BendPak Leadership
Meet the leaders driving innovation, growth, and excellence in automotive service equipment
Led by President and CEO Jeff Kritzer, BendPak’s executive leadership team guides the company’s continued growth as a global manufacturer of automotive lifts, wheel service equipment, shop tools, and vehicle service solutions. From product development and engineering to operations, sales, marketing, and facility expansion, our leaders work together to strengthen the company, support our customers, and move the automotive service equipment industry forward. Get to know the experienced people shaping BendPak’s future.
Jeff Kritzer
President / CEO
Jeff is a multi-talented force in the office. He’s been here for over 35 years and knows the industry inside and out. Equally dexterous as an inventor, marketer and mechanic, Jeff drives the creative end around here without ego. On November 4, 2019, Jeff was elected chairman of the Board of Directors at the Automotive Lift Institute.
Javier Arias
Vice President of Operations
Javier has been integral to BendPak for over 35 years, and he heads operations at our home base facilities in Santa Paula. This is no easy feat, as there’s always a hundred-and-one things happening at once. He sets up the procedures for which inbound and outbound materials are accounted for and properly handled until delivery.
Jim Fornear
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Jim Fornear oversees the company’s financial operations and corporate development, helping to guide BendPak through its next stage of growth. Jim has over 30 years’ experience in positions ranging from internal auditor, to controller, to CFO in both public and private companies.
Remembering Don
Don Henthorn, founder of BendPak Inc., passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 85. A U.S. Army veteran, Don turned a small California machine shop into a global leader in automotive service equipment. He was known for his incredible work ethic and could often be found at the office between 5 and 6 a.m., six days a week. Although he handed day-to-day management over to BendPak’s leadership team in 2022, he remained closely involved as chairman emeritus.
Family was an important part of Don’s life. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Henthorn, whose memory remained close to Don and the Henthorn family. Don is survived by his wife, daughter, and four grandchildren.
Don’s legacy lives on not only through the company he built, but through the family, people, and organization that continue to carry forward the values, determination, and work ethic that defined his life.
Senior Leadership
Ray Ibarra
Vice President of Sales
Antonio Garnica
Senior Director of Sales Operations
Chris Cunningham
Senior Director of Enterprise Systems
Tyler Rex
Senior Director of Marketing
Dave Shedlock
Director of Business Development
Sean Price
Director of QC and Product Development
Sheri Black
Director of Human Resources
Jason Tuttle
Director of Business & Supply Chain
Jessica Hicks
Senior Manager, Customer Support
Martin Pulido
Aftersales Supervisor, West
Derek Burns
Director of Distribution Operations, East
Salvador Ramirez
Director of Distribution Operations, West
Ready to Move Forward?
Whether you need help choosing the right equipment, have a question about an existing product, or want to learn more about BendPak, our team is here to help. Tell us what you need, and we’ll point you in the right direction.