New President for CANTEX

August, 2019

FORT WORTH, Texas — Cantex Inc. announced that Dave Merker, former Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CANTEX, has been named President of CANTEX effective August 8, 2019. Merker succeeds Don Wirtanen as President, after Wirtanen’s untimely passing in July.

Merker’s extensive sales and management experience in the electrical distribution industry, including 28 years at CANTEX, make him ideally suited to lead CANTEX. Moreover, it is Merker’s ability to implement and manage business strategies to meet the evolving market demands that make Merker the best person to lead CANTEX into the next decade.

Wirtanen hired Merker in 1991 as the Director of Sales and Marketing/Electrical. In 2001, Merker was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, the position he held until he was named President last week. Wirtanen and Merker became an incredible team that helped lead CANTEX to several of the most profitable years in CANTEX history. This tremendous growth necessitated the development of new manufacturing facilities and distribution centers nationwide, taking CANTEX to the forefront of the PVC electrical product market in the United States.

“CANTEX is very well positioned for continued growth, thanks to our exceptional leadership team, employees, sales channel partners and loyal customers. Dave has played a major role in the success of CANTEX. His integrity, work ethic, vision and commitment to CANTEX are undeniable. Everyone at CANTEX is confident that Dave will continue the tradition of customer focus, innovation, and quality initiated by those that led before him. We are extremely enthusiastic about this appointment and we are convinced that this is the choice that Wirtanen himself would have made, since he mentored Dave for 28 years,” explained CANTEX Human Resources VP Ray Gameson.

In addition to the significant contributions that Merker has made to sales growth and market expansion for CANTEX, Merker also spearheaded creating a digital marketing footprint and better brand value for CANTEX PVC conduit, fittings, and accessories. Likewise, Dave has proven his ability to deliver quality, value and superior service to customers in his 28 years of leading sales and marketing at CANTEX.

“Moving up into this position with the loss of my good friend and mentor is bittersweet, but I truly believe the best way to honor Don is to continue to build upon his legacy to CANTEX, including his vision for growth, his standards of excellence and commitment to service. Don was an industry giant along with his giant personality and his gigantic love for Ohio State, his alma mater. With the buckeye that he gave me for luck in my pocket, I know that I will have Don’s backing,” said Merker with a chuckle.

“I am thrilled to lead CANTEX into even greater success in the next decade” added Merker.