After 48 years helping shape Markey Machine, Blaine Dempke passes leadership to Eric Rose as the Seattle manufacturer prepares for its next chapter.
Forty-eight years is a long time in any industry. In maritime manufacturing, it can span the working lives of multiple generations of vessels and, in some cases, the equipment aboard them.
Blaine Dempke spent those years helping shape Markey Machine, a manufacturer of maritime winches and deck machinery. During his tenure, vessel designs, technology and customer expectations evolved, but the relationships built with operators, shipyards and employees remained central to the business.
Now, Markey is entering a new chapter. Eric Rose has assumed the role of President & CEO, succeeding Dempke, who will remain involved as Advisor Emeritus. Rose has also joined the company's ownership group alongside Jeff Dempke, Director of Busine ss Operations, bringing new investment from within the organization and cementing its leadership for the long term.
For Rose, the responsibility is to preserve that knowledge and reputation while preparing Markey for the changing needs of the operators who depend on its equipment.
Dempke’s Career at the Wheel
Few people know Markey’s customers, equipment and history as deeply as Blaine Dempke. Across nearly five decades, he became a trusted presence for vessel operators and shipyards, offering the practical insight and continuity that helped define the company’s reputation.
"Markey's success is built by its people and strengthened by the relationships we've developed with our customers," said Blaine Dempke. "I'm confident in Eric and the leadership team, and I look forward to serving as an advisor as they carry the Markey legacy forward."
As Advisor Emeritus, Dempke will remain available to provide historical and technical perspective to the leadership team.
Carrying the Torch
Rose recognizes both the opportunity and responsibility that come with succeeding Dempke.
"What Blaine built is remarkable, and I don't take it lightly," said Rose. "Markey's name means something on the water because of the people who have stood behind this equipment for generations. My job is to carry that forward, invest in our team and make sure Markey is just as dependable for the next generation of crews."
Rose also emphasized the value of Blaine Dempke's continued involvement and the reassurance of being able to turn to him for advice.
Jeff Dempke, who has spent more than 20 years at Markey, was recently promoted to the new role of Director of Business Operations, connecting the company's internal systems and daily priorities with its long-term strategy.
An Experienced Leadership Team
With the ownership transition complete, Markey is drawing on the experience of its established leadership team while strengthening the areas of the business that will support its next phase of growth. The team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, financial management and customer support, with an emphasis on maintaining the company's technical capabilities, investing in its workforce and responding to the evolving needs of marine operators.
Art Wheatley and Scott Kreis bring more than three decades of experience to their roles as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Sales & Engineering respectively, providing seasoned leadership and a deep understanding of the manufacturing processes, people and coordination required to deliver complex marine machinery. Chief Financial Officer Casey McGarity provides the financial oversight and strategic perspective needed to balance day-to-day operations with investments in the company's future.
Eric Rose, Nick Loeffler, and Ryan Hogge each bring decades of marine industry experience, combining a deep understanding of vessel operations, customer needs and the technical demands of working equipment. Rose's leadership and long-term vision, paired with Hogge's expertise in product support and customer service and Nick leading Project Management, strengthen Markey's ability to serve operators throughout the life of their equipment.
- Eric Rose, President & CEO
- Casey McGarity, Chief Financial Officer
- Scott Kreis, Vice President of Sales & Engineering
- Art Wheatley, Vice President of Operations
- Jeff Dempke, Director of Business Operations
- Ryan Hogge, Vice President of Product Support (newly appointed)
- Nick Loeffler, Director of Project Management (newly appointed)
The two new appointments reflect Markey's emphasis on strengthening product support and coordinating projects throughout the equipment's service life.
A Commitment That Lasts as Long as the Equipment
Markey equipment can remain in service for decades, creating a long-term responsibility to provide parts, technical expertise and field support.
As Vice President of Product Support, Ryan Hogge oversees aftermarket operations, including replacement parts, engineering assistance, field service and Sentinel inspections. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, he is working to expand service access and strengthen customer relationships along the East Coast and Gulf Coast.
"Our customers depend on this equipment for decades, so they need to know they can reach someone who understands it and is ready to help," Hogge said. "Whether a customer is troubleshooting an issue, planning maintenance or simply has a question, we want them to know who to call and feel confident that we will work through it with them."
Hogge is also developing the Markey Authorized Technician network, intended to train and certify regional service technicians and reduce the need for personnel to travel from Seattle.
"We have heard loud and clear that our East Coast and Gulf Coast customers want local support options, and we are listening," Hogge said. "The Authorized Technician network brings Markey expertise closer to home, so a crew can get help faster and spend less time tied up at the dock."
Nick Loeffler, Director of Project Management, coordinates larger projects, including equipment rebuilds involving parts, field service and engineering support. He serves as the customer's primary contact, helping keep work organized across Markey's departments.
Together, the two roles strengthen communication between field service, engineering, manufacturing and customers.
Built by People Who Know the Machine
Behind Markey's equipment are generations of engineers, machinists, fabricators and technicians whose experience extends beyond drawings and specifications. Their understanding of how machinery was designed, built and maintained remains an important part of the company's ability to support customers.
Under Rose, Markey is focusing on stronger coordination between departments, consistent project delivery and greater access to technical support.
"We have an incredible foundation to build on," Rose said. "The knowledge within this company, the quality of our people and the trust our customers have placed in Markey are things we take seriously. Our goal is to honor what Blaine and generations before him have built, while making Markey an even stronger, more responsive partner to the maritime industry for the next 120 years."
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