Meet Our Leadership Team

Our expertise and state of the art equipment are only part of why Geater Machining and Manufacturing is a leading precision machining and sheet metal fabrication company. Our greatest asset is our leadership team who bring their diverse backgrounds and experience to focus our company’s efforts to manufacture the highest quality products for our customers and deliver them on time.

Our Leaders Drive Our Excellence

Meet the Senior Leadership Team
Joe Meier was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2018. He joined the Geater team in 2005 as Machining Manager, holding the position for a year before becoming the Plant Manager. He was promoted to the Vice President of Operations in 2011. He has spent 30 plus years in the field of manufacturing. Joe is a graduate of Upper Iowa University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business.
Joe is a member of Geater’s Advisory Board, Executive Leadership Team, and Senior Leadership Team. He is also a member of CIRAS, (Center for Industrial Research and Services) of Iowa State Extension’s advisory committee, has served on the Manufacturing Technology Advisory Board at the University of Northern Iowa, and sits on several other company boards.
He and his wife Nanci have two grown sons, Bryce and Jordan, and grandchildren, Graceyn and Oberon. Joe enjoys outdoor activities including golf, fishing, hunting, and riding his Harley.
Joe Meier

CEO

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Landon Geater
Executive VP

Landon Geater graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011 with his bachelor’s degree in business management.  Shortly after, he joined the Geater team and has since held various Quality, Engineering, and management roles, leading to his current position as Executive Vice President. In 2017, he received a master’s degree in business administration from University of Upper Iowa.

Landon is a believer in continuous improvement and being a lifelong learner. He serves as a member of the Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership Teams at Geater. Landon also sits on the Advisory Board of the University of Upper Iowa. Landon enjoys the outdoors and is an endurance sports enthusiast.

Landon Geater

Executive VP

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Tyler Sturtz joined the Geater team in 2013 as Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2017. He has over 25 years of progressive financial, operations, and leadership experience.  Tyler is a graduate of The University of Iowa with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Accounting.  He serves as a member of Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co.’s Advisory Board, Executive Leadership Team, and Senior Leadership Team.

Tyler is married to Katie and they have one son, Avery, and one daughter, Kendall, as well as two dogs, Tuukka and Lulu.  He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing golf and is a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Tyler Sturtz

CFO

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Dan Heller
Chief Officer of Operations

Dan Heller joined Geater in 2011 as the Operations Manager.  He became the Plant Manager and was later promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2018.  Dan serves on the Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership Teams.  Dan has over 25 years of comprehensive manufacturing experience.

Dan is a graduate of Upper Iowa University, with a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Dan’s focus is on improving manufacturing methods and the implementation of lean manufacturing processes throughout Geater.

Dan Heller

Chief Officer of Operations

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Jared Graening
VP of Sales

Jared Graening joined Geater in 2024 as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Jared is a growth-oriented enterprise leader with progressive experience in the machining, fabrication, and assembly industry. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Jared has served various roles, including Sales Manager, Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Operations and Sales, and President.

Jared holds degrees from Des Moines Area Community College in Tool & Die Making, the University of Northern Iowa in Industrial Technology, and the University of Iowa, Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA).

Jared Graening

VP of Sales

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Carrie Mattson
Human Resources Director

Carrie Mattson is the Human Resources Director with over 10 years of experience. Her areas of expertise include management; staff development; and recruiting. Carrie is a member of the Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership Teams.

She is a graduate of Upper Iowa University, with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Carrie Mattson

Human Resources Director

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Candace Ratchford
Plant Manager

Candace began her career with Geater in 2013 on the shop floor in the Finishing Department. She was later promoted to Engineering Assistant, where she gained valuable experience supporting engineering and production operations. In 2019, Candace stepped into the role of Master Scheduler, overseeing production planning and helping streamline operational efficiency.

Today, Candace serves as Plant Manager. In this role, she oversees Scheduling, Order Entry and Customer Service, Engineering Assistants, and the Production Shop Floor. She also plays an active role in supporting and improving the company’s ERP system.

Candace joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2022 and continues to contribute to the growth and operational success of the organization.

Candace Ratchford

Plant Manager

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Rachel Lamker
Controller
Rachel Lamker joined Geater in 2010 as Order Entry/Accounts Payable Specialist. She became Accounting Supervisor in 2015 and later promoted to Controller in 2019. Rachel is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Rachel is a graduate of Upper Iowa University, with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Rachel enjoys golfing and attending many sporting events with her family.
Rachel Lamker

Controller

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