Leadership

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Nelson provides the strategic leadership and vision. As the primary owner, he is responsible for the overall management of the organization, with a strong emphasis on sales and marketing, new market development, customer strategy, and high-level negotiations. Nelson’s leadership has been central to the company’s transformation from a focused, single-industry operation into a diversified, multi-plant enterprise serving a wide range of markets—including ground support equipment, automotive, heavy truck, industrial manufacturing, refuse, agriculture, and liquid recycling.

Since acquiring GB Manufacturing in 2005, Nelson has been instrumental in driving significant growth, expanding the organization’s capabilities, and strengthening its market presence. Over the past decade, he has led the company through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions—including GB Fabrication, Par-Kan and MWC-Kan. His focus on operational excellence, customer partnership, and strategic investment continues to support the organization’s long-term growth, capacity, and competitiveness.

Prior to acquiring GB, Nelson built a distinguished 20-year career in the automotive industry with increasing responsibility across engineering, quality, program management, international negotiations, global sales leadership, and business strategy. He previously served as Worldwide Director of Sales and Marketing at J.L. French, a $550 million aluminum casting manufacturer supplying OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Earlier roles include nine years with Arvin Meritor–Kayaba, a $1.3 billion manufacturer of suspension systems, as well as engineering and quality roles with Monroe Auto Equipment and Acco Babcock.

Nelson holds an MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and three sons and enjoys boating and golf in his personal time.

As Chief Financial Officer, Mike leads the finance, accounting, and legal functions, playing a central role in shaping the organization’s financial strategy and long-term business direction. He provides forward-looking financial leadership that strengthens decision-making, supports operational performance, and fuels sustainable growth across all divisions. Mike’s work ensures the organization remains well-capitalized, disciplined, and strategically positioned to pursue expansion opportunities.

With more than three decades of financial advisory and executive operating experience, Mike brings deep expertise in evaluating and structuring complex transactions. His background includes identifying, analyzing, and funding mergers and acquisitions, as well as advising early-stage ventures across a wide range of industries. This breadth of experience enables him to guide the company through opportunities that require sophisticated financial modeling, capital planning, and risk assessment.

In addition to his executive role, Mike is the founder and principal of Founders Capital Corporation a merchant banking firm that raises capital and invests in operating companies along with management. He is also a Regional Director of Skyline Advisors, a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in advising lower middle market companies in merger and acquisition transactions and capital raising. His entrepreneurial mindset and deal-making expertise enhance RP Industries’ ability to pursue strategic growth, strengthen financial performance, and maximize value creation.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. He received his CPA in Indiana (inactive) and bar admissions in Indiana and Illinois (inactive). He resides in Chicago with his wife, enjoys traveling to visit his grandchildren, and spends his summer weekends sailing.

Randal “Randy” Kinsey serves as Vice President of Operations and Human Resources for GB Manufacturing, GB Fabrication, Par-Kan, and MWC, where he oversees the full operational management of the divisions and helps guide organizational alignment across RP Industries. With more than 40 years of plant leadership experience—and over five years with RP Industries—Randy brings deep expertise in operational excellence, team development, and strategic growth.

Known for fostering new sales opportunities, envisioning innovative product development, and strengthening companywide performance, Randy has played a key role in driving accountability, improving quality, and enhancing on-time delivery across the divisions. His leadership has helped establish consistent operating rhythms, elevate performance standards, and support continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Randy’s background includes college studies in marine biology at IPFW and extensive training and certifications in Green Belt methodologies, lean manufacturing, Kaizen principles, Targets for Excellence, leadership management, and membership in YPO.

Outside of work, Randy enjoys spending time with his family—he is married with three sons and six grandchildren—and is actively involved in coaching youth travel baseball and basketball.

Santosh is the Vice President of Purchasing, Engineering, and Sales, where he oversees purchasing operations, leads engineering and product development, and directs sales strategy across all divisions. With 29 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, he brings deep expertise in precision machining, CAD/CAM technology, CNC processes, supply chain management, and continuous improvement.

Santosh has led major cost-saving initiatives, strengthened supplier relationships, improved RFQ and KPI performance, and supported new product development, including pallet dollies and forged components. His global industry exposure and cross-division leadership have helped align market strategies, customer engagement, and product innovation to support RP Industries’ growth.

He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA in Engineering Management from the University of Southern Indiana, and has served as a management representative for IATF 16949, AS9100, and ISO 9001 quality systems. Outside of work, Santosh is a coauthor of the Marathi book Sarpanch and remains active in community initiatives supporting education, health, cultural preservation, and rural development. He is married and has a son studying biotechnology at Indiana University Bloomington.