As GAWDA celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2025, it’s fitting that this year’s theme is “Sustaining a Resilient Culture.” While the technology continues to change, the backbone of our industry and association have remained remarkably consistent through these eight decades and it is due, in large part, to the culture that has been built by the membership of GAWDA (and NWSA before it). This year’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee take their duty as stewards of that culture extremely seriously, as we look to continue to sustain that culture for the next 80 years
Our volunteer leaders are on the front lines of the industry and can take the issues facing our industry and help to craft an effective strategy for the association. Members of the Board of Directors are here to serve the membership. The next few pages provide an opportunity to get to know this year’s volunteer board. We thank the 2024-2025 GAWDA Board for their help in putting this together and for their service on the Board.
We asked this year’s GAWDA Board of Directors two questions: one get to know you question and fun question to get to know them on a more personal level. These were their answers.
THE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What is your favorite part about working in the gases and welding industry?
Question 2
What is your go-to karaoke song? (Don’t be lame and say you don’t do karaoke. Everybody has a go-to song!)
Eric Wood, GAWDA President
O.E. Meyer Company
- Hands down, the people. I love the way everyone in the industry, regardless of titles or financial successes, wakes up and “gets dressed one leg at a time.” I have never once been told by a manufacturer, customer, or a peer in our industry, “no, I can’t help you.”
- It’s been a long time, but it used to be, “Thunder Rolls,” by Garth Brooks.
Allison Earlbeck, President-Elect
Earlbeck Gases & Technologies
- The eclectic backgrounds of the people who work in it. And, of course, the people themselves. It’s not uncommon to see a CEO who started as a truck driver or a sales representative who began as a warehouse worker. Because there isn’t a specific degree required to enter many of the job opportunities our industry offers, we are able to hire for attitude and train for skill. This creates an industry filled with hardworking, down-to-earth individuals who are helpful and humble and get things done.
- “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash. Always a classic.
Kevin Falconer, First Vice President
Minneapolis Oxygen
- The people I’ve met being in this industry is easily my favorite part! Along with that though, if I were selling our industry to someone who isn’t currently in it, I would say that our industry offers stability to our business and workforce because of the diverse applications our products are used for. The industry also offers a lot of opportunities for hands-on work as well as the opportunities to take advantage of innovation and technology as the needs of industry and individuals continuously grow and change.
- My truthful answer is also the lame one, I do not do karaoke. But if I had to make a choice it would be something that would make others join in like “Friends in Low Places” or “Sweet Caroline.”
Colleen Kohler, Second Vice President
Noble Gas Solutions
- Originally, my interest to get involved in welding and gases came from me desiring to follow in my father’s footsteps. As I got older, and more involved in the industry, my interest grew to become more than just being my father’s legacy. I enjoy working with our customers to help optimize how they use our products and to arrive at impactful solutions that contribute to their success. Most of all, I treasure the lifelong friendships and connections I have made being in this industry.
- My go-to karaoke song is “Stay” by Lisa Loeb. It’s a classic crowd pleaser.
Gary Halter, First Past President
Indiana Oxygen Company
- I love the challenges that this industry presents, along with the fact that you never stop learning about your customers, their needs, new technology and our own people and strategies to continue to improve. Also, and, for me, most importantly, I truly enjoyed the relationships and true friendships that I have developed over the 30 or so years I have been in this business.
- My go to karaoke song is “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin from 1974 and “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi from 2003…and to add another song that really doesn’t apply but I really enjoy singing is a Christmas song called “O Holy Night.”
Albert Castillo, Vice President
The Lincoln Electric Company
Brad Dunn, Vice President
CK Supply
- My favorite part of our industry is the incredible people. Even better, is when I get to collaborate with these smart, talented individuals to creatively solve problems that lead to better outcomes for our employee-owners and customers. Here’s a tip: there are people out there who are eager to share their experiences and cheer you on as you work toward success. Building relationships within this industry is key—when you invest in connections, you’ll find support and solutions for almost any challenge you face.
