Meet the Blackhawk Team!

Christopher E. Gordon, President/Owner
As the president, Chris oversees Blackhawk’s overall operations and implementation of compressed air system solutions.  He is also in charge of the training of Blackhawk Equipment’s staff in compressed air systems management.  Chris is primarily responsible for large O.E.M. accounts, compressed air system audits, world-wide start ups and system implementation.  Chris has been in the compressed air industry for over 18 years and in 2006 he took over as President/Owner of Blackhawk Equipment.  Prior to Blackhawk Equipment, Chris had a highly decorated career in the United States Navy for over six years.  Chris holds two Associates of Arts degrees in electrical engineering and process automation.  He is a Department of Energy Air Master Specialist.  He holds service authorization certificates for F.S. Elliott, Sullair, Boge, Cooper, AirMetrix, Go Engineer and many other compressor manufacturers.  When he’s not traveling internationally for work, Chris enjoys riding his motorcycles and sport shooting.

Corelle L. Pedrow, Operations Manager
Corelle’s primary responsibilities are managing the day to day operations, which includes supervising the Service, Sales and Parts Departments.  She also directs Blackhawk Equipment’s client relations, develops growth strategies and implements new business development activities.  Corelle is also responsible for developing and maintaining the web page as well as designing business processes and procedures.  Additionally, Corelle implements and supervises all marketing efforts and accounting functions.  Before joining Blackhawk Equipment in 2001, Corelle was in the telecommunications industry for six years as an Information Systems/Finance Manager.  At her previous occupation, Corelle helped found a start up company writing the initial five year business plan, developing all procedures/job responsibilities and coordinating the estimating and project management staff.  Corelle holds a Masters in Business and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Colorado and is also a Betta Gamna Sigma honors society member.  Corelle has completed the Compressed Air Challenge Fundamentals & Advanced classes.  In her spare time, Corelle enjoys traveling and outdoor activities.

Nicholas C. Ruffin, Capital Equipment  Sales Manager
Nick is primarily responsible for managing and executing all outside sales and client relations for the southern territory (south of I-70).  Nick mainly works with consulting engineers and mechanical contractors on larger air systems.  He also performs and analyzes air audits to determine if an air system can be improved upon; potentially decreasing a plant’s energy costs.  Nick has been involved in the air compressor industry for over 30 years.  Prior to joining Blackhawk Equipment, he worked as the Director of the Arkansas Department of Energy and the Deputy Director of the Arkansas Department of Commerce.  As the Director of the DOE, he wrote the legislation that created the Department of Energy and was responsible for promoting energy conservation.  Nick was instrumental in the development of the first two fuel alcohol plants built in the US after WWII.  Nick received a BA in Public Administration and Journalism from the University of Louisiana and has also completed the Compressed Air Challenge Fundamentals & Advanced classes.  When he has the time, Nick takes pleasure in photography and sailing.

Charles (Chuck) J. Byrnes, Northern Territory Sales Manager
Chuck is primarily responsible for managing and executing all outside sales and client relations for the northern territory (north of I-70).   Chuck is in charge of selling compressed air systems, assisting in the design of air systems and performing air audits to maximize the efficiency of plant operations.  He also oversees and coordinates the installation of air equipment.  Prior to joining Blackhawk Equipment, he served as the Territory Manager for Grounds Power Equipment, where he increased territory sales by over 40%.  With over 10 years of experience, Chuck holds a BA in Business from Mesa State College.  Chuck has completed the Compressed Air Challenge Fundamentals & Advanced classes.  Chuck is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and camping.

Gregory S. Bossart, Purchasing/Parts Manager
Greg’s primary responsibilities are executing all inside parts sales, purchasing, maintaining inventory control and managing shipping/receiving.  Greg assists customers in determining their parts needs and providing alternatives while maintaining exceptional customer service.  Before joining Blackhawk Equipment in 2002, Greg worked for Leggett & Platt, a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, where he specialized in manufacturing planning, inventory control and customer service.  He also worked as a Supply Chain Management Officer in the United States Navy for six years.  He was honorably discharged in 1989 after a highly rewarding and decorated naval career.  Greg received an Associates of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland (European Division).  He is currently a member of the Institute of Supply Management and is currently working towards his designation as a Certified Purchasing Manager.  Greg has completed the Compressed Air Challenge Fundamentals class.  If Greg is not at the office, you can most likely find him on the golf course.  As well as being an avid golfer, Greg enjoys volleyball, skiing and traveling.

Bill S. Gordon, Service Manager
Bill is primarily responsible for managing the Service department, executing all service sales, conducting technical/safety training sessions, overseeing building maintenance and coordinating all engineered products.  Prior to joining Blackhawk Equipment in 1998, Bill worked as a Plant Electrician for Graham Packaging.  Bill was responsible for maintenance and repair of the automated systems for production lines including PLC’s, variable frequency drives, Inex vision systems, motor controls and line controls.  Bill was also in the United States Navy for over 5 years where he completed the following schools:  Operation Specialist, Target Acquisition System, Tomahawk Cruise Missile and Firefighting school.  Bill received an Associates of Arts degree in Electrical/Electronics Automated Systems from Joliet Junior College.  He currently holds service authorization certificates for Inex Vision System, Sullair, Cooper, Case Controls and Boge.  Bill has also completed the Compressed Air Challenge Fundamentals & Advanced classes.  In his spare time, Bill enjoys building race cars, motorcycling, fishing and sport shooting.