BILLERICA, Mass. (Sept. 21, 2021) – The Dodge Company is pleased to announce the addition of long-time Dodge employee John “Jack” Kleis to its team of sales representatives. Admittedly, it is always good when one can promote from within the company, and so it is with Jack, who says, “It feels like I’ve been apprenticing for this position for 20 years!”

Jack grew up in Westfield, Massachusetts where his interest in funeral service was piqued through a job with the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service. In 1984 he relocated to Somerville, Massachusetts to further his education and lived and worked at the Wilson-Fudge Funeral Home. In 1986 he graduated with an A.S. Degree in Mortuary Science from the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (NEI) Kenmore Square, Boston, Massachusetts. While at NEI, Jack served as vice president of the graduating class of 1986.

In 1988 Jack was awarded his license as a funeral director/embalmer in Massachusetts, and in 1996, he was awarded his license as a licensed embalmer in Connecticut. Following licensure, Jack worked at the Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes and Crematory from 1996-1998. From 1988 to 2021 he was employed as a funeral service licensee at the Rogers Funeral Home in East Cambridge, Massachusetts.

2001 found Jack engaged in a new chapter of his professional career when he joined the Dodge Company. Since that time, Jack has served in a variety of capacities within the company, always stepping up to the plate. He contributed to the Research and Development Department, managed the non-stock Dropship and Engraving departments as well as manning the Dodge Technical Support Line.

Twenty years later, Jack has completed his “Dodge apprenticeship” as he joins the ranks Dodge Sales Representatives. Jack will cover the territories previously held by Fran Murphy who retired August 1 and Dennis Daulton who will retire January 1, 2022.

When not working, Jack enjoys spending quiet times with family and friends at the family’s cabin in New Hampshire, riding his Harley, fishing and hunting - basically anything outdoors.

“I have known and worked with Jack since he began his career with Dodge," said Tim Collison, Dodge’s chief operating officer. "I know he will put the same energy and determination into his new position as he has since the first time he walked in the door at the Cambridge office. His experience with Dodge will serve his customers well.”

The Dodge Company is an OGR Endorsed Supplier. They are also the sponsor of Season 2 of OGR's annual summer podcast, the Digital Dialogue Series, in line with their dedication to supporting OGR's educational opportunities.