GAWDA celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2025. This year marks the first step in the journey toward the next 80 years. It comes at an interesting time in our industry. Companies continue to consolidate as one generation leaves a knowledge and experience gap as they transition to retirement. At the same time, companies are increasingly looking to machines to replace some of that lost productivity through automation and AI. However, this year’s theme, “Human in Advantage in the Digital Age,” reminds us of something GAWDA members fundamentally understand to be true. This is a relationship industry. And while the X’s and O’s may change, the game remains the same.
Our volunteer leaders are on the front lines of the industry and can take the issues facing our industry and help 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 2025-2026 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 business-focused question and one fun question to get to know them on a more personal level. These were their answers.
THE QUESTIONS
Question 1
What do you think the biggest misconception about our industry or the association is that you would like to clear up?
Question 2
What is the best book, podcast, or TV series you have enjoyed recently?
Allison Earlbeck
President, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies
One of the biggest misconceptions is that GAWDA just puts on trade shows. Our meetings are the most visible part of what we do, but they represent just a fraction of the value GAWDA delivers. The reality is that GAWDA supports its members 365 days a year. We provide continuous education through virtual learning opportunities like the Safety Managers’ Safety Meeting, GAWDA University, and the GAWDA MBA. We share best practices and peer-driven insights through members-only resources on our website, and keep our community informed with timely industry news through GAWDA TV and Welding & Gases Today.
Most notably, GAWDA gives members direct access to industry-recognized experts and consultants to ensure we operate safely and in compliance with DOT, DHS, EPA, OSHA, FDA, medical gases, and government policy. GAWDA plays an essential role in helping our members operate safer, smarter, and more successfully.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. Yes, it is a book on time management and productivity, but what makes it powerful is that it turns the concept on its head. Rather than trying to “master” time, it teaches you to accept that our time is finite…and always will be. The sooner you let go of the illusion that you can do it all, the sooner you’re empowered to focus on what truly matters. You’re able to be more present, more intentional, and ultimately enjoy the life you’re living instead of racing toward an impossible finish line.
KEVIN FALCONER
President-Elect, CM2 Supply
- The biggest misconception is that our industry is dirty, dangerous, old-school, or not “cool.” While there are inherent risks, the industry is heavily regulated; safety is a top priority, and technology continues to make operations safer and more automated. I also think that our industry is a highly tech-savvy industry that uses robotics, automation, digital monitoring, and more. We also support a wide range of critical sectors—medical, food, defense, infrastructure, energy, and more. We do much more than serve weld shops.
- I’ve enjoyed a few audiobooks. Fans First by Jesse Cole (Owner of The Savanah Bananas) and a historical adventure called River of Doubt by Candice Millard about Teddy Roosevelt exploring the Amazon River. As far as a show is concerned, I’ll go with The Agency.
NICOLE KISSLER
First Vice President, Norco
- That’s tough, because I usually talk to people who love our industry! If I had to choose a possible misconception, it would be the belief that our industry doesn’t impact the work they are doing. The truth is that the products and services we provide affect people’s everyday lives, sometimes in ways that often go unnoticed. It’s easy to get passionate about the work we do because of the variety and diversity of customers and projects we get to be a part of and work to support.
- I’ll share a few books, a podcast, and a couple of TV series instead of just one. My kids bought me Because of You, Mom for Christmas, so we read that one every night. Also, Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado has been a fulfilling book that I am rereading with my 5-year-old daughter. I like to listen to “The Joe Rogan Experience” because he interviews a ton of interesting people. My husband and I have been watching Landman recently, but I am always open to new suggestions, for when I get to travel and can watch something on the plane. My all-time favorite TV series is Friends. Those episodes never get old!
JUSTIN JOHNSON
Second Vice President, Keen Compressed Gas Company
- I feel the biggest misconception about GAWDA is that our meetings (specifically our national meetings) are only for C-Suite or executive representation from member companies. Especially at the SMC, over the years, I have noticed a revamped diversification of experience and title in attendance at our meetings. This inclusive culture is healthy for the association and cultivates new ideas, leadership, and an industrial community.
- Although the show is 15 years old, I just finished the first season of Homeland. In a recent search for new content to watch, I ran across this show and have been locked in ever since the first episode. I look forward to 8 more seasons ahead of me, but I need to be sure no one ruins it for me, as I am sure I am the only one in my position.
ERIC WOOD
First Past President, O.E. Meyer Co.
- I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that serving as a GAWDA Board member or on the Executive Committee requires a time commitment that creates imbalance or negatively impacts your ability to run your business. In my experience, the time commitment is very manageable. I’ve also seen firsthand how much of the heavy lifting and day-to-day responsibility is handled internally by the GAWDA staff, which allows volunteer leaders to stay focused, engaged, and effective without compromising their businesses.