- As for a song, while it’s not my typical “go-to,” it’s a personal goal of mine to one day sing a duet of the iconic Canadian rock anthem, “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, alongside our very own GAWDA rock star, Gary Halter. I’m sure it would be an (un)forgettable experience!
John Hill, Vice President
Willard C. Starcher, Inc.
- My favorite part about working in the gases and welding industry is the personal relationships I have developed with Vendors, Customers, and other Distributors. Since this is a highly specialized industry, you get to know a lot of the people involved in all the different steps of distribution. I’ve been doing this for many years, but I still learn from my interaction with these folks.
- My “go-to” song is Billy Ocean’s “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going.”
Justin Johnson, Vice President
Keen Compressed Gas Company
- The Relationships – since becoming more involved with GAWDA over the last 10-15 years, my network of industry peers and friends has grown exponentially. This expansion in my network has allowed me the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders within our industry, and further my development as a leader within my own organization. I am a believer in the notion of “it’s not what we do, but how we do it,” and leaning on the relationships I have formed with mentors and friends across this industry gives me faith and confidence in our business and industry as a group.
- Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Jason Kirby, Vice President
Central McGowan, Inc.
- There are so many things I like about working in the gases and welding industry. The industry friends and their willingness to help one another is probably my favorite part of working in this industry. I also like that I learn something new every day, whether it’s driven by customers’ needs, a new product or process, there is always something new to learn in this industry.
- “Regulate” by Warren G.
Nicole Kissler, Vice President
Norco
- In many ways, I’ve grown up in the gases and welding industry, attending events with my grandpa, Larry Kissler and my dad, Jim Kissler. The people have always been my favorite part—it’s the relationships, shared experiences, and success stories that make this industry so special. Working with such a supportive, knowledgeable and fun group has made it a rewarding journey from the very start. The servant leadership in the industry, the sense of community and the chance to learn from experienced professionals makes work even more enjoyable.
- I’m not one to participate in karaoke, unless I can be in the audience and cheer for those singing, but I am one to sing along with my kids in the car or the kitchen. “‘Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson is a favorite song of my son, Jameson, and was one of the first concerts we took him to. When I asked him his favorite song for karaoke, Jameson mentioned “Thunderstruck” by ACDC…I don’t think he understands karaoke yet, I’ll have to bring him to a fun GAWDA event for him to experience it firsthand.
Liz McMurphy, Vice President
ILMO Products Company
- The work is never boring because there are always new challenges. I also love meeting people from other companies in the industry and building relationships that are mutually beneficial, often based on genuine friendships. You learn so much all the time by working with others in the industry.
- “Wanna Be” by the Spice Girls. I grew up in the 90’s after all!
Doug Morton, Vice President
Eleet Cryogenics
- I have had the privilege of being involved in the industrial gases business for 35 years, and it has been an incredibly rewarding
experience. This industry runs deep in my family—my grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin all spent the majority of their careers in this field as well. Thanks to the resilience and diversity of this industry, none of us have ever gone without. Over the years, what I have valued most are the relationships I’ve built and the down-to-earth people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Integrity and transparency have always been at the core of how I operate—treating others the way I’d like to be treated and striving to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. One of the highlights of my career has been attending GAWDA meetings, which feel like a big family reunion. It’s always refreshing to catch up with so many long-term acquaintances, and these connections have played a big part in making my career both successful and enjoyable. - I used to listen to “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas a lot, and it always served as a reminder not to get too caught up in the fleeting, superficial things of life. The song has a way of putting things into perspective—everything is temporary, and in the end, much of what we stress over doesn’t really matter. Life is short, so it’s important to focus on what truly makes a difference.
Bob VanKirk, Vice President
Messer
- My favorite part of working in the industry is always about the people and the ability to interact with so many people at so many levels across the distributor business. There is a certain element about the partnership approach to working with distributors that is very different than “normal” business interactions. Without a doubt the most fulfilling aspect of working in this industry for so long.
- I really don’t have a song – trust me! So, I’ll just go with whatever Gary Halter’s is!
