OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. (KSM) promotes Gavin Cole to the role of Vice President of Sales and hires Wade Gaines as its new Vice President of Parts.Cole will be responsible for managing the direction of Kirby-Smith Machinery’s corporate sales strategy to support organizational objectives related to its continued growth. He joined the heavy equipment distributor in 2020 as Sales Manager for Fort Worth, Waco, and Abilene.

Cole brings nearly 30 years of senior-level sales management to his position and is extremely familiar with KSM’s markets and customer base. Jeff Weller, Chief Operating Officer for KSM, said that promoting Cole was an easy decision.

“In the brief 18 months that Gavin has served our company as Sales Manager, he has continually proven to be a transformational leader for his sales force,” Weller said. “Gavin will now have the opportunity to instill that same leadership throughout the KSM enterprise as Vice President of Sales. I have personally known Gavin for several years and have always appreciated his passion for doing the right things for his people, customers and the company. Gavin will undoubtedly bring a new standard of excellence to our sales team.”

Cole looks forward to the opportunity to work more closely with KSM’s overall sales team and customers.

“The most rewarding part of working at Kirby-Smith Machinery is the engagement with our great team of employees,” Cole said. “In my new role, I look forward to continuing our growth and sharing our 1KS culture with our customers in the Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri markets. One Mission, One Team, One Plan, and One Goal.”

Gaines will provide strategic oversight of KSM’s parts operations, while also establishing new vendor relationships and growth opportunities. He has over 31 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, most recently serving in various parts sales management roles for Komatsu America Corporation. Gaines also brings significant experience related to equipment distributor and rental company operations to his new role.

Brad Campbell, Vice President of Product Support, said he is excited to add Gaines’ leadership to what is already an experienced parts team.

“Wade is a skilled leader and patient listener who understands how to find the best outcomes to support his people," Campbell said. "I know he will be a great complement to the exceptional parts leadership we have assembled at Kirby-Smith Machinery.”

Gaines’ office will be located at the heavy equipment distributor’s Fort Worth location. He credits the strength of KSM’s leadership, the company’s long-term success, and the overall culture as major factors in his decision to make the move back to the distributor side of the industry.

“I am honored to join Kirby-Smith Machinery and excited to be part of a great company with excellent leadership and quality people," Gaines said. "I look forward to the challenge of strengthening and growing what is an already successful business."