Executive Leadership
President, Dan Helms, provides the direction, strategic planning and day to day operation of the business to ensure a successful, growing and sustainable operations.
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Born and raised in Atlanta, Dan graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986 with a BBA degree in Finance. Following graduation, he was employed by Automatic Data Processing serving in sales and sales management. Dan joined Conveyors & Drives in July of 1993 as an Inside Sales Associate and has since worked in C&D’s Warehouse Operation, Systems Sales and Dealer Sales.
In his current role, Dan is responsible for the overall direction, strategic planning and day to day operation of the business. He works closely with C&D’s customers, partners and employee associates to help ensure a successful, growing and sustainable business organization.
Dan has been married to his wife Cathy for 28 years. They have three children: Jamieson, Jessica and Ashley, two grandchildren and two dogs Amelia and Gracie. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis and grilling out with family and friends. Dan is also an avid Atlanta Falcons and college football fan.
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With over 20 years in the warehouse automation industry, Daniel Walrod joined Conveyors & Drives by accepting the role as Director of Implementation in April 2021 and currently manages our Service Dept. His role is to provide leadership and coaching for the project execution team as well as support sales efforts with the application engineering team.
As a Navy veteran, Daniel has held roles in Program & Project Management, Strategy Deployment, and Application Engineering for Dematic Corporation. Additionally, Daniel worked for SSI Schaefer Systems International as a Project Manager. During his career, he became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and completed his BS in Business Management and MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Daniel’s hobbies include softball, traveling, and working on home improvement projects.
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Jon Smalling joined C&D as Director of Sales and Marketing in March of 2023. His main responsibilities include overseeing all sales and marketing efforts with the sales team and maintaining a strong relationship with our vendors.
Before joining Conveyors & Drives, Jon’s experiences encompassed a wide range of plastic industry industrial automation applications within countless manufacturing industries. Professionally, Jon has previously volunteered as Chair of the PLASTICS Industry Association’s Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP), served on the PIA Equipment Council, and served on the NPE trade show content committee.
Personally, Jon lives in Acworth, GA with his wife, three sons, and three dogs. In his spare time, Jon volunteers as Assistant Scout Master with his son’s Troop. Jon loves to camp, attend Kennesaw State athletic events, and work on his VW Karmann Ghia.
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Ali Gowen joined C&D in the Insides Sales Team and also served as the Service Team Coordinator since July 2018. She currently manages the Inside Sales Team.
In her multiple positions, she has advanced due to a combination of hard work, company knowledge and results. Ali is a firm believer in leading by example and moving the Inside Sales team to be more proactive in assisting customers.
During Ali’s 25+ year career in Customer Service and Inside Sales, she brings 12 years of leadership skills to our team. Before joining Conveyors & Drives, she worked at Georgia Lighting/World Imports, Hettich America and International Freight Forwarders, Inc.
Ali and her husband David enjoy traveling, being outdoors and spending time with family and their Grandchildren.
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Wanda Stevenson joined C&D in January 2022 as a Staff Accountant and now serves as our Senior Accountant.
With over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the accounting industry and her MBA. Wanda is in charge of the health of C&D by optimizing our financial processes, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance while providing management with insight to make crucial decisions.
Wanda is from Jackson, TN and formerly worked for the State of Georgia prior to coming to C&D.
She is married with two adult children and a new granddaughter that she loves to spoil.
Outside Sales & Operations
Our Operations and Outside Sales Group, led by Jon Smalling, develops new accounts, and manages existing accounts. They work closely with the customers and our engineers to develop and implement the right material handling solutions.
Inside Sales
Our Inside Sales Group, led by Ali Gowen, work together to provide phone coverage and prompt delivery of parts and equipment. Additionally, this team is responsible for timely solving customer service needs in an efficient manner.
Systems Group Applications Engineering, Implementation and Project Management
Our Systems Group, led by Daniel Walrod, designs and executes world-class engineered projects. This team is involved with new customer development from design concept through project commissioning.
Field Service
Our Service Department, led by Daniel Walrod, works with customers all over the country to keep the supply chain running smoothly. We also offer preventative maintenance, emergency service, installations and long term on-site support.
Finance
Our Finance team, led by Wanda Stevenson, works together to ensure that all accounting functions are performed to standards, credit authorizations are intact and various phone and clerical duties.
Emeritus Executive Leadership
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Gary, a founding member of Conveyors & Drives, played a pivotal role in shaping the company and served as the CEO and Board Chairman. Throughout his tenure, Gary was responsible for the overall financial integrity of the organization, overseeing financial management and spearheading special projects that drove the company’s success.
A native of Atlanta, Gary graduated from Georgia Tech in 1959. He began his career as a sales engineer with Boston Gear Works and later with Fulton Supply Company of Atlanta. In 1969, Gary, along with two partners, founded Conveyors & Drives, laying the foundation for its future growth and achievements.
Gary is a dedicated Georgia Tech fan who has a passion for photography and enjoys collecting and operating model trains. He cherishes spending time with his five grandchildren. Gary resides in Dunwoody, Georgia with his wife Judy and their two dogs, Annie and Max.
Gary retired from Conveyors & Drives in March 2021, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and innovation.
