Leadership Team
At GTI Fabrication, the leadership team exemplifies a synthesis of extensive expertise and a unified vision, driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization. With a growing workforce of over 130 employees in Buffalo, NY, and in the process of hiring over 700 employees across our Arizona locations, our leadership is dedicated to guiding GTI Fabrication through its rapid expansion while maintaining a commitment to quality and efficiency. Below is an overview of the distinguished professionals at the helm.
Rich Stapleton – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Rich Stapleton possesses immense and extensive executive leadership experience, underpinning his strategic guidance of GTI Fabrication. As CEO, Rich orchestrates the company’s overarching growth initiatives and operational efficiencies. His robust background in manufacturing and engineering has facilitated GTI’s transformation from a supplier of disaster relief equipment for the Department of Defense into a vanguard of the Energy Storage and Renewable Energy industries. His unwavering dedication to excellence and forward-thinking strategies have solidified GTI’s reputation as a premier industry partner.
Bill Jacobbi – Managing Partner
Bill Jacobbi has been pivotal in defining GTI Fabrication’s trajectory and expanding its market influence. His deep expertise in business development and operational oversight has catalyzed significant milestones, including the strategic expansion into the Energy Storage sector and the launch of GTI’s state-of-the-art Phoenix facility. Bill’s leadership is characterized by an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, iterative process improvement, and an unwavering commitment to client-centric value creation.
Anthony Adragna – Director of New Product Introduction (NPI)
Anthony Adragna directs GTI Fabrication’s New Product Introduction (NPI) division with a focus on fostering innovation from conceptualization through production. Drawing on extensive expertise in product lifecycle management and advanced manufacturing methodologies, Anthony ensures a seamless integration of prototypes into scalable production workflows. His leadership underscores GTI’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and delivering transformative solutions in rapidly evolving industrial landscapes.
Mike Rautenstrauch – Director of Business Development
Mike Rautenstrauch spearheads GTI Fabrication’s business development initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships and propelling market expansion. With a profound understanding of industry dynamics and customer requirements, Mike aligns GTI’s capabilities with emerging opportunities to drive sustained growth. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in enhancing GTI’s footprint within the Renewable Energy sector, while fostering enduring relationships with key stakeholders.
RJ Salow – Director of Quality
RJ is at the forefront of GTI Fabrication’s quality assurance and process optimization efforts. As Director of Quality, he ensures that all operational protocols and deliverables adhere to rigorous industry standards, including ISO certification compliance. With a meticulous approach to quality management and a focus on continuous improvement, Anthony reinforces GTI’s reputation for precision engineering and exceptional reliability. His contributions are integral to maintaining the company’s commitment to delivering superior solutions and sustaining competitive excellence.
Chris Souhlaris – Director of Operations
Chris Souhlaris serves as the Director of Operations at GTI Fabrication, where he is responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations and ensuring efficient, high-quality production across all facilities. With a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and operational management, Chris plays a pivotal role in driving GTI’s commitment to excellence, particularly as the company expands into high-volume, complex markets.
Under Chris’s leadership, GTI has successfully scaled its operations, improving efficiency and workflow while maintaining strict adherence to ISO 9001:2015 quality standards. His strategic approach to operational optimization, coupled with his focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement, has been instrumental in GTI’s growth and ability to meet the demands of its diverse client base.
Chris’s leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment. His ability to manage large teams, coordinate cross-functional departments, and implement effective process improvements has helped GTI maintain its position as an industry leader in fabrication and system integration.
