Ron graduated with a BSME degree from Michigan Technological University and was immediately hired by Holcroft in the summer of 1988 as a Field Service Engineer. Throughout his 36 years with the company, Ron moved through the engineering disciplines and eventually into a management role as Mechanical Engineering Manager and later Senior Engineer Manager in 2015. Now with a heavy heart he announced his retirement.
In the spring of 2023 Ron Waligora and Tracy Dougherty assumed the roles of Chief Operating Officers. This dual role of leadership allowed the company to operate smoothly with high standards of excellence. It was known in 2023 that upon Ron’s retirement Tracy would assume the role of President and CEO. This will occur January 1, 2025, during the transition period.
The timing of Ron’s retirement coincides with his wife, Jill’s, retirement and he has expectations of supporting AFC-Holcroft if and when necessary, while enjoying the next phase of his life.
In his company announcement Ron pointed out this message to the team, “Trust each other. Always strive to be great, and if you’re lucky like me, good things will continue to happen. This can only happen if you love your job. I certainly have.”
