SIDNEY — Jeff Phlipot, CEO of Kirk NationaLease, recently announced promotions to the management team at the company.

The former company president, Michael Trabue, recently retired. Trabue was employed with the company for a number of years, helping them expand the business and manage the sales force. Trabue was instrumental in expanding the recruiting department so that the company can source more skilled technicians, enabling them to better serve their expanding customer base.

In the wake of Trabue’s retirement, Mitchell Rank was announced as the company’s new president.

Rank has been employed by Kirk NationaLease for five years. Phlipot said Rank started as an area sales associate and showed amazing passion for the position and for the company. He has taken on more responsibilities over time, training new sales associates and learning every facet of the business. Rank has the capacity to bring the company forward into a positive future. Rank and his wife, Jessica, reside in Sidney with their four daughters.

Brandon Bishop has been appointed as vice president of operations.

Bishop has been with Kirk NationaLease for six years. Bishop began his career at the company as a diesel technician, then a shop manager and quickly moved up to his new position. Phlipot said Bishop brings great energy with his strong technical knowledge base and he has been a large part of the company’s growth and expansion of the training department. Bishop’s energy will help the company and its associates take the company into the future. Bishop and his wife, Mackenzie, reside in the Dayton area.

Kris Phlipot was selected as the vice president of administration.

Kris has been with Kirk NationaLease for 18 years. He began as a technician and a shop manager and has continued to move up, expanding his knowledge base and allowing him to move into his new position. Jeff said Kris and his knowledge of diesel technology and inventory will help the company be able to compete in the market on many levels. Kris and his wife, Beverly, reside in St. Paris.

Kirk NationaLease’s existing officers include Chief Financial Officer Tom Menker, Vice President Deb Prater, Director of Operations Randy Johnston, and Administrative Manager Karen Wise.

“We are excited about our future. We have a strong team comprised of energy and experience in place. This will allow Kirk NationaLease to continue to be a strong service-oriented company. Having been in business for more than 50 years, we feel that this team will take Kirk to bigger and better things in the future,” Jeff said.

Kirk recently opened a new location in San Antonio, Texas. This location will serve a large customer which has allowed Kirk to open several other locations. Kirk NationaLease provides preventive maintenance and service work to many transportation companies, both large and small, while also offering the lease or rental of over-the-road equipment. For more information about Kirk NationaLease, visit www.knl.cc.