Meet the Rockford Systems Team
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Rockford Systems, LLC is a trusted leader in industrial safety solutions. Our team of experts specializes in machine safeguarding, lockout/tagout, and combustion safety, helping organizations enhance workplace safety, ensure compliance, and minimize risk. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence, we provide tailored solutions that protect workers and improve operational efficiency. Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Rockford Systems who are passionate about creating safer, more compliant work environments.
The experts behind your safety Rockford Systems Team
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Joe Nitiss
Rockford Systems
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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Matt Brenner, CMSE
Machine Safeguarding
Vice President & General Manager – Machine Safeguarding
- Matt Brenner has served in a variety of leadership roles for Rockford Systems.
- With over 20 years of experience at Rockford Systems, Matt has broad experience with risk reduction techniques for industrial equipment across a wide variety of different industries including some of the largest and most complex businesses in North America.
- Matt is an acknowledged expert, an author and a speaker on the topic of industrial safety standards and regulations and proper application of safety equipment.
- Matt serves as an Alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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Paul Schneider
Combustion
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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Scott Stone
LOTO
General Manager – Lockout/Tagout
- Scott Stone has more than 25 years of experience in the safety industry developing and managing safety management systems that resulted in driving cultural change for organizations.
- Over his career, he has worked as a safety manager for outsource facilities and production maintenance organizations, worked in the safety services industry where he developed and successfully launched lockout/tagout services and worked in the safety management software industry.
- Scott also has experience as a Six Sigma Black Belt where he applied advanced statistical and problem-solving techniques for process improvement.
- Outside of work, he enjoys including boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and four wheeling with family and friends.
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Kari Larson
Rockford Systems
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
Rockford Systems
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.
The experts behind your safety Machine Safeguarding Team
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Matt Brenner, CMSE
Vice President & General Manager – Machine Safeguarding
- Matt Brenner has served in a variety of leadership roles for Rockford Systems.
- With over 20 years of experience at Rockford Systems, Matt has broad experience with risk reduction techniques for industrial equipment across a wide variety of different industries including some of the largest and most complex businesses in North America.
- Matt is an acknowledged expert, an author and a speaker on the topic of industrial safety standards and regulations and proper application of safety equipment.
- Matt serves as an Alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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Brian Boes, LMSS
Vice President of Application Engineering and Service Department
B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist – Certification #AA311265377- Brian Boes leads the Application Engineering and Service Department at Rockford Systems.
- He brings over 25 years of expertise in safety integration for controls and machinery.
- Brian develops new products, supports field applications, and advances industry safety standards.
- He serves as a voting member of the ANSI B11 Standards Development Committee.
- Contributes to the B11.1 and B11.2 subcommittees for mechanical and hydraulic punch press standards as a delegate.
- He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Rock Valley College.
- Holds a B11 LMSS (Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist) certification, demonstrating expertise in risk assessment, functional safety, and hazardous energy control.
- Enhances Rockford Systems’ commitment to industrial safety excellence through leadership and innovation.
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Matthew Clutter
Director of Training
- Matthew Clutter is a seasoned professional with over 33 years of of experience in the safety and security fields, over 20 of those years being dedicated service at Rockford Systems. Throughout his tenure, he has held increasingly responsible roles, leading to his current position as Director of Training.
- Matthew brings extensive experience in hazard reduction, machine safeguarding, asset protection, loss prevention, loss control, bulk hazardous chemical process safety and storage, process safety, and safety training. His comprehensive approach to safety and security is informed by his background as a United States Marine, and he continues to leverage his unique experiences to enhance training programs at Rockford Systems. His unique background includes clearance-required national security operations on Naval and Marine Corps installations, where he excelled in USMC guard and reaction force supervision and training.
- Matthew is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and also serves as an alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.
- Matthew has completed multiple United States Marine Corps leadership courses, TRSA/UTSA Production Management Institute Coursework, and has attended both Rock Valley College and Western Illinois University.
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Phillip Reuter, LMSS
Director of Machine Safeguarding Services
- Phil Reuter has more than 15 years of combined experience at Rockford Systems.
- He began his career as a Machine Safeguarding Installation Lead Technician, then advanced to Regional Sales Manager/Machine Safeguarding Specialist, and is currently leading the company’s Installation and Account Management departments.
- Phil has worked in aviation, and industrial maintenance positions prior to his tenure with Rockford Systems.
- Phil holds an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Southwestern Illinois College.
- He is an ANSI B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist (LMSS), with a certificate of his knowledge of U.S. machinery safety standards and his understanding of the risk assessment process, application of risk reduction measures, and appropriate choices for the design of safety functions. His certificate was issued by B11 Standards, Inc, the ANSI-accredited Standards Developing (ASD) organization.
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Jason McMeen
Midwest Regional Sales Manager
Jason brings a wealth of over 20 years’ experience in Safety Consulting, Machine Safeguarding, and LOTO, making him a great addition to our team. With a strong background in driving sales growth and developing safety solutions for customers across North America, his role will focus on expanding our Machine Safeguarding and LOTO business, working with key accounts, and ensuring continued success.
The experts behind your safety Lockout/Tagout Team
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Matt Brenner, CMSE
Vice President & General Manager – Machine Safeguarding
- Matt Brenner has served in a variety of leadership roles for Rockford Systems.
- With over 20 years of experience at Rockford Systems, Matt has broad experience with risk reduction techniques for industrial equipment across a wide variety of different industries including some of the largest and most complex businesses in North America.
- Matt is an acknowledged expert, an author and a speaker on the topic of industrial safety standards and regulations and proper application of safety equipment.
- Matt serves as an Alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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Scott Stone
General Manager – Lockout/Tagout
- Scott Stone has more than 25 years of experience in the safety industry developing and managing safety management systems that resulted in driving cultural change for organizations.
- Over his career, he has worked as a safety manager for outsource facilities and production maintenance organizations, worked in the safety services industry where he developed and successfully launched lockout/tagout services and worked in the safety management software industry.
- Scott also has experience as a Six Sigma Black Belt where he applied advanced statistical and problem-solving techniques for process improvement.
- Outside of work, he enjoys including boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and four wheeling with family and friends.
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Jon Strong
Lockout Tagout Specialist
With over 25 years of experience in industrial safety, Jon Strong brings extensive expertise in safeguarding workplaces across heavy industries. After earning a Master of Science in Safety Management from West Virginia University in 1998, Jon has worked with some of the world’s largest manufacturers, specializing in Steel Manufacturing, Forest and Paper Manufacturing, Glass Manufacturing, and Commercial Printing.
In recent years, Jon has expanded his focus to HAZMAT Emergency Response and Confined Space Rescue, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting workers in high-risk environments. Jon’s hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge make them a valuable resource for workplace safety solutions.
Outside of work, Jon is an avid cyclist who enjoys riding mountain and BMX bikes, often traveling to explore new bike parks and trails.
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Jason McMeen
Midwest Regional Sales Manager
Jason brings a wealth of over 20 years’ experience in Safety Consulting, Machine Safeguarding, and LOTO, making him a great addition to our team. With a strong background in driving sales growth and developing safety solutions for customers across North America, his role will focus on expanding our Machine Safeguarding and LOTO business, working with key accounts, and ensuring continued success.
The experts behind your safety Combustion Team
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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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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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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.
Join Our Growing Team
Explore our current openings and find the role that fits your skills and passion. Whether you’re an engineer, technician, or safety specialist, there’s a place for you at Rockford Systems.