Mathews Company

As President of Mathews Company, Joseph Shulfer leads with a passion for innovation, efficiency, and the strong relationships that define MC. With a background in engineering and business, he has played a key role in driving the company forward, most notably spearheading the development of the Delta Series mixed-flow dryer—a major advancement in grain drying technology. What Joseph values most about MC is its small-company agility, which allows for quick decision-making and a close-knit team culture where employees’ loyalty and longevity stand out as a defining strength.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys woodworking and home renovation projects, applying the same precision and problem-solving mindset that he brings to MC. A fun fact? He was an uncredited extra in the movie Groundhog Day—a nod to his hometown roots in Woodstock, IL, where the film was shot. His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: “When you say you’re going to do something, DO IT.” This mindset has shaped both his career and the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering Iron Horse Quality products that dealers and customers can trust.

As Director of Engineering & Technical Services at MC, Eric leads a team dedicated to designing and building innovative, dealer-driven grain drying solutions. His team manages projects from initial concept through product development, quality control, and field support, ensuring that MC’s equipment is both cutting-edge and reliable. One of his proudest accomplishments is the Pinnacle 20|20 Control System, which took over a year to develop but remains one of the most intuitive and user-friendly grain dryer control systems on the market today.

Eric’s journey with MC started early—he interned at the company after his freshman year at the University of Illinois, where he studied mechanical and electrical engineering. That hands-on experience gave him exposure to mechanical design, electrical schematics, software development, and technical support, shaping his expertise across multiple disciplines. Outside of work, Eric is trying his hand at golf (though he admits he’s still in the learning phase). A fun fact? Despite working in an industry that often requires heights, he really doesn’t like flying or being off the ground—a firm believer that humans are meant to stay on solid footing. His guiding principle in both work and life is simple but impactful: “Try to leave things better than you found them.”

As Director of Operations at MC, Mike Wilke is responsible for overseeing the production facility and warehouse, ensuring that products are efficiently scheduled, manufactured, and delivered to customers on time. His role is a balance of logistics, problem-solving, and innovation, and he thrives on the challenges of developing new products while continuously improving existing ones. One of his proudest achievements has been helping to develop the Pinnacle 20|20 control system, a significant advancement in grain dryer technology.

With a Mechanical Engineering degree and a minor in Business Administration from Marquette University, Mike brings a strong technical and operational background to MC. Prior to joining the company, he worked at Modine Manufacturing in the Heavy Truck division and later at Universal Automatic, designing and manufacturing custom CNC equipment and automation. What sets MC apart, in his view, is its responsiveness to customer needs and ability to quickly shift focus to meet market demands. Outside of work, Mike is a dedicated soccer fan and a passionate supporter of Marquette Basketball. A fun fact? He has a unique collection of Looney Tunes artifacts. His favorite piece of advice speaks to his leadership philosophy: “A positive attitude is more valuable than aptitude.”

Steve oversees Accounting and Human Resources for MC, including payroll, benefits, cash management, and financial reporting. He values working for a local, family-owned business, appreciating MC’s stability, strong culture, and deep community ties in Crystal Lake for over 70 years.

Steve is proud of MC’s community engagement, from shop tours for local students to internship programs and job fairs that develop future manufacturing talent. Before joining MC, he earned a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Concordia University Wisconsin and an MBA from Northern Illinois University, later working as a Controller in the construction industry.

He believes MC’s commitment to quality and dealer relationships sets it apart. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his three boys’ baseball teams, a passion he’s had for over a decade. His guiding philosophy? “Effort and attitude are always within your control, and they can overcome many obstacles.”

As Operations Support Manager at MC, John Batterham oversees maintenance, facilities, and equipment improvements, ensuring that the company’s operations run smoothly. With 20 years of hands-on experience at MC, he has worked in nearly every department, starting in the warehouse and learning his way through the organization. His deep understanding of the company’s inner workings allows him to tackle challenges and problem-solve effectively—something he considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.

John takes pride in MC’s commitment to excellence rather than chasing size or product expansion for the sake of it. To him, what sets MC apart is the focus on being the best at what we do, rather than trying to be the biggest. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, playing golf, and doing occasional carpentry and remodeling projects. A fun fact? He’s the oldest of four siblings, with an 11-year age gap between him and the youngest. His favorite piece of advice, passed down from his father, is a reminder of what matters most: “Never miss an opportunity to hug the ones you love.”

As Production Planning Manager at MC, Troy ensures smooth production flow by overseeing scheduling, purchasing, and parts sales from quotes to shipping. He also leads the Material Handling product line on the production floor, helping maintain efficiency and customer satisfaction. One of his proudest accomplishments has been implementing a process improvement project that captures photos of packed parts, reducing missing part claims and improving vendor warranty tracking.

Troy holds a Business degree from Illinois State University and gained valuable experience growing up in a family-owned construction business. With 20 years in manufacturing, he has managed large warehouses, led production teams, and handled purchasing and scheduling. He believes MC’s “Iron Horse” quality is unmatched, proven by the many decades-old machines still in operation today.

Outside of work, Troy is an adept carpenter, handyman, and arborist. He enjoys spending time with family, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and snowmobiling. His guiding philosophy? “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

As a Regional Sales Manager at MC, Nick Kloos is committed to helping dealers succeed, providing sales support, competitive insights, and expert guidance. With over 44 years of industry experience, he ensures dealers have the tools and knowledge they need. What he enjoys most about his role is that every day is different, bringing new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.

Since 2018, Nick’s dealers have kept him in the highest sales achievement spot for seven consecutive years, a testament to the hardworking teams he supports. Growing up on a South Dakota farm, he learned the values of faith, family, and hard work, later building a career in millwright construction, grain bin installation, project management, and sales.

Nick believes MC’s dedicated leadership and production team set it apart, with “Iron Horse Quality” evident in every machine. He also values MC’s family legacy, now over 70 years strong. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, canning, fishing, and taking sunset pontoon rides with family and friends.

As a Regional Sales Manager at MC, Ryan O’Neal is dedicated to supporting his dealers and ensuring smooth operations across sales and service. His role goes beyond just selling equipment—he builds strong relationships with dealers, helping them grow their businesses while making sure they have the support they need. One of his proudest accomplishments at MC has been expanding the dealer network and bringing new partners into the fold over the years.

With a background in agricultural sales management, Ryan previously led a team of nine salesmen and sat on the management board of a major ag company for eight years. Before that, he spent over two decades in the concrete industry, managing over 100 people and earning a Class 2 certification at the state level. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, hunting, and even jumping in a tractor to help a friend during busy seasons. His favorite piece of advice, passed down from his father, reflects his leadership style: “Don’t expect someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.” To Ryan, MC isn’t just a company—it’s a family that prioritizes quality, customer satisfaction, and strong dealer relationships.

As International Sales Manager & Production Planner at MC, Elena Fasman plays a vital role in managing international customer relationships, developing dealer partnerships, and overseeing the sales of MC products worldwide. In addition to sales, she also handles parts order entry and quoting, ensuring seamless service and support for MC’s global customers. One of her most rewarding accomplishments has been building strong customer relationships and improving dealer satisfaction with the Parts Depot Order system, making parts ordering more efficient for domestic dealers.

Elena’s professional background spans international trade and industrial sales, with a degree from Saint Petersburg State University of Trade and Economics. Before joining MC, she worked in international sales of industrial diamonds and the food industry, gaining extensive experience in global business operations. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, sports, reading, movies, and cooking. Known for her keen attention to detail, Elena follows a simple but powerful philosophy: “Do everything well that you do.” Her dedication to quality, innovation, and strong customer support is part of what makes MC stand out in the industry.