
About Rockford Combustion
Founded in 2019 as part of Rockford Systems LLC, Rockford Combustion specializes in fuel-train management and combustion safety for organizations using fuel-fired equipment in thermal processes. We design and manufacture turnkey combustion systems for clean-heat applications, offering consultative inspections, engineering services, safety training, and high-quality components. Our comprehensive solutions NFPA compliance, worker safety, efficiency, and air quality while minimizing fire and explosion risks.
Combustion Safety Experts
Rockford Combustion has the application expertise to solve any organization’s most complex combustion challenges. Our expert team brings knowledge, experience, and strategic relationships with key customers and suppliers throughout the United States.
Integrated Safety
Our end-to-end approach integrates every aspect of combustion safety—from consultative assessments and compliance inspections to turnkey valve train systems, onsite installation, and training. We align with NFPA standards and best practices to help customers reduce risks, protect workers, and ensure long-term operational safety.
Deep Expertise
With roots in the combustion industry, our engineering team brings unmatched expertise in combustion system design and fuel-train management. We locally manufacture both standard and engineered-to-order components tailored for clean-heat applications, from straightforward setups to highly specialized systems.
Customer-Centric Solutions
We prioritize responsive service, rapid delivery, and reliable support. Whether you need technical training, combustion audits, or custom-built equipment, Rockford Combustion delivers practical, cost-effective solutions designed around your specific safety, compliance, and performance goals.
About Rockford Combustion Our Team
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Joe Nitiss
Chief Executive Officer
- Joe Nitiss is a proven leader driving double-digit growth with an emphasis on strong execution and operational efficiency.
- He drives the mission to reduce risk and workplace injuries by becoming our customer’s trusted advisor and source for machine safeguarding, training, assessment services, and provider of turnkey engineered safeguarding solutions.
- Joe served as General Manager of the North American business unit of Elster. Mr. Nitiss also spearheaded major strategy and technical shifts as President North America of Emerson’s Chloride Group and during his tenure overseeing Genesis Cable (now Honeywell Cable) as General Manager.
- Prior to those positions, Mr. Nitiss was Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for Honeywell International and Vice President of Marketing for Emerson.
- Joe holds an BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Chicago.
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Paul Schneider
Vice President & General Manager – Rockford Combustion
Paul began his career performing design work in the automation and packaging industry. He has spent the past 22+ years accomplishing roles with increasing responsibility in companies specializing in Thermal Processing and Combustion. Paul’s work experiences include vacuum furnace design, combustion system design, burner design, combustion industry educational workshop instructor, leadership, and mentoring experience.
As a working manager, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to his team, as he is well-versed in Design and Drafting, CAD, CFD, FEA, Basic Engineering Principles, and Custom Engineering of Electrical Control Systems, Combustion Control Systems, Ovens, Furnaces, Burners, and Burner-related equipment. As Rockford Combustions’ VP & GM, Paul has been instrumental in assembling a team of experts with many years of combined experience in the Thermal Processing and Combustion industries.
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Bob Sanderson, P.E.
Director of Business Development – Rockford Combustion
Bob has extensive knowledge and is experienced in a variety of industries. Throughout Bob’s 32+ years of experience in the combustion field, he has worked in automotive, abatement-oxidation, aerospace, agriculture, food and beverage, HVAC, heat treating, glass, asphalt, pyrolysis, reducing furnaces, dryers, immersion heaters, and power generation. Bob has been employed by companies such as Eclipse, Honeywell, and Haden Inc. Bob brings systems integration and the application experience of how systems interact in various environments to Rockford Combustion. Bob is a member of the NFPA-86 technical committee.
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Mark Damberg
National Accounts Manager
Meet Mark, a HVAC combustion expert with 30+ years of global sales and management experience, proudly holding a degree from the University of Michigan. Mark excels in automotive, steel, paint, and industrial manufacturing sectors. His diverse skill set was showcased at Carrier Corporation, where he managed the Higher Education Market. As Global Key Account Manager for Automotive at Eclipse Combustion, Mark oversaw sales and projects for OEMs and end-users, earning a reputation for excellence. Renowned for exceptional customer service, Mark builds enduring relationships with businesses of all sizes. His dedication to innovation and client satisfaction makes him a respected leader in the HVAC combustion industry, driving continuous success for his clients.
