New CEO for Opifex-Synergy in US

Opifex-Synergy, the major US rental business in the Southern states of the US, has appointed Joseph ‘Jay’ Vaughn III as its CEO.

Vaughn was the CEO and co-founder of Texas-based Opifex. His appointment follows the merger last year of Opifex and Florida-based Synergy Equipment. He succeeds Synergy founder J C Mas, who will become chairman of the board of the combined group.

Opifex-Synergy operates 34 locations in Southern US - across Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama - and is owned by Avance Investment Management, Blackrock, J C Mas, and its executive leaders. Opifex and Synergy operate under their own brands.

Synergy Equipment operates a pump rental division. This pump is being used by a customer in Houston, Texas.

Vaughn is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“This is a proud moment for the team that’s helped build something truly special,” said Vaughn. “We’ve united two strong, values-driven organizations with deep local roots in the country’s most important markets, including 10 of the 22 US cities that drive half of all construction spending.

“I’m excited to lead this next chapter alongside Stefan Gresham, CCO, Jeff Karter, COO, and Scott McPhail, CFO—and we’ll continue to stay close to the field, listening, learning, and building with our people.

“I’m especially grateful to J C Mas, who approached me with a vision for a national rental platform, and I look forward to his continued mentorship.”

Mas said; “Jay’s track record of disciplined growth and innovation makes him the ideal CEO to lead Opifex-Synergy into its next chapter.

“In my many years in this industry, I have rarely seen a leader possess such a powerful combination of entrepreneurial energy, operational expertise, and financial acumen. Jay understands this business from the ground up and moves seamlessly between service technicians and institutional investors.

The company said its next phase of growth would focus on expanding its fleet, making it easier to do business through technology and streamlined processes, and “fostering a culture of engagement and hands-on leadership across every branch.”