Chris Claeys
Greater Detroit,MI
Summary
Visionary leader and strategist recognized for driving change and innovation with new technology in rental equipment industries using mobile battery energy storage systems, power generation, fluid handling, and HVAC rental solutions. Expertise includes strategic planning, market development, and sales and operations team leadership. Background includes engineering roles in the US Navy, supported by advanced degrees in business strategy from the Kelley School of Business.
Overview
30
30
Years in Construction, Industrial, and Specialized Rental
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Market Development
- Sales & Operations Leadership & Team Building
- Leading Change & Innovation
- Crisis Leadership & Emergency Response
- Construction & Industrial Market Expertise
- Startups, Mergers, & Acquisitions
- ESG & Sustainable Rental Solutions
- Mobile Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Pump, Power, & HVAC Rental Solutions
Work History
Vice President, Business Development
Ampd Energy USA
08.2023 - 11.2025
- Drove paradigm shift towards mobile battery energy storage systems in temporary power rental markets.
- Established key partnership, enabling four successful pilot projects in the USA.
- Led global safety initiatives following a serious injury event, achieving zero incidents since implementation.
- Collaborated internationally to standardize partnership strategies across markets.
- Quantified film and media market needs, leading to pilot opportunities with Netflix and Disney.
- Developed innovative use case for electrified tunneling equipment for heavy civil construction and mining.
Director of Sales, Construction
Sunbelt Rentals Climate Control Services
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Drove national construction segment strategy, generating $200MM revenue across 80 locations and 200 sellers.
- Formulated and executed pre-construction 'Spec-In' sales strategy with top US general and mechanical contractors.
- Built and managed a national sales team of 17 strategic account representatives, doubling revenue in 24 months.
- Collaborated with other leaders on integration of Salesforce CRM to enhance sales tracking and reporting efficiency.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive sales training for over 200 sellers through various formats.
- Led IT project to create innovative estimating software for improved project accuracy.
- Directed marketing initiatives across print, social media, and video channels to boost brand visibility.
Regional Manager (Director), Northeast Region
Sunbelt Rentals Climate Control Services
01.2018 - 08.2021
- Oversaw full sales, operational, and P&L responsibilities for eight locations providing engineered climate control solutions.
- Achieved 100% revenue growth over three years while increasing EBITA percentage.
- Crisis Leadership mobilizing first responder teams in the hard hit Northeast during the Pandemic, providing temporary Air Quality & HVAC for temporary field hospitals and medical facilities including New York City.
- Led integration of two acquisitions with complete staff retention.
- Doubled facility capacity by strategically relocating six locations and opening one Greenfield site.
- Developed unique mentor program to double salesforce and realign territories.
- Cultivated cross-divisional relationships within organization, becoming primary collaborator.
- Established new safety culture, acting as a cultural change agent.
- Directed team to successfully close largest construction heat project in company history.
District Manager
Herc Rentals ProSolutions
05.2015 - 12.2017
- Executed startup of six Greenfield locations across Midwest and Northeast, overseeing staffing and budgeting.
- Drove over 250% growth in fleet rental value within 18 months.
- Introduced HVAC and Power solutions, establishing market for complete turnkey rentals.
- Held full accountability for sales, operations, and P&L across all locations.
- Managed comprehensive sales planning to support new location launches.
Regional Sales Manager Midwest
Rain For Rent
02.2003 - 05.2014
- Expanded the rental market from three basic tank rental locations to seven locations delivering fully engineered fluid solutions.
- Mentored five OSRs into advanced and senior positions, enhancing team capabilities.
- Transformed sales team post-2008 recession achieved record-breaking results by re-engineering processes.
- Redesigned territories and sales strategies while removing underperformers and retaining top talent.
- Revitalized a failing profit center, recognized for the best turnaround efforts in 2011.
Machinists Mate Second Class, E-5
United States Navy
09.1989 - 09.1994
- Operated and maintained ship’s power generation, propulsion, HVAC, and desalinization systems.
- Achieved highest qualified E-4 rank in ship’s history for Engineroom Supervisor role.
- Received Commanding Officer Letter of Commendation for leading main engine line shaft bearing replacement during Atlantic crossing.
- Participated in multiple deployments including Bosnia UN Operation 'Deny Flight' and Counter-Narcotics Operations.
Education
Master of Science - Business Strategy
05.2013
Master of Business Administration - Bloomington, IN
05.2012
Executive Leadership Certificate - Chapel Hill, NC
12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
05.1998
- Phi Beta Kappa, Honors College
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Applied Nuclear Engineering Technology - Mechanical Track
01.1990
References
References available upon request.