Lubrication Specialties Hires New COO
Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has hired James Palasota as its new chief operating officer (COO), the company announced.
Palasota previously served as vice president of sales and marketing for Sottera, Inc., where he was responsible for introducing NJOY electronic cigarettes and vaping products, the company said, and as vice president of Illumination International, DBA The Amazing Flameless Candle. Most recently, Palasota served as COO for AFC Industries and Herbal Brands and as senior vice president of operations for UtekTik, Inc. in Scottsdale, AZ.
“I look for challenges where I know I can make a difference. Sometimes that is with a startup, and at other times, it is with companies like Lubrication Specialties, that have strong brand equity and are on the cusp of explosive growth,” Palasota said. “Over the last few months, I had the opportunity to get to know company founder and owner Chris Gabrelcik and we took our time discussing the company, its challenges and strengths. With the growth of Hot Shot’s Secret and the formation of LSI Chemical, LSI is now quickly developing international markets and it takes someone at the helm that understands the legal aspect of international business to make sure there is not a misstep, which is one of my strengths.”
“Our company is fortunate that we have long standing employees that are passionate and enjoy their work. Our company has experienced a lot of growth because of our passion and love of the industry,” said Gabrelcik. “Jim has a wealth of experience and a proven track record of streamlining operations to reduce costs and build profit that will help us to improve as we grow here and abroad. We are fortunate to have someone with his expertise and innate ability to [home] in on what needs to be done to best serve the company’s longevity.”
Palasota was hired in October and reports directly to Gabrelcik.
