Above: CEO Mike Gregory and President Kerri Gregory, co-owners of Carell Industrial Solutions
February, 2025- When Mike and Kerri Gregory took ownership of Carell Industrial Solutions in May 2024, they had a big vision. The couple wanted to honor the company’s legacy, showcase skilled trades to engage a new generation and create an enduring future for their children.
The Stapleton, Alabama-based company was formed following a merger of Carell Corp. and Eagle Bending Machines. President and co-owner Kerri Gregory says that in selling to her and her husband Mike, founder David Donnell passed the baton.
“David and his wife built the company from the ground up,” she says. “When he started thinking about retirement, he wanted to find the right successor. He chose us because we were local and he knew we would continue to invest in the business and the people. He believed that, as a team, [we] could take it to a new level.”
Mike and Kerri Gregory foster employee engagement and maintain an inventory of machines, tooling and parts ready to ship.
The couple brings plenty of business experience to this new venture. Mike Gregory was president and chief growth officer with Fortis Health, and is co-owner and CEO for Carell Industrial Solutions. Kerri Gregory was president and owner of Diversified Healthcare.
ROOTS
After spending several decades in the health care industry, their new roles are reminiscent of a homecoming. “For me, it was a chance to reconnect with my roots,” says Mike Gregory. “My father was a mechanic and a fabricator, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the manufacturing world. It’s rewarding to know that every machine we sell is part of the process of creating products used across the U.S. and around the world.”
Carell Industrial Solutions is the exclusive North American distributor for several Italian and Turkish machinery product lines, including Parmigiani, Memoli and Comac. The range of plate and angle rolls, tube and pipe benders and other fabrication equipment are engineered for reliability and longevity.
“The quality and technology behind the Parmigiani equipment, in particular, is unmatched,” says Mike Gregory. “All of our machines are rigorously tested in the field to ensure superior performance in demanding environments. Our suppliers are also constantly incorporating the latest technology to provide machines with advanced electronics.”
To meet a growing demand for custom solutions, Carell’s in-house machine shop produces complex tooling. Sales technicians work with customers to help match the right machine to their needs. The company maintains an inventory of machines, tooling and parts that are ready to ship.
The Gregorys are cultivating relationships among their customers, dealers and employees with a personal touch. “The people who use our machines keep the world running,” says Kerri Gregory. “We’ve made a conscious effort to return to in-person communication.” During COVID, for example, “the industry drifted apart, with many people working from home and relying on virtual meetings. We are committed to reconnecting face to face with our customers.”
The Gregorys cultivate relationships among their customers, dealers and employees with a personal touch.
PARTNERSHIPS
With the goal to strengthen partnerships with its dealers, Carell is providing resources and product education. “Our sales technicians have direct access to our suppliers in Italy and Turkey,” she says. “Being able to tap into the expertise of those who design and build the machines is a big advantage.”
The new co-owners have also been nurturing a culture that fosters employee engagement. Kerri Gregory, in particular, has returned to her own roots by organizing companywide meals. Every Wednesday, she and Mike provide breakfast for the staff, and host Friday cookouts in the warehouse, which is turned into an eatery complete with fold-out tables, a substantial grill and a healthy helping of camaraderie.
“I come from a family of cooks,” Kerri Gregory explains. “Feeding people is something my family has always done. It might seem simple, but breaking bread with someone really helps build connections. It’s been a gamechanger for morale. Our employees’ spouses and kids come by to join us for meals, and we’ve even had our neighboring businesses stop by for a burger. It’s turned our company culture into something more like a family.”
“We hear from our employees every day about how grateful they are,” adds Mike Gregory. “When people feel part of something, they want to do their best. As a result, we’re growing as a team, and so are our brands and partnerships throughout our supply chain. It’s shaping up to be a strong year.”
Carell Industrial Solutions, 251/937-0947, carellcorp.com.
