Executive Team Bios

 ERIC MERTZ

Eric Mertz was appointed as President and CEO of The Caldwell Manufacturing Company in October 2008. He has an extensive and successful track record in engineered products, manufacturing and business-to-business sales. Prior to joining Caldwell, Eric worked for Inalfa Roof Systems, a supplier of automotive sunroof systems, for 12 years where he held leadership positions in Engineering and Operations. Between 2005 and 2008, Eric served as an executive director on the company’s board as well as CEO of the European Operations, the companies largest business unit.

Eric is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and received his bachelors’ degree from Ferris State University in Product Design Engineering in 1991. Eric resides with his family in upstate New York.

Most recently Gary was the President and COO of ClearCove, growing that company from a start up in the water and energy equipment solutions to an industry leader of innovation in that industry.  As President of Unisource Global Solutions (a Bain Capital Company), Gary built the Company’s international footprint, implementing world-leading (sustainable) packaging engineering and manufacturing solutions. 

Gary spent over 20 years in the semiconductor and computer systems industries. He was Senior Vice President of Sales and Field Operations at Nu-Horizons. While at Pioneer Standard Electronics, where he managed the Strategic Accounts and Electronic Manufacturing Services businesses as Vice President and expanded the operations internationally.

Bob joined Caldwell in 2019 as CFO. He has more than 30 years of global experience in management, finance, accounting, sales, information systems and human resources. Immediately before joining Caldwell, Bob was CFO at Alleson Athletic, where he successfully led the sale of the private company and led the subsequent integration into a private equity owned portfolio company.

Bob also spent 16 years as partner at JC Jones and Associates, a turnaround, audit and business process improvement consulting firm.  Prior to JC Jones Bob spent 12 years with Bausch & Lomb, including 5 years in London as VP of Finance and IT.  Bob began his career with Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC.

A human resource professional with 25 years of experience, Gidgett Ingalls joined Caldwell Manufacturing North America, LLC in 2012 as Director of Human Resources and Strategic Planning and was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in 2018.  Previously Gidgett was Vice President of Human Resources and Strategic Planning at SIGMA Marketing Group and in Human Resources Leadership positions at Global Crossing.

She has a thorough understanding of all aspects of Human Resources, with significant experience in the areas of talent management, performance management, compensation, employee development, employee relations, HR Metrics, succession planning, employee orientation, training, and recognition programs. Recognized for her strong analytical and strategic planning and problem-solving skills, Gidgett is a results oriented leader. Her communications and project management capabilities, and commitment to team work, has enabled Gidgett to develop programs that have improved employee engagement that directly correlates with high performance organizations and business success.

Gidgett earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Labor Relations at Cornell University. She is certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is a member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a member of the National Human Resources Association (NHRA).