Jim Johnson to Retire from Sommer & Maca; Gagen Named New VP

After 26 years of service with Cicero, Ill.-based Sommer & Maca Industries, executive vice president Jim Johnson has announced he will retire in March. "A long time ago, I decided to set a goal of retiring when I reached 70 years old. I will reach that goal in March," says Johnson. "In 1974 I sold a business and had to be available to help the new owner for three months. Having all that free time sounds like fun but it was totally boring. So, that's when I decided to work until I was 70--young enough to be active and old enough to begin to slow down."

Johnson began his career at Sommer & Maca in 1980 as national sales manager and later served as vice president of sales before being named executive vice president. In 2001, he was inducted into the Glass & Metal Hall of Fame™. "I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people at Sommer & Maca and treasure having worked with our valued customers, key vendors and leading media people," says Johnson. "By being active in the industry I have had an opportunity to give back to the industry, having served on numerous flat glass and auto glass committees; the personal relationships formed by committee work have lasted my entire career."

Johnson has a degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. While there he was a member of the ROTC and after graduating he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. After serving in the Army he began a career in retail sales with JC Penney and then later handled sales for a large oil company. He owned his own franchise consulting business for the petroleum industry for 11 years and during that time he earned his master's degree in education from St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Upon his retirement Johnson plans to spend more time doing the many activities he enjoys and also with his family.
"Since my three children and seven grandchildren live in the same metro area I'll be available to attend more family and school events," he says. "I also plan to do volunteer work for my church, college and local men's service club."
Succeeding Johnson, Jim Gagen has been named the new senior vice president. Gagen will be responsible for the sales of all product categories, as well as other tasks. He has executive experience with adhesive manufacturers PRC and Permatex.

Also new with the company, Bob Granahan has been appointed regional sales manager for the 13 Midwestern states.