Jeff Merle, vice president machine sales of Foley Incorporated, congratulated two long-time Foley employees for their dedication with a dinner in their honor this fall. Mike Yanik celebrated 40 years, while Bob Kukulski celebrated 35 years with Foley Incorporated.
Yanik came to Foley on Nov. 6, 1968, operating forklifts and boom trucks in the service department. In 1974 Yanik transferred to the machine sales department as assistant used equipment manager, and in 1977 was promoted to assistant to the vice president of sales. In 1984, he was promoted to lease/rental manager, which evolved into rental manager, the position he holds to this day as he celebrates his 40th year with Foley Incorporated.
“As rental manager, Mike became a real asset to the department, and a real ally to our customers. His sense of urgency and inventory management skills has made him an invaluable resource for Foley,” Merle said.
Kukulski came to Foley, on Oct. 8, 1973 as a sales trainee, but quickly progressed through the ranks as a product support service representative, lift truck salesman, and a 10-year run as a general line salesman. In 1989 Kukulski began his 11-year run in sales management, before being promoted to vice president of machine sales in 1993.
It was late 2000 when Kukulski made the decision to return to his true passion, selling Caterpillar equipment. Kukulski currently is an account manager for both Monmouth and Mercer counties.
“Bob’s ability to manage large accounts and the complex relationships that come with them, coupled with a tireless work ethic, have made him a true cut above the rest. He has become a role model for young and up and coming salespeople,” Merle said.
Yanik and Kukulski’s long tenure are not uncommon at Foley. Among current employees, approximately 55 percent have been with the company for 15 years or longer.
“It is this depth of experience that enables Foley Inc. to be such a strong force in the industry,” Merle said.
Foley Incorporated is the Caterpillar dealer in North Jersey, Staten Island and Bermuda.
