Meet Jon Kaplan: Goddard’s New VP of Sales, Industrial Automation

In October, Goddard Technologies welcomed Jon Kaplan to our team at Goddard East in Beverly, MA. Jon joined Goddard as Vice President of Sales, Industrial Automation, bringing over 25 years of experience in sales and business development. In this role, Jon will lead Goddard’s continued growth in the industrial automation industry. (Learn more about Goddard’s industrial automation experience here.) We sat down with him to learn more about his history and what excites him most about joining Goddard.

Jon’s first job was in technical sales, where he spent seven years before entering leadership as a Senior Vice President at a global distributor of electronic components. His first foray into product development—specifically medical devices and automation—came next when Jon ran the East Coast operation of a product design firm, focusing on Class II and III medical devices and custom factory automation systems. With that under his belt, Jon went on to various sales and leadership positions in professional services, sustainability, and alternative fuels.

With such a diverse background, what drew Jon to Goddard? “The idea that our work here will result in lives being impacted positively resonates with me more than anything,” he explained. He added that he is “beyond excited” to lead the industrial automation business development efforts at Goddard. “While the automation team is already successful… we have a tremendous opportunity to expand our presence and secure new customers in a growing market. The chance to shape the future of sales strategy at Goddard, work with cutting-edge products that have a real impact on the industry, and collaborate with other leaders to achieve the company’s ambitious goals is incredibly motivating.”

Jon’s leadership style meshes well with Goddard’s belief that the best people create the best products. He describes it as “collaborative and inclusive,” and he thoughtfully and consciously seeks input from his team members. “I am results-oriented, focusing on achieving measurable outcomes while being supportive and empowering, helping team members reach their full potential.” He prides himself on his mentorship of high-performing teams. “One of my greatest accomplishments [in my career] has been building and leading high-performing teams. I take immense pride in mentoring talented individuals and watching them grow into successful professionals.”

Looking ahead, we asked Jon what excites him most about the future of Goddard’s work in the industrial automation industry. “The rapid pace of technological advancements and innovation excites me [the most],” he shared. “The potential for Goddard to become a market leader, the opportunity to develop new products that solve real-world problems, and the chance to work with a forward-thinking and visionary team are all incredibly motivating.”

Sean Albert, Chief Executive Officer of Goddard, added, “The industrial automation industry is booming, and we’re ready and able to meet our clients’ needs for creative efficiency. Jon’s robust experience makes him the ideal leader to meet the future.”

Do you have an industrial automation project you’re ready to get off the ground? Go Goddard! Reach out to see how we can help bring your vision to life.