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Chris LaFew
Sr. Inside Sales
Chris has 9+ years of experience in combustion after jump-starting his career in the stockroom at Eclipse Combustion. At Eclipse, Chris worked his way up through the company and progressed to working with Inside Sales. Since coming to Rockford Combustion, Chris’s primary work is in procurement and working with our asphalt customers. Chris is often the first person that people will speak to when calling Rockford Combustion.
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Lee Gilbert, MSME
Account Manager/Trainer/Engineer, MSME
Lee graduated from Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University and received his master’s in Mechanical Engineering. Lee is an engineer at Collins Aerospace, Eclipse Combustion, and works as a project manager at Rockford Combustion. Lee works with audits and as a safety coordinator as well. Lee has 5+ years of experience with combustion and brings a high level of engineering expertise to the group for complex solutions.
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Adam Plaetzer
Field Services
Adam attended Northern Illinois University and has over ten years of sales and management experience in building materials, automotive and industrial manufacturing. He joins Rockford Combustion, focusing on project and account management. Adam’s background brings years of technical and mechanical knowledge. Adam is high-energy, service-orientated, and values customer partnerships.
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Robin Parker
Field Services
Robin has over 40 years of servicing, troubleshooting, wiring, and repairing combustion processes. He earned a Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree and another in Engineering for the Dept. of Fire Protection Engineering. Robin’s extensive combustion experience with significant automotive, aluminum, steel, and paint manufacturers ensures all company combustion processes meet North America’s TSSA and NFPA 86 standards.Â
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Myles Chaplin
Field Services
Meet Myles, a seasoned professional with a passion for technology and safety. Myles is a proud graduate of DeVry University, where he honed his skills in electronics and controls. With a wealth of experience in mechanical maintenance, he has dedicated over a decade to specializing in machine safety and safeguarding.
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John Breadmore
Field Services
John has 35 years of electrical experience, including 20 years in the combustion industry. He has a Gas Fitter 1 License from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, TSSA License 1, 2, and 3, General Motors IMT Certificate, and an ICI Journeyman Electrical License. He joined Rockford Combustion in 2021 as a Sr. Service Specialist. John is an expert in automotive applications and assembly line procedures. He is detail orientated and adaptable in all industrial settings.
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Kari Larson
Director of Marketing
- Kari Larson is the Director of Marketing; responsible for Market Insights, Inbound Marketing, Data Analytics, Project/Product/Brand Management and Strategic Planning.
- Kari began her career performing market research in the media/communication industry, and has spent the past 20+ years accomplishing roles with increasing responsibility in companies specializing in Hardware, Packaging, Bearing, Paint/Craft/Hobby, Adhesives, Capital Equipment, Solenoid Valve, Heat Treat and Chemical Industries.
- Kari’s ’s work experiences include product lifecycle management, project management, process improvement, brand management, Partners in Leadership trainer, LEAN leadership certified, public relations, trade show management, channel management, competitive market intelligence, marketing automation, content creation, voice of the customer, and P&L responsibilities for product lines ranging from $5 million to $500 million.
- Kari holds a Bachelor Degree in Marketing from Bradley University and an MBA.
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Emily Scheel
Human Resources Manager
Emily Scheel is an experienced and people-focused HR professional with a strong background in employee relations, strategic planning, and full-cycle HR management. As the HR Manager at Rockford Systems, she draws on her knowledge to foster a positive workplace culture, streamline HR processes, and help drive the company’s growth through effective talent management.
Emily began her HR career at Target as an FMLA Specialist, where she supported payroll, onboarding, and best practices. She is passionate about developing processes that make life easier for teams, improve company culture, and attract top talent. A member of SHRM, Emily brings a thoughtful, solutions-driven approach to every challenge and is known for supporting both employees and leadership with empathy, efficiency, and integrity.
Protect Your Facility with Expert Solutions Let us help you enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Contact us today for more information on how Rockford Systems can help your organization reduce risk and improve employee safety.