hydraquip, Inc. from 2007-2012, moved to Hydraquip Custom Systems, Inc. as its VP Sales & Marketing, North America from 2012-2016, before transitioning to SIT in 2016.

“It is an honor to be elected to the Board for Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc.,” said Bill Boyle. “With the structural capabilities for SIT, we are able to deliver the complete package to customers, and we’ve already seen new opportunities appearing because of our additional capabilities.  I look forward to driving more growth.”

Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. is a subsidiary of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Harahan, Louisiana, and is a 100% employee owned company. For other information about SIT and our family of employee owned companies, please visit www.supremeintegratedtechnology.com.

Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. Successfully Transitions to ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Harahan, LA – On July 17, 2018, Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. (SIT), successfully certified to the latest International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 standard for Quality Management Systems. SIT specializes in the creation of hydraulic and electric powered moveable structures and jacking systems and offers single source solutions for marine, civil, industrial and military applications.

ISO 9001:2015 is the most current standard focusing on performance based, quality management systems with an emphasis on risk-based thinking and increased leadership requirements.

“Our team is incredibly proud to be recognized for our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction through our successful transition to the latest ISO 9001: 2015 standard,” stated Kevin Hayes, President of SIT.

SIT’s ISO 9001:2015 certification is valuable for quality total solution packages, from component to system level design, equipment, and field support for structures in motion, enclosures, and machinery across a myriad of civil, military and commercial interests. This successful transition assures SIT clients can expect consistently good quality products and services which distinguish SIT from other competitors in the industry.

Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. is a subsidiary of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Harahan, Louisiana, and is a 100% employee owned company. For other information about SIT and our family of employee owned companies, please visit www.supremeintegratedtechnology.com.

Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. Promotes Janet Albanese to Director of Corporate Operations

July 12, 2018 – Houston, TX – Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (EOHI), the parent and corporate services provider to the fluid power companies Hydraquip, Inc., Elite Controls, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc. and Gulf Controls Company, Inc., is pleased to announce that Janet Albanese has accepted the position to act as EOHI’s Director of Corporate Operations, and will report to Matt Weisser, EOHI’s Chief Financial Officer. Having served 10 years in various positions at the company, Janet has extensive experience as to lead the company’s corporate operations.

“It has been so exciting to be a champion for our company’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations,” said Janet Albanese. “Going forward I will strive to sustain and grow the commitment to operational excellence, that has made our entire company world class.”

Janet joined Hydraquip, Inc. in 2008. She later moved into the position of Quality Manager for Hydraquip in 2014, and was instrumental in implementing ISO 9001:2008 certification for Hydraquip Hose & Couplings in Grand Prairie, Texas as well as maintaining successful audits and best practices at all the Hydraquip locations. In 2016, she was promoted to Corporate Quality Manager at EOHI where she has significantly impacted the entire company with her leadership in different companies attaining ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.

“I am looking forward to working with Janet in her new capacity. I am confident she will continue the level of operational excellence we are accustomed to, with a particular focus on safety, security and efficiency,” said Matt Weisser, CFO of EOHI. “She has been a valuable member of the EOHI team, and we’re excited to have her in this new role.”

“Safety is always our number one initiative at EOHI, and this position plays a compelling role to ensure our employees and facilities remain safe as well as operating to the highest standard of quality and efficiency,” said Richard Neels, President of EOHI. “Janet has demonstrated leadership over crucial projects with stakeholders across the company, and I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the future.”

EOHI is a 100% employee owned company based in Houston, Texas and serves as the parent of Hydraquip, Inc., Supreme Integrated Technology, Inc., Gulf Controls Company, Inc. and Elite Controls, Inc., companies all specializing in the fluid power equipment industry.

Hydraquip, Inc. Announces Two New Directors

Houston, TX – On June 1, 2018, Hydraquip, Inc. announced the appointment of Chad Adams, a Regional Sales Manager, and Jake Rackley, a Regional Branch Manager, to its Board of Directors. With the appointment of Chad and Jake, Hydraquip’s Board of Directors now consist of five members with Tim Nichols, President of Hydraquip; Scott Nelson, Senior Vice President of Hydraquip; and outside director, Chuck Connors, President of Omni Services, Inc.

“As Hydraquip sharpens their focus on providing quality products and exceptional service within the fluid power industry, we welcome the addition of these two outstanding directors and look forward to their contributions,” stated Tim Nichols.

Chad started his career with Hydraquip working in Inside Sales over 16 years ago. Shortly after, he transitioned to Outside Sales where he was an Account Manager for 12 years. Chad was promoted to the Regional Sales Manager in Houston, Texas in 2015.

Chad states, “I am very proud to have been selected to serve on Hydraquip’s Board of Directors. This is an exciting time for our business, and I am optimistic about our future.  I see this not only as a great learning experience, but also as an opportunity to help Hydraquip achieve continued growth and evolve our client base.”

Prior to joining Hydraquip, Jake was a Regional Account Manager for Sauer-Danfoss. Jake joined Hydraquip as an Account Manager before promptly being promoted as Regional Branch Manager in Grand Prairie, Texas. Jake will be celebrating eight years with Hydraquip at the end of June.

“I am honored to join Hydraquip’s Board of Directors. This opportunity provides me with a new platform to continue assisting the outstanding performance of this fantastic company,” said Jake.

Hydraquip, Inc. is a subsidiary of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, specializing in innovative power solutions across multiple markets, while being a 100% employee owned company. For other information about EOHI and our family of employee owned companies, please visit eoh-inc.com.