LOUISVILLE, Ken. – Over the past 10 years, custom metal former Roller Die has grown more than 1,000% and aims to continue that growth. As part of running a growing company, management created the new COO position and promoted the Vice President of Corporate Engineering & Technology, Chris Kovacs, to fill the role.

Kovacs brings nearly 25 years of experience in the roll forming industry to the table and significant exposure to every facet of the roll forming business. He has been an integral part of the senior executive leadership team for many years. His work has helped Roller Die and Forming in Green Cove Springs grow through both organic means as well as through acquisitions.

“I’m excited to bring Chris into a position where he can oversee the operations in the U.S. and Mexico,” said Roller Die and Forming CEO Ray Hammons. “As we continue to focus on growth and expansion, having a strong, well-known leader in place will help us continue to drive our company towards increased innovation, improved technology, strong customer relationships, lean operations, and ensure our infrastructure is in a strong place for continued growth.”

In addition to overseeing operations, Kovacs will work with the senior management team to target new acquisitions, implement employee training systems, increase standardization among the plants, and fine-tune offerings and capabilities to allow Roller Die to continue meeting growth projections.

Kovacs began his career with the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper in the Airborne Infantry 82nd Airborne Division. After spending 10 years in the Army, he moved into roll forming, starting as a tooling design engineer and migrating into various roles throughout Operation, Sales, and Engineering Management, while attending school for mechanical engineering and computer science.

Outside of work, he is the father of a 13-year-old son and is in the process of adopting another child. His hobbies include skydiving, as one would expect from a paratrooper, as well as motorcycle racing, mountain biking, wrestling and mixed martial arts, and any beach time that can be squeezed in.

“We currently have a very flexible, lean, and customer-focused culture, and I believe we are positioned very well to develop customers and products within new markets, as we continually expand the overall capabilities of our organization,” Kovacs said. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to help Roller Die continue on its explosive growth trend and continue to gain market strength and solid positioning for many years to come.”

Pet Paradise opening in Oakleaf in time for holidays

OAKLEAF – Jacksonville-based Pet Paradise will open its fifth resort in Oakleaf in time for holiday boarding, day camp, grooming and veterinary services.

The comprehensive pet care already is accepting reservations ahead of its opening on Dec. 19 at 1611 Isaac Way.

“Our new resort in Oakleaf is opening in time for the busy holiday season,” said Pet Paradise President and CEO Fernando Acosta-Rua. “Pet Paradise Oakleaf utilizes our latest design enhancements and amenities directly related to customer and employee feedback. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive pet care experience all under one roof.”

Pet Paradise Oakleaf highlights include Tiny Town (a section of the resort just for dogs under 30 pounds), a veterinary clinic offering seven-day a week medical care, all-day camp play, VIP camp drop off, a shaded play yard and misting stations, web cam access to watch pets play an early drop off.

Like other Pet Paradise locations, Pet Paradise Oakleaf has an on-site, live-in team member, spacious, climate-controlled indoor suites, synthetic grass play areas, auto-fill water bowls with fresh water systems, a bone-shaped swimming pool and peaceful/private cat condos.

Pet Paradise operates five resorts in Northeast Florida including Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville University Boulevard, Bartram, St. Augustine and Oakleaf.

“As Clay County grows, we want to ensure families have a place in their community to give dogs and cats a premium vacation,” said Acosta-Rua. “Pet Paradise is growing rapidly throughout the South, and we want to offer our innovative and trustworthy pet care options to more families as we expand our footprint in Northeast Florida.”

Pet Paradise Oakleaf is now taking reservations at petparadiseresort.com or 877-PETS-PLAY (877-738-7529).