At Cresswood Shredding Machinery, exceptional leadership is the foundation of our success in manufacturing world class industrial grinders and American made industrial shredders. This month, we’re spotlighting the pioneering leaders who guide our mission to deliver cutting-edge recycling solutions across the wood, paper, and plastics industries.
Jack Cress, CEO: Visionary Leadership Built on Family Legacy
Jack Cress’s journey to leading one of America’s premier industrial shredding companies began behind a camera lens. After earning his degree in commercial photography with a minor in marketing from Southern Illinois University, Jack moved to Houston to start a photography business. However, in 1979, his father’s persuasion brought him back to Illinois to build something bigger.
Together, they formed CRESSWOOD StoveWorks, initially focusing on wood burning stove and boiler systems. Over three decades, Jack has masterfully guided the company’s evolution from combustion to shredding, developing expertise in building wood waste recycling shredders, paper core recycling shredders, and pallet recycling shredders that are trusted by customers across a variety of industries.
Jack’s leadership philosophy combines his artistic eye with practical business acumen. His passion for photography continues to serve the community – he regularly helps nonprofits promote their ministries, while his coffee roasting hobby supports clean water filtration projects in underdeveloped countries. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife Ellen (married 37 years), their son Scott, and their rescue terrier mix, Luna.
Ryan Butzman, President: A Heart for People and Operational Excellence
Ryan Butzman’s manufacturing career began in 1996 as a second shift press brake operator at Generac. With experience spanning sheet metal fabrication, aerospace gear manufacturing, and electric motor manufacturing, Ryan brings a comprehensive understanding of industrial processes that directly benefits our world class industrial grinders and shredding systems.
“The common thread throughout my journey has been a devout calling to leadership based on a fervent love for people and good stewardship,” Ryan explains.
This philosophy drives everything from our used machine shredders refurbishment program to our commitment to building American made industrial shredders that last.
Ryan’s educational background includes a B.A. from Luther College, an MBA from Capella University, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. This combination has been instrumental in optimizing our production processes for manufacturing plastic recycling pre-shredders, wood recycling shredders, and paper recycling shredders.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, each year, Ryan leads the garden efforts at Cresswood, caring for a space now named in memory of his late daughter, Mayah. Her legacy brings heartfelt meaning to the fresh, organic produce harvested there – much of which goes to support local families in need.
Ryan is married to his wife, Cynthia, who works for Rooted for Good as their school gardens coordinator. She teaches elementary school children in the DeKalb school district about gardening and healthy eating. Their son Noah is working for Amentum, a NASA contractor in Huntsville, AL. There he works on the navigation and system design for the SLS rocket, the next manned moon mission.
Ryan also enjoys biking, art, reading, and supporting his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Max Fadin, Territory Application Sales Manager: Building Relationships That Last
With over 24 years of sales experience in the Plastics, Scrap, and Recycling Industries, Max brings the deep industry knowledge essential for matching customers with the perfect wood waste recycling shredders, pallet recycling shredders, and paper core recycling shredders for their specific applications.
“Solving customers’ problems is what I really enjoy, every business has unique requirements, processes, and material flow. Thinking outside the box and helping guide my clients to a great solution is what motivates me.”
Max’s approach to capital equipment sales centers on building strong, trusting relationships – a philosophy that perfectly aligns with Cresswood’s customer-first culture. His calm and professional approach, combined with passion for solving recycling challenges, makes him invaluable to customers seeking world class industrial grinders and shredding solutions.
When Max isn’t helping customers optimize their operations, he prioritizes time with his son while engaging in charity events and sports.
Aaron Hansen, Territory Application Sales Manager: Comprehensive Manufacturing Expertise
Aaron Hansen joins Cresswood’s leadership team with 25+ years of manufacturing experience, including 16 years with prominent gear motor manufacturers in engineering, operations, marketing, and sales roles. This broad exposure has given him a keen eye for process and operational excellence – insights that directly benefit customers seeking plastic recycling pre-shredders, wood recycling shredders, and paper recycling shredders.
Aaron’s career began early -at age 8 in his dad’s auto parts store, later expanding into the automotive aftermarket with performance manufacturers like N.O.S., So-Cal Speed Shop, and Edelbrock. This foundation in high-performance manufacturing translates perfectly to our world class industrial grinders and American made industrial shredders that must perform reliably in demanding industrial environments.
With a bachelor’s degree in marketing and MBA from Northern Illinois University, Aaron brings both analytical rigor and practical experience to helping customers find the right solutions.
He’s blessed with a beautiful family – his wife Katie and their two daughters, Charlie (6) and Abby (4). Together, they love to travel, cook, support local food purveyors, and stay active with bike rides and gymnastics.
Leadership That Powers Innovation
Cresswood’s leadership team brings decades of experience in manufacturing, sales, and operations – uniting Jack’s vision, Ryan’s people-first approach, and Max and Aaron’s industry expertise. Together, they drive innovation in everything from pallet recycling shredders to plastic recycling pre-shredders, ensuring every American made industrial shredder meets the highest standards.
Want to meet the team behind our industry-leading recycling solutions? Visit our Teams page or explore our blog for employee spotlights.
Ready to work with experts who care about your success? Contact us today to see how our world class industrial grinders can elevate your recycling operations.
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