Day Two: Drawing Up the Playbook for Success
The second day of the conference opened with remarks from PALFINGER CEO Andreas Klauser, who delivered a "State of the Union" presentation. He emphasized PALFINGER’s resilience in the face of global challenges and underscored the key role North America plays in achieving the company’s future goals.
Ismael Daneluz, PALFINGER Vice President of Sales & Service for North & Latin America, highlighted PALFINGER’s recent success in the region and outlined key focus areas for becoming a leader in the North American lifting industry.
Peggy Kusinski, ESPN 1000 sports anchor, brought her energy and charisma as the emcee for both the second and third days, guiding attendees through a series of engaging presentations by PALFINGER executives.
Former NFL coach Dave Wannstedt delivered a keynote address that was a real game-changer. Drawing from his coaching experience, Wannstedt shared insights on leadership, urging attendees to stay consistent with their brand. He emphasized the importance of brand consistency and highlighted the need to maximize team potential, stressing that attitude and effort must go together. His message hit home with the audience, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, strategy, and creativity in driving success.
A Night of Celebration in the Windy City
The conference wasn’t all work and no play. After a morning of engaging sessions, attendees had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the stunning Chicago skyline from the rooftop of Chateau Carbide at the Hotel Pendry. The night ended with a memorable dinner cruise on the Chicago River, celebrating the contributions and achievements of PALFINGER’s dealers.
The main highlight of the night was honoring our incredible long-standing partners who have shown dedication and exceptional performance for over 15 years. Among them was Don Bates, owner of D.C. Bates Equipment, who has a rich history in the truck equipment business and has been a PALFINGER dealer for more than 40 years.
After a distinguished military career in the U.S. Navy, Bates founded D.C. Bates Equipment in 1982, beginning his partnership with PALFINGER even before the company opened its first North American subsidiary. As a PALFINGER representative, he has played a crucial role in strengthening the brand’s presence in the region. His company has become a leading provider of specialized truck equipment in New England. His unparalleled passion for the business, his customers, the products, and PALFINGER exemplifies a passion that continues to drive his success.
