GreatStar Tools USA Establishes New Executive Leadership Team

Saddlebrook, NJ – GreatStar Tools USA, whose product lines include Shop-Vac, Pony Jorgensen clamps, and Arrow Fasteners, among other hand tools used by professional and industrial markets worldwide, promoted Arrow Fastener CEO Gary DuBoff to Group President, CEO; Melissa Karlovitch to Group Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer; and James O’Rourke to the role of Group Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

During his time leading Arrow, DuBoff successfully transitioned the business from a family-run enterprise to a professionally managed retail category leader, all while maintaining Arrow’s US manufacturing base in the face of heavy foreign competition. In 2017, he led the team that successfully sold Arrow Fastener Company to Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Company and, in 2019, was named Executive of the Year by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association for his work in mitigating the impact of Chinese tariffs on US-based manufacturing. Before joining Arrow Fastener Company, he spent 17 years in a variety of sales and marketing roles at Masco Bath Corporation, serving the North American shower and bath categories. DuBoff graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BA in communications.

DuBoff will have a robust team of experienced leaders reporting to him: in addition to Melissa Karlovitch and James O’Rourke, Prime-Line Products COO Paul Entwistle, the to-be-named Shop-Vac COO and a newly created COO role for Arrow Fastener, will report to DuBoff.

“As the GreatStar organization continues to grow, especially following its acquisition of the iconic Shop-Vac Corporation [Shop-Vac was acquired in December 2020], it became apparent that a dedicated executive leadership team was needed to guide each of the GreatStar Tools USA brands and position those business units for long-term success,” said Lincoln Reichhelm, chairman, GreatStar Tools USA. “I’m confident the new GreatStar Tools USA leadership team, with Gary DuBoff at the helm, will ensure this strong focus and achieve the established strategic initiatives to support our growth in the tools category.”

In her new role as group VP, CHRO, Melissa Karlovitch will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the HR operation at each business unit, with the HR leaders at those business units reporting to her. Karlovitch has transformed the HR function during her tenure at Arrow, introducing new performance management and organizational review processes, launching a suite of human resource automation tools, and establishing a framework for evolving workplace culture. She was a member of the team that successfully sold Arrow Fastener Company to Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Company in 2017. Prior to joining Arrow Fastener, Karlovitch spent the early years of her career in human resource positions within the architectural coatings industry at Zinsser Company and Rust-Oleum Corporation. Karlovitch graduated from Keane University with a BS in management science.

As the group VP, CFO and Treasurer, James O’Rourke will provide the strategic leadership and oversight for the finance and IT functions in each of the GreatStar Tools USA business units. O’Rourke joined Arrow Fastener Company as the Chief Financial Officer in 2018, and was also named CFO of Prime-Line Products in 2019. In this role, he oversaw all accounting, finance, treasury and IT functions for both businesses. Before joining Arrow Fastener, his early career spanned a variety of finance and accounting roles at Unilever, Thermo Fisher Scientific and various for profit and not-for-profit education companies and institutions. A graduate of Manhattan College, O’Rourke holds both CPA and CGMA certifications.

GreatStar Tools USA is part of Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co., Ltd., one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in Asia, specializing in designing and manufacturing high-quality products for DIY, professional and industrial markets globally.

About Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co., Ltd.

Established in 1993, GreatStar is the leading manufacturer of hand tools in Asia, serving DIY, professional and industrial markets worldwide. GreatStar also manufactures a full range of specialty tools for drywall, masonry, painting, tiling, plumbing and automotive applications, as well as power tools, tool sets and flashlights. GreatStar’s culture of innovation, firm commitment to R&D and extensive customer insight ensure their leading brands and high-quality products meet the specific needs of the consumers and professionals they serve. For more information, visit www.greatstartools.com.

BACK TO NEWS