McSweeney Designs Names New COO

Vern Kauffman - Chief Operating Officer Birmingham, Ala. — McSweeney Designs announced today that, Vern Kauffman, has joined the management team to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for all divisions of the company going forward.  In this newly created position, Vern Kauffman, will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and spearheading companywide quality assurance and quality control initiatives. Additionally, Kauffman, will manage direct reports for all aspects of manufacturing, production, procurement, process management, OEM relations, Safety Regulations and Compliance, as well as assisting in new product development and future brand extensions.

Most recently, prior to joining McSweeney Designs, Kauffman served as Chief Operating Officer for Meridian Specialty Vehicles, a Las Vegas, NV based shuttle and livery vehicle upfitter. In that position, Kauffman was charged to oversee all aspects of Meridian’s product development, production and manufacturing, sales and marketing, administrative processes, as well as corporate strategic planning.

Prior to his experience with Meridian, Kauffman was the founder and chief executive officer of the industry leading 2nd stage automotive customization company L.A. West, Inc based in LaGrange, IN. Under Kauffman’s tenure L.A. West, Inc was widely regarded throughout the automotive industry as a purveyor of top quality, personalized custom vehicle solutions. As a result of Kauffman’s innovative product development, brand building, and commitment to quality craftsmanship L.A. West, Inc became one of only 5 companies to be awarded Authorized Upfitter status for each of the “Big Three” (Ford, GM, Dodge) OEM Automotive Manufacturers. Kauffman led the company to consistent profitability on annual revenues exceeding $70 million, ultimately selling the company to a VC firm in 2005.       

In response to opportunities that lie ahead for McSweeney Designs, Kauffman noted “Having known the McSweeney family for nearly 20 years, along with the passion they have for exclusive automotive designs, joining the management team at McSweeney Designs is a real honor for me. I am excited about the growth potential within this organization, and look forward to being an integral part of that growth.”

“Vern’s passion for the industry, combined with his phenomenal track record of creating value for customers and capturing value for investors make him the perfect addition to round out our management culture here at McSweeney Designs.” said Jeffrey C. Hunter, McSweeney’s XO Chief Executive Officer. Hunter went on to state “Our entire team is excited to get to serve along side him to scale our business and brand; and we are eager to begin unveiling some of the ground breaking new vehicle designs which Vern will be instrumental in helping us bring on line for the upscale luxury and livery segments in Q2 and Q3 of 2015 and beyond.”

Michael McSweeney, Managing Director of the combined McSweeney Holdings portfolio, expressed “Continuing to build the best team is the critical success factor of our growth planning, and we are thrilled to have Vern join the team.  He will play a key role in the growth of McSweeney Designs, and our efforts to continue diversifying the McSweeney Holdings portfolio of specialty vehicle offerings.”

About McSweeney Designs:
McSweeney Designs is a definitive world leader in hand crafting lifestyle enhanced luxury design and haute couture automotive excellence for people in the know. For over 35 years now their world class design and engineering team has been dreaming up and bringing to life some of the most innovative and highly sought after vehicles on the planet. Having honed their skills by hand tailoring private commission vehicles for clients ranging from heads of state to titans of industry as well as high profile custom automotive enthusiasts, McSweeney Designs has now extended their current range of vehicle portfolio offerings to include: up-armored dignitary transportation, executive luxury coaches and mobile business lounges based primarily on the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes Benz Sprinter platforms. For more information please contact: jch@mcsweeneydesigns.com or visit their website at: www.mcsweeneydesigns.com.

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