Leadership at Rico Manufacturing

Steve Shuck

President

Steve joined RICO in 1991 and has been instrumental in building the company’s strength and recognition within the material handling industry. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, advancing to President in 2011. Today, Steve oversees RICO’s four facilities and leads the executive leadership team.

With a strong background in manufacturing, Steve is deeply committed to strategic partnerships that align RICO’s core competencies with the specialized needs of large OEMs. He provides clear vision and direction across the organization, championing the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to drive transparency, alignment, and execution.

Steve is known for his rallying leadership philosophy: “Our team’s focus is to be the Buffalo – charging into every problem like a storm, with accountability, teamwork, and action to deliver the best possible outcome.” Under his leadership, RICO has cultivated a loyal, highly skilled workforce that is committed to long-term success and continuous improvement.

Kent Stelmasczuk

Chief Financial Officer

Kent holds a degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University and brings over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial support management with industry-leading companies such as Bell & Howell and Snap-On Tools. He joined RICO in 2010 and plays a key role in managing banking relationships, customer contracts, and financial strategy.

Kent is known for his innovative approach to strengthening RICO’s financial position and enhancing customer value. He is committed to ensuring RICO remains a preferred business partner by leveraging its financial stability to support long-term customer relationships.

"RICO is a financially secure organization—free from bank debt and external control—which allows us to weather economic downturns and provide unwavering support to our partners," Kent explains. He values being part of a company that prioritizes both its employees and its customers, creating an environment focused on trust, sustainability, and mutual success.

JESSE KLOOS

VP of MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING

Jesse joined the organization in 1998 with a primary focus in Engineering. Over the years, he has held several key roles within the company, contributing to engineering process development, new product design (R&D), standardization, compliance, and quality control. He regularly participates in the ANSI B56 Committee for Material Handling Safety Standards, reflecting his commitment to industry-leading practices.

With over 25 years of experience, Jesse is now leading the organization’s strategic initiatives across both Engineering and Manufacturing. He is driving our Lean Manufacturing transformation, advancing process improvements, and reinforcing Rico’s commitment to the highest quality standards in the industry.