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Thank you to all those employees that work behind the scenes and help to make Gema the successful company that it is. This spotlight is one of many to come that will share stories about the people at Gema that do the important, but often un-recognized, jobs and to celebrate them for their commitment to excellence.


SPOTLIGHT: Behind the Scenes at Gema with Charlie Haislip


When did you start working for Gema:
February 1982

What is your title and job duties at Gema: Territory Manager, SunBelt Region…Responsible for supporting Gema Distributors and customers in the SunBelt region for sales and service of Gema equipment.

Education: BA Political Science, Graduated in 1979, University of Akron, Akron OH

Military Background: Enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps in 1971. Honorably discharged in 1974. Re-enlisted in U.S Marine Corps Reserve in 1977. Received commission to 2nd Lieutenant in 1982. Activated twice, December 1990 to April 1991, deployed to Southwest Asia for Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. Second activation in January 2003 for Operation Enduring Freedom. Retired in December 2006 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Community Service:< President/CEO of the Marine Foundation of Indiana. The Foundation is a 501(3)(c), non-profit organization established to support Marines, Marine Family Members and Navy Corpsman in the State of Indiana. The website is www.semperfiin.org.

Awards/Honors: “Sagamore of the Wabash”…an award that was presented by Governor Mike Pence of Indiana for distinguished service as a Commissioner on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.

What do you like most about working for Gema: Working with the people and the sales experience

Tell me a little about your family: Married 42 years. Two children (one daughter, one son), six grandchildren (two girls, four boys). My daughter’s family lives in Indianapolis and has two children that are active in travel softball, volleyball and baseball. My son is a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. They have four children who are active in baseball, football and track. My oldest grandson attends college in Jacksonville, NC. We have two dogs, Lola and Jules “the Girls”.

What is on your bucket list: Travelling out west in our motorhome seeing the parts of the country I have never seen.

What does true leadership mean to you: Respect earned not given. Leaders are only as good as the people that work for you.

What hobbies/interests do you have: Travelling and camping (RV style)

What is your hometown: Born in Grafton, WV and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

How long have you lived in Indy: Moved to Indianapolis in 1981

What is your best advice for kids growing up today: Take responsibly for your actions and stay focused on the family.