Stellar Industries Inc., a 100 percent employee-owned and operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic trucks, cranes, tire service trucks, hooklifts, trailers, and service truck and van accessories, welcomes three new regional sales managers to its sales team.
Eric Best will cover the North-Central region (currently managed by Kirk Uhlenhopp), Kevin Ellis will cover the Northeast region, and Richard Holley will take over the Southwest region (currently managed by Steve Jones).
Both Uhlenhopp and Jones will remain on the Stellar sales team with newly defined territories. The company is highly appreciative of the time and service that Uhlenhopp and Jones have dedicated to their current territories.
In their new roles, Best, Ellis, and Holley will be responsible for the sale and support of mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, and fuel, lube and utility trailers. Each brings unique professional experiences and proven track records in the industry, making them key assets to the Stellar team.
Eric Best – North-Central Region
Best brings over 20 years of experience in sales and leadership, with a significant portion of his career dedicated to digital marketing. He has previously led a national sales team as the Director of Sales, where he successfully managed a $20 million territory and built strong relationships across various industries, including direct sales to auto dealers and distributors.
He said that he is excited to return to his local roots, having grown up in Garner, Iowa, where Stellar is headquartered.
“I look forward to fostering long-lasting partnerships and fostering new relationships in the Midwest,” Best stated. “Stellar has been an instrumental part of my life, and I am ecstatic to help continue to grow its dominance in the industry.”
Best and his family have resided in Chanhassen, Minnesota, for the past two decades and are currently building a new home in Minnetrista, Minnesota. He and his wife, Sheri, have two adult children: Alison, who is pursuing her graduate degree in speech pathology, and Ethan, who is studying computer science and AI at Indiana University. Outside of work, Eric enjoys traveling and other outdoor activities, with a particular passion for biking.
Kevin Ellis – Northeast Region
Ellis has an extensive career spanning 28 years in the truck equipment business, with a significant focus on bucket trucks and mechanic trucks. In his previous role, he served as a Sales Operations and Order Fulfillment Manager, where he excelled in managing the inside sales team and overseeing the entire quote process from inception to delivery.
He has a strong commitment to quality, and he is eager to represent Stellar’s exceptional products to its customers.
“I am excited to join the Stellar Team,” said Ellis. “Touring the plant showed the commitment, quality, and professionalism of the entire company to be number one in the mechanic truck industry. I look forward to standing in front of the customer, representing such an exceptional product.”
Currently based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Ellis will be relocating to the northeast to better serve the region. He and his wife, Sonya, have been married for 29 years, and they have two grown children. In his free time, Ellis enjoys a wide range of activities, from skiing to relaxing on the beach.
Richard Holley – Southwest Region
Holley brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as regional sales manager. In his previous role, Holley was a salesman for bucket trucks and is now eager to understand and sell Stellar products, as well as provide the needed support post-sale for all of his customers.
“I’m excited to work for an American company with a solid reputation like Stellar,” said Holley. “I’m ready to get started learning about and growing the customer base in the southwest.”
In his personal life, Holley enjoys hiking, playing golf, and the sport of pickleball. A dedicated family man, he has three adult children and four grandchildren. Holley is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stellar was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, and has since expanded operations to multiple US locations. For company information, visit www.stellarindustries.com.
