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David R. Thalenfeld, known as “Bud” to family and friends, was a hardworking businessman, devoted family man, and the founder and inspirational leader of Trion Industries. His early business career included running a chain of 5 & dime stores in the New York City region, where he developed his concepts that led to the foundation of Trion Industries in 1965. Formed with two other partners, David eventually bought them out and relocated to Wilkes-Barre PA, where he taught his son John the family business. David was a board member and treasurer of POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International) and a founding member of WiFAB (The Wire Fabricators Manufacturers Association), which evolved into the present day PDMF Permanent Display Manufacturers Forum. He was inducted into the POPAI Hall of Fame and held over 88 patents for display innovations.
David served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 11th Bomb Squadron in China during the Second World War, then he attended classes at New School University. His favorite story (and something that is hung up around the Trion offices and factory) is at a business conference, when asked what he wanted to do, his immediate answer was, “I want to have the best factory in the world making what we make and I want to have a lot of fun creating it.”
Born in Queens, New York, in 1956, John Thalenfeld has worked his way up the ranks at Trion Industries, first in 1972 as a packer, to the current President and CEO. Being the son of David Thalenfeld, John learned first hand experience working in the family’s 5 & dime store as a child, and later working directly under his father at newly formed Trion.
After attending New York University and Wilkes College, John was a moving force behind relocating the factory to Wilkes Barre PA, and has advanced an environmental stewardship and community and employee engagement agenda unique to Trion.
John passed away unexpectedly in February 2024. All who knew him, his corporate endeavors, and years of involvement in community charitable efforts mourn this unfathomable loss. The corporation’s officers, management, and employees pledge to carry on with all of John’s undertakings in his absence. John would want us to continue serving our customers and our community to the best of our abilities.
The CFO of Trion Industries, Sam Rostock, has an education from the University of Scranton, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting as well as a Master of Business Administration in Finance. Following graduation, Sam worked as a certified public accountant, a financial planner, and an educator. Sam enjoys golf and basketball, as well and historical research and woodworking.
The Director of Distribution & Logistics here at Trion has over 20 years experience in manufacturing, distribution, and customer service. His educational background includes the Breeden School of Welding, Penn State University for Business Administration and Logistics, and the Juran Institute for Total Quality Management.
He loves his wife, two sons, and friends, and is a PA football fan, rooting for Penn State and the Steelers. His personal mantra is “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” – Ronald Reagan.
As the Director of marketing Communications at Trion, Tony directs Trion advertising. A background in engineering, planning, network administration, electronic prepress, copywriting, and agency work, not to mention three degrees from Penn State, are all applied to Trion’s mass media involvements. Madly in love with his wife and devoted to his family, Tony’s life mantra is “Confront the universe with good intentions. It will reward those intentions. Just not in the way you expect.” – G’Kar, Babylon 5.
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Mike Gagatek, has 28 years of experience in machine shop and tool room management as well as extrusion, stamping, and wire-form machinery. Having acquired his engineering training from Luzerne County Community College, he is the perfect candidate for the Quality Assurance Manager. Loving all things machinery, Mike is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys motocross.
Years of experience as an accomplished sales and marketing professional contributes to Craig Weiskerger’s position as Trion’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Since graduating from Bloomsburg University, his leadership has been enriched by highly successful roles spanning the salt, oil & gas, and manufacturing markets. Craig enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, listening to music, kayaking, and skiing.
“Surround yourself with good people. Remind yourself that there are more good people than bad people in the world, and we need to speak up.”” – Unknown
As the director of engineering, Rich’s education at Penn State in Mechanical Engineering as well as his 17+ years in machine and product design are invaluable. His experience ranges from design to sales, all focused on the fixtures for retail and POP industries. His school heritage remains, as Rich is an avid Penn State football fan, as well as a Penguin’s hockey fan. Rich also enjoys listening to music, spending time with his family, and riding motorcycles.
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