ABOUT ACE

Keith joined ACE Metal Crafts Company in 1992 and has played a central role in leading the company’s lean journey. Beginning his career in sales engineering before moving to the production floor, Keith helped embed ACE’s customer-first commitment and continuous improvement practices that remain the foundation of its culture today.

 

With a mechanical engineering degree from Northern Illinois University, he combines technical expertise with a deep passion for operational excellence. Keith is also an active supporter of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence and previously served on the board of its Midwestern Region in the United States.

Following leadership roles with Whirlpool, Ryerson, and Inland Steel, Deb joined ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2000 as Sales and Marketing Manager.

 

Over the years, her responsibilities have expanded to include strategic planning, policy development, and achieving company revenue and profitability goals. She has been instrumental in advancing ACE’s customer-first culture, driving significant revenue growth and improved customer satisfaction despite challenging market conditions.

 

Deb values the strong, lasting relationships she has built with both customers and team members, and is dedicated to fostering a culture of teaching, coaching, and personal development.

 

She holds a B.S. from Illinois State University and is an active member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI).

Gary began his career with a boutique CPA and financial planning firm before joining ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2003 as an accountant.

 

Promoted to CFO in 2011, he served through 2016, applying strategic and analytical expertise to empower team members and strengthen operations.

 

Returning to ACE in 2020 as CFO, Gary continues to advance the company’s commitment to teamwork, openness, and accountability. He focuses on developing people, optimizing technology for accurate financial reporting, and streamlining processes for efficiency and growth.

 

Gary earned both his B.S. in Business Administration and Finance and his MBA from Northern Illinois University.

Angela began her career at ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2011 after earning her B.S. from Illinois State University, starting in the purchasing department before advancing into leadership roles.

 

Now serving as Vice President of Manufacturing, she is responsible for driving continuous improvement, creating customer value, and reducing waste across operations.

 

Angela is recognized for her empathetic leadership style, active listening, and responsiveness, qualities that strengthen relationships with both customers and team members.

 

With a passion for growing the business and building a long-term career at ACE, she exemplifies the company’s commitment to people and operational excellence.

 

Angela also holds an MBA from Elmhurst College.

Raphael joined ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2018 as a Fabrication Engineer, bringing nearly 20 years of experience as Operations Manager in his family’s machine shop.

 

His deep knowledge of lean operations and commitment to ACE’s customer-first culture quickly made an impact, and in 2019 he was promoted to Manufacturing Engineer Value Stream Leader for the newly established Machining Division.

 

Today, as Vice President of Operations – Machining, Raphael applies both his leadership background and small business experience to guide strategy, improve efficiency, and strengthen performance.

 

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Technology from Northern Illinois University.

Since joining ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2012, Eric has applied his extensive engineering background to deliver collaborative, customer-focused solutions.

 

He ensures that team members have the knowledge, equipment, and resources needed to complete projects with precision and reliability.

 

Eric’s leadership reflects ACE’s culture of teamwork and continuous improvement, where customer value is created through attention to detail and operational excellence.

 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and pursued additional studies in Industrial Design at the University of Illinois Chicago, blending technical expertise with design insight.

Ray has been part of ACE Metal Crafts Company since 2010, beginning as a project engineer where his problem-solving skills quickly stood out. He advanced through roles as layout engineer and project manager before taking on broader leadership responsibilities.

 

Ray has been instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives, including the successful implementation of ACE’s ERP system, which enhanced efficiency and operational visibility across the company.

 

Known for his technical expertise, strategic thinking, and team-first mindset, he reflects ACE’s core values by combining deep customer understanding with process and technology excellence.

 

Ray holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jeff has been an integral part of ACE Metal Crafts Company since 2009, bringing a passion for customer service that defines his role as Vice President of Sales.

 

With expertise in building and sustaining relationships, he ensures ACE’s customer-first promise is delivered across every account.

 

Jeff is known for becoming part of the customer’s work family, gaining a deep understanding of their needs and working tirelessly with his team to exceed expectations.

 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Augustana College, where he also excelled as a student-athlete, contributing to the baseball team’s record-setting regional ranking.

Chris joined ACE Metal Crafts Company in 2024 after more than two decades in engineering and manufacturing leadership—and years as an ACE customer who admired the company’s integrity, precision, and people-first culture.

 

He holds bachelor’s degrees in Materials Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and Purdue University Northwest.

 

As Vice President of Engineering, Chris leads with collaboration and care, turning technical excellence into trust and shared success.
 

Marty joined ACE Metal Crafts Company in 1985, following in the footsteps of his father, who worked as a polisher.

 

Over the past 40 years, his career has spanned nearly every area of the company, from shipping and receiving to punch press operation, estimating, flat laser, and leadership roles including VP of Production.

 

Now serving as a Value Stream Leader, Marty is known for helping team members bridge the gap between vision and achievement.

 

Fluent in English and Spanish, he embodies ACE’s values through emotional intelligence, calm leadership, and the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and customers alike.