Richard Neels

Richard Neels has served as Chairman of the EOH Board of Directors for the past 13 years. His career at the company began in 1983, when Richard started as a technician at Hydraquip Corporation and over time he worked his way up in outside sales and management – eventually promoted to President of the newly formed Hydraquip, Inc. (then known as Hydraquip Distribution, Inc.) in 2007. At the beginning of the following year, 2008, Richard succeeded Tony McGarvey as President and CEO of Employee Owned Holdings, Inc. (the successor to Hydraquip Corporation) where his vision of growth for the company led to considerable growth for the company and the formation of the family of four operating companies (Hydraquip, Elite Controls, GCC, Supreme Integrated Technology) that make up EOHI today. The company has grown through a combination of organic growth in new markets as well as through a series of strategic acquisitions, all contributing to the company’s diversification and sustainability.

Richard is passionate about employee ownership and enjoys leading employee owners who have “skin in the game.” As the company realizes continuous growth in revenue and employees, Richard continues to embrace the family-centered culture at EOHI. Growing up in the farm country in Minnesota, he respects those who enjoy getting their hands dirty to help customers with new applications. He also values employee owners who take pride in their work and in the organization of the company facilities. Richard considers himself a true Texan after living in the state for many years, enjoys his family, golf, and traveling to new locations around the world, especially where these activities are combined.