OUR TEAM

Inspired, Agile & Dedicated

We’re proud of our team of professionals. Each member of our team is encouraged to dig deeper into training and continually broaden their base of industry knowledge. Our commitment to our customers is shared by each of the members of our team.

HEAR FROM OUR TEAM

Discover what our experts have to say about our commitment to customer service, safety and innovation.

Hear From Our Team

Melissa Hurley

Hear From Our Team

Travis Riehl

Hear From Our Team

Nick Lipari

Hear From Our Team

Tyler Kent

"I started my career in a family owned business working with my Father and Brother. Joining Cascade has brought me back to a company with the same feel and standards that I was longing to get back to. Love working for a family centered company."

Hear From Our Team

Tony Kent

"Cascade Geosynthetics allows me the unbridled ability to serve my customers and community. In my 20 years in this industry, it is such a rare occurrence for a company to care this much about us and our customers. They are not just projects but are our lives."

MEET OUR TEAM

Get to know your local Cascade Geosynthetics team. We think you will be impressed to learn more about the wide variety of backgrounds and expertise that we bring to each project, to each job.

OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Melissa Hurley

General Manager

Melissa Hurley

General Manager

As the General Manager for Cascade Geosynthetics, Melissa oversees daily operations, including the oversight of the budget, staffing, and strategic planning. Beyond these responsibilities, she enjoys learning and growing alongside her colleagues and serving customers in a supportive, creative professional environment.

Melissa has been with Cascade for five years and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. She’s active in several associations such as the Geosynthetic Materials Association, the International Erosion Control Association, and the NW Utility Contractors Association. She holds a bachelors degree in Science from Michigan State University.

Chris Perez

Portland Inside Sales Representative

Chris Perez

Portland Inside Sales Representative

Chris Perez has been working as an Inside Sales Representative at Cascade for just over a year and enjoys the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of his job. He also oversees the warehouse and team of drivers at the Portland location. He has a bachelor degree in Social Sciences and an associates degree in Drafting and Design from Western New Mexico University.

Nick Lipari

Portland Inside Sales Representative

Nick Lipari

Portland Inside Sales Representative

As an Inside Sales Representative, Nick Lipari performs the duties of warehouse manager as well as the logistics manager and lead purchaser at the Portland location for Cascade. He’s responsible for sending purchase orders, receiving and adjusting inventory, maintaining the warehouse and trucks, loading and unloading containers, and completing employee timecards on a weekly basis. In addition to these duties, he also fills an inside sales role.

Nick has an associates degree in Science from the University of Idaho.

Travis Riehl

Portland Technical Sales Representative

Travis Riehl

Portland Technical Sales Representative

Travis Riehl has been with Cascade for five years as a Technical Sales Representative. He draws from nearly 15 years of industry experience to bring outstanding erosion and sediment control solutions to contractors, owners, and engineers. He enjoys the meaningful relationships with industry partners and loves being a part of a company that’s dedicated to building a better world.

Travis is a Marine Corps Veteran. He’s a member of IECA (International Erosion Control Association).

Tyler Kent

Salt Lake City Inside Sales Representative

Tyler Kent

Salt Lake City Inside Sales Representative

Tyler Kent oversees Inside Sales and Operations at the Salt Lake City location for Cascade. Working hand-in-hand with the local team and directly with customers, Tyler’s goal is to ensure each project is executed well by providing quotes, product information, and lead times. He also collaborates with other locations to manage inventory levels. Tyler loves the teamwork between all branches and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Michael Weyer

Salt Lake City Technical Sales Representative

Michael Weyer

Salt Lake City Technical Sales Representative

As a Technical Sales Representative in Salt Lake City, Michael Weyer covers all aspects of customer support to ensure an excellent experience for all. He enjoys quoting projects and collaborating with colleagues to serve customers through to the end of their projects. Michael appreciates working for Cascade Geosynthetics, where it’s clear that customers and employees are valued.

Michael has a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Tony Kent

Salt Lake City Technical Sales Representative

Tony Kent

Salt Lake City Technical Sales Representative

As the Technical Sales Representative for the Cascade location in Salt Lake City, Tony Kent specializes in erosion and sediment control, as well as a particular focus on geotextiles and geosynthetics. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and values the family atmosphere at Cascade, where the team is empowered to serve customers to meet their unique needs, which builds stronger relationships.

Tony has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Weber State University and is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).

OUR CUSTOMER RESOURCES

Bill Murphy, P.E.

Civil Engineer

Bill Murphy, P.E.

Civil Engineer

Bill Murphy is a professional engineer with 30 years of experience. In his role as Civil Engineer, he offers in-house training and is responsible for continuous improvement of engineered products and the development of innovative solutions. He attends various events and conferences to provide continuing education and marketing promotion to engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and many government agencies across all markets. He also offers monthly education online via the Technical Talks webinar series and LinkedIn activity.