- I’ve been listening to the “Unashamed” podcast with the Robertson family. With so much negativity in the news, I’ve found it to be a really positive and grounding daily listen.
BEN BLACK
Vice President, Butler Gas Products
- One of the biggest misconceptions is that our industry is purely competitive. In reality, it’s one of the best examples of how competitors, suppliers, and customers can also be partners. We rely on one another for safety, logistics, innovation, and continuity of supply, and that collaboration ultimately strengthens the entire industry and better serves end users.
- Weapons of Mass Deception by Adam F. Jones. It is a thought-provoking read on how narratives are shaped and why critical thinking is more important than ever.
JOSH DAVIDHIZAR
Vice President, Indiana Oxygen Company
- Prior to joining Indiana Oxygen in 2018, I did not know much about the gas and welding industry. A former coworker of mine had recently taken a CFO role at a very successful pontoon boat company in Elkhart, Indiana, and while meeting me for coffee one day, he asked, “So, are you still selling air?” If I had known then what I know now, I would have told him, “If you don’t have our gases, you don’t have a pontoon!” Our business is far more than “air,” and it did not take long for me to see how essential and valuable we are as an industry—not only in the products we provide but also through the added value of helping our customers improve their processes through automation and advancing technology. We may not be selling flashy pontoons, but what we provide is critical to many different industries.
- We are in year two of our Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), or Traction, rollout within our company, and I’ve enjoyed reading the various books related to EOS (e.g., Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, What the Heck is EOS, Rocket Fuel, The EOS Life). It is a different way to approach running our company, and it is exciting to see how much we have grown and improved our business through EOS.
TIMM EVANS
Vice President, CK Supply, Inc.
- How much our industry is involved in critical roles in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, food, agriculture, medical, and automation markets. We provide more than products – we provide solutions, support, and training that directly impact productivity and safety for our customers. When you say “Building America,” our industry does this every day!
- How it’s Made, because it highlights skilled trades associated with our business, as well as behind-the-scenes at real processes that we may not be associated with. Sometimes, you don’t want to know what goes into your favorite snack…
WILL GENTRY
Vice President, Maine Oxy
- The biggest misconception about our industry is that it’s a boring industry to be in. It’s exciting to service over 30 different industries and have a hand in so many aspects of our society.
- The best book I’ve read recently is Your Next 5 Moves by Patrick Bet-David.
ERICH HAUN
Vice President, Haun Welding Supply
- One of the biggest misconceptions of the industry is that what we provide is a commodity. Getting your customers to realize that the cost of our services is an insignificant portion of the cost of their operation. Working with someone who will be there for you when you need it is a lot more valuable than saving X% on your cylinder gases, just to be hit with a Force Majeure when supply is challenging.
- @WildHomestead, a YouTube channel about a guy leaving the rat race to build a cabin in the woods and live off the land.
DAVE LAMBERT
Vice President, Miller Electric
- A common misconception is that welding is a mature industry with limited innovation and static career paths. From my perspective, as an OEM partner and board member, welding is evolving rapidly. Our industry is driven by advances in automation, materials, software, and data, requiring close collaboration across manufacturers, distributors, and end users. Welding itself is more of a frontline technology career disguised as a skill, and the strength of our industry depends on how well we work together to modernize the customer and workforce experience.
- The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods. The general theme encourages shifting one’s view from seeing AI as a threat to embracing it as a force multiplier where the future will belong to those who use AI strategically, as a thought partner, not just a tool. AI should amplify human decision-making and creativity, not replace it.
DOUG MORTON
Vice President, Eleet Cryogenics, Inc.
- Most people who are not familiar with our industry and hear that I am in the cryogenic tank business assume that we freeze bodies. I let them know that it is a very small percentage of the business and that industrial gases are used in many applications, from hospitals, laser cutting, steel mills, etc., and that this diversification lends itself to less vulnerability to market changes.
- One of my favorite shows to watch is Shark Tank. I enjoy seeing entrepreneurs present innovative products and how they negotiate deals to be able to scale their business to the next level.
BOB VANKIRK
Vice President, Messer
BILL WOODS
Vice President, Reliant Holdings, Ltd
- One of the biggest misconceptions about our industry is that it’s old or outdated. In reality, our member companies are at the forefront of innovation, adopting advanced technologies that elevate safety, quality, and service for customers. And our customer base extends far beyond traditional welding shops. We support a wide spectrum of highly technical operations—from semiconductor manufacturing to aerospace and space exploration—demonstrating just how essential and forward-looking this industry truly is.
- Only Murders in the Building.
