With great gratitude and, admittedly, more than a little sadness, I share the news that Glenn Maile will retire from L.D. Davis at the end of 2026, following an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades in the rigid box industry.
For those who know Glenn, it will come as no surprise that his remarkable career began with something he has done throughout his life: figuring out how things work and finding a way to make them work better.
The story goes back to Glenn's high school years, when he was riding motorcycles with a friend and impressed his father, Kent Holland, who worked at FMC (Food Machinery Corporation), with his exceptional mechanical ability. Kent immediately recognized Glenn's talent and asked what he planned to do after graduation. When Glenn said he wasn't quite sure, Kent offered him an opportunity at FMC.
That opportunity launched a career that would ultimately leave a lasting mark on the rigid box industry.
Glenn began his career at FMC in 1977 and worked there until 1981. As the future of FMC's rigid box division became uncertain, he moved on to Eastern Container and CGS Thermodynamics. Then, in 1984, Dick Smith and Charlie Crathern purchased FMC's rigid box division and formed Crathern & Smith.
One of their first calls was to Glenn.
They knew exactly the kind of person they wanted on their team.
From 1984 through 1999, Glenn continued to build what would become one of the finest reputations in our industry. During those years, he watched companies grow, change ownership, merge, and sometimes disappear altogether. Through every transition, however, one thing remained constant: Glenn's reputation only became stronger.
Customers trusted him. Competitors respected him. And colleagues genuinely enjoyed working with him.
After Crathern & Smith changed hands and eventually became Crathern Machinery Group, Glenn saw that another transition was coming and moved to Jesco in Baltimore. Jesco was well known for producing beautiful leather slipcases, including those made for National Geographic collectors. Unfortunately, the company eventually faced the challenges of rapid expansion and changing markets.
Glenn left Jesco on good terms, and once again, timing and opportunity came together.
As fate would have it, Emmeci was entering the North American market and looking for someone who truly understood rigid box equipment and, just as importantly, understood the people who used it.
No one was more qualified than Glenn Maile.
Glenn joined Emmeci in 2000 and served as their leading North American salesperson for the next 18 years. During that time, Glenn sold an extraordinary percentage of Emmeci equipment throughout North America and played a major role in establishing Emmeci as a significant force in our industry.
By the time Emmeci changed ownership for the second time, Glenn was beginning to consider what might come next.
That is when I decided to make my move.
Many years earlier, my father gave me one of the best pieces of business advice I have ever received:
“Hire the best people you can find, and they'll find their place.”
Dad was absolutely right.
I can still remember my rather sophisticated recruiting pitch to Glenn in late 2018. It went something like this:
“Come to work for Davis. We'll find something for you to do.”
Fortunately, Glenn took the chance on us.
Hiring Glenn was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
His knowledge of rigid box equipment is simply second to none. Over nearly five decades, Glenn has seen just about everything in this business. He understands equipment, applications, customers, production challenges, and, perhaps most importantly, what it takes to solve problems in the real world.
But Glenn's technical knowledge is only part of what makes him special.
What has always impressed me most about Glenn is his character.
Glenn is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. He smiles at everyone, stays calm under pressure, and treats people with genuine respect. He is humble, thoughtful, and always willing to help.
But never mistake Glenn's kindness for weakness.
If you found yourself debating Glenn about rigid box equipment, or the industry in general, you had better know your facts, because Glenn certainly knew his. His opinions never came from ego, exaggeration, or a desire to tell someone what they wanted to hear. They came from decades of experience, careful observation, and an unwavering commitment to getting things right.
Glenn has always been refreshingly straightforward.
He doesn't exaggerate. He doesn't make promises he cannot keep. And he doesn't tell customers what they want to hear simply to make a sale. His honesty and integrity have made him more than a salesperson: a trusted advisor and a trusted friend.
Throughout his years at L.D. Davis, Glenn has represented our company with professionalism, honesty, humility, and class. He has built lasting friendships with customers and colleagues throughout North America and Europe. He has shared his knowledge generously, mentored others, and helped make all of us better.
His steady hand, positive attitude, sense of humor, and willingness to help others have left a lasting mark on L.D. Davis and on our culture.
And, personally, I am proud and grateful that Glenn chose to spend this final chapter of his extraordinary career with us.
On behalf of everyone at L.D. Davis, and I know I can speak for many of our customers, suppliers, industry friends, and colleagues as well, thank you, Glenn.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Thank you for the knowledge and experience you have shared so generously.
Thank you for the trust you have earned throughout an entire career.
And thank you for everything you have done for L.D. Davis.
We are a better company because Glenn Maile chose to join our team.
While we will certainly miss seeing Glenn every day, we are also incredibly happy for him as he begins this well-earned next chapter of his life. We hope retirement brings him good health, wonderful times with his family, opportunities to travel, and plenty of time to enjoy all the things that a lifetime of hard work has earned.
You have made a difference.
You have more than earned your retirement.
And you will always be a part of the L.D. Davis family.
With admiration, gratitude, and respect,
Tripp Davis
President
L.D. Davis Industries, Inc.
P.S. Before anyone gets too concerned, Glenn is not getting away that quickly, or that easily. He will keep his phone and laptop through 2027, plans to join many of our Monday morning calls, and will continue helping us sell the remaining Emmeci equipment. So, while Glenn may officially retire on December 31, 2026, I suspect we will still be hearing from him for quite some time, and we wouldn't have it any other way.