Bill has been with the company for 10 years and enjoys the camaraderie among coworkers. He’s a licensed professional civil engineer in the state of Iowa and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Erosion Control Association (IECA). He has a degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University.

Madeleine Kreitler

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Madeleine Kreitler

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Madeleine Kreitler is the Marketing & Communications Specialist. She oversees all brand management activities for the company, including digital marketing, social media management, and sales team support. She’s been with the company for five years and enjoys the friendly culture and work atmosphere.

Madeleine has a degree in Marketing with a minor in Communication from Maryville University.

OUR LEADERSHIP

John Hale

Chief Executive Officer/Owner

John Hale

Chief Executive Officer/Owner

As CEO, John Hale is responsible for leading the Hale Family of Companies toward a prosperous future. He oversees the high-level operations of the multi-specialty company and provides expert guidance to the senior leadership team. His father Ralph was his mentor, teaching him the business at a very young age, with a focus on building relationships and prioritizing the customer.

John earned a degree in Business Finance from the University of Iowa in 1972 and joined his father at Quick Supply Co., which had only a few employees at the time. He was a salesman and chief blaster in those early days and hustled to keep up with the demands of a growing company, knowing that he’d one day become CEO. In 1979, John made his first big investment in the company and purchased property in Mason City, Iowa to expand services within that region.

John is active in the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and the Iowa Limestone Association, as well as multiple state associations across the country. He is proud to carry on the legacy of his father and enjoys seeing the next generation of the Hale family joining the ranks.

Mike Hale

President

Mike Hale

President

Mike Hale began his career in the warehouse at Quick Supply Co., working each summer throughout high school and college. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he assumed a full time position in the explosives division as he began learning what it takes to work in the field, doing shots and blasts. His hard work quickly led to a position in sales where he gained valuable experience in management, including how to run the business.

Mike served as Vice President for nearly 15 years. Under the leadership of his father, John Hale, he began casting his own vision for the future of the company and today strives to build a workplace that stands out from the rest, while taking care of the employees who he considers to be more like family.

As President, Mike takes pride in building more than just a strategic business plan; he desires to build upon the family legacy that began generations ago, by cultivating a talented and dedicated workforce who will continue to keep customers at the forefront of all company initiatives.

Mike is actively involved in multiple aggregate and construction associations around the country, including the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Dan Wicka

Director of Safety & Compliance

Dan Wicka

Director of Safety & Compliance

As the Director of Safety & Compliance, Dan Wicka oversees initiatives that ensure the safety of all employees. He’s also responsible for ensuring the company meets all federal, state, and local regulations to operate within their given regions. Dan has 24 years of experience in safety and 12 years in mining. He’s a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and has an associate degree in Occupational Safety and Health.

Guy Litteken

Vice President of Sales

Guy Litteken

Vice President of Sales

As Vice President of Sales, Guy Litteken inspires his team of sales professionals to grow in profitability and excellence, using his 34 years of industry experience. He started with ASP as an Inside Sales Representative, working his way up from this position, and now serves as a mentor and coach, sharing his expertise with our team.

Guy has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Lee Seaman

Vice President of Operations

Lee Seaman

Vice President of Operations

As Vice President of Operations, Lee Seaman is focused on process improvement, strategic planning, and inventory management to ensure operational efficiency across all construction materials locations. Additionally, he oversees fleet and equipment management, as well as safety protocols.

With nearly 30 years of experience at the company, Lee deeply values the family-oriented culture. Over the years, he worked in the Bridge and Architectural Divisions and previously served as General Manager for all the Bowman locations before taking on his current role as Vice President of Operations. Lee is an active member of the Association of General Contractors and the International Erosion Control Association.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and General Business from Santa Clara University.

Don Thieman

Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor

Don Thieman

Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor

Don Thieman is a member of the leadership team, currently serving as Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor. He began as a Technical Sales Representative in 2001, was promoted to Sales Manager, and later promoted to Vice President of Sales & Operations for the entire Environmental Materials business group. In April of 2025, Don decided to move into the strategic advisor position. His new responsibilities include a special project on operational excellence, marketing support on the website upgrade, and managerial mentoring - all focusing on the customer experience.

Don is a past board member of the International Erosion Control association (IECA), a past president of the Great Rivers Chapter of IECA, and current volunteer floor manager for the IECA Annual Conference. Don has a bachelors degree in Marketing and his MBA with emphasis in Organizational Behavior.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Hear more about career opportunities at Cascade Geosynthetics. Are you committed and hard working, with a deep desire to learn and grow in your career? Every position is important to our success. Join us!

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