Charlie Casper, president of Hardec’s, headquartered in Elizabethtown, has announced his semi-retirement from the company after 26 years.
Ross Haynes, formerly the sales director at Chesterfield, Missouri-based Premier Manufacturing, took over Casper’s duties as vice president/general manager Saturday.
“I’ve been wanting to take a step back and enjoy life, without letting my schedule dictate my time,” Casper said in a news release. “I thank my fellow wholesalers, others in the industry and the people I work with every day, as I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
As head of Hardec’s, Casper led the wholesaler, established by the Hartlage family in 1956, on a growth trajectory. The company started in vending machines and now has a portfolio that includes tobacco, candy and grocery items. He also was involved in the management of several other companies within Hartlage Management.
“Charlie is an icon in the industry and has been an unwavering and avid champion for CDA (Convenience Distribution Association). After heading our government affairs committee on and off for 15 years, he then served as our chairman in 2019, and is finishing out his five-year term on the Executive Committee this year as chair emeritus. He has shared a wealth of knowledge and experience and countless hours in his service to CDA,” said Kimberly Bolin, CDA’s president, in the release. “We are forever grateful and will focus on the “semi” part of his retirement. We wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”
In addition to serving in various capacities for CDA, Casper is involved in other industry associations, including The Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors (SAWD) and the Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association (KWDA).
He also has been honored with numerous industry awards, including CDA’s Dean of the Industry Award, the SAWD Liberty Award and the Gary Adams Tri-State Memorial Award, given by the Tri-State Convention Tobacco and Candy Distributors.
During the transition, Casper will continue to be involved in management of several companies, while working on a book about his life for his seven grandchildren and traveling with his significant other, Vicki Howell.
