
Countdown to our program kick-off!
The MHEDA Master Manager program is an interactive 10-week fully digital 'mini-MBA' for both the current & future leaders of the material handling industry to continue to grow in their careers and improve their businesses.

What your peers have to say about the program:
What's Included
Explore the MHEDA Master Manager Program

Maximize your learning with a blend of self-paced eLearning with interactive live sessions!
MHEDA Member Exclusive Pricing
Interested in a program for your company?
L i v e s e s s i o n s f o r e v e r y o n e
What makes this program different?
The real key is a blended learning experience -- pairing self-paced online learning with live facilitated session to learn with your peers and from the experts themselves in real-time.
facilitations
Expert-Led Live Coaching Sessions
Save the Date for Our Live Program Kick-Off
Save These Dates!
PROGRAM
KICK-OFF AND ONBOARDING
September
1
VISION, GOALS & PLANNING PROCESS
September
15
THE RIGHT TEAM & CUSTOMER
September
29
AN EMPOWERED SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT
October
13
DEMYSTIFYING THE FINANCIALS
October
27
APPLYING THE FINANCIALS
November
10
Meet Your Instructors
Jim Ripkey
Management & Leadership Expert
Jim Ripkey is a veteran leader in the material handling industry, currently serving as President of Industrial Equipment for Hy-Tek Intralogistics. With over 35 years of experience, he is known for his expertise in operations, sales management, and growing dealer networks. He is regarded as a strategic asset, having previously doubled Hy-Tek’s aftermarket business and expanded their technician team by 50 percent during his tenure.
Active in the industry, Ripkey has served on the Board of Directors for the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). He is a recognized expert who has facilitated industry workshops on technology, training, and parts/service operations. A 1990 graduate of Miami University, he has also held executive roles at Barloworld Handling and played a key role in launching Hy-Tek's JCB construction equipment division.
Mike Vaughan
CDA Finance Expert
Mike Vaughan is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of specialized experience in financial leadership and operational strategy within the material handling industry. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Thompson & Johnson Equipment Co., he brings a rigorous analytical background to the heavy equipment sector, having previously spent nearly two decades as the CFO for Liftech Equipment Companies and holding leadership roles at NITCO, LLC.
Mike’s professional foundation is rooted in high-level finance; he began his career in senior audit management after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Law from Clarkson University. His career is defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between complex financial data and the practical, day-to-day demands of dealership operations.
Mike’s professional foundation is rooted in high-level finance; he began his career in senior audit management after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Law from Clarkson University. His career is defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between complex financial data and the practical, day-to-day demands of dealership operations.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Mike has been a pillar of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), serving as 2019 Chairman of the Board and as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. A vocal advocate for “Giving Back,” he championed community service and mentorship in the industrial sector while helping to guide MHEDA’s strategic initiatives and networking programs. Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse, reflecting his belief that success should be used to empower the next generation.
Jeremy Wall
Lead Facilitator
Jeremy has a passion for simplifying the complex. As you will see in both the self-paced learning, he will help support your learning journey to bring these learning concepts from theory to practical implementation within your business. Jeremy has founded, grown, and exited businesses before and will work with you and your team as you look to create a lasting impact on building a better culture, healthier balance sheets, and a stronger bottom line.
John Cioffi
Program Creator
John Cioffi, the Chief Content Officer at GoalMakers, has spent the last 30 years coaching hundreds of clients to success. He previously ran a subsidiary of Amoco Oil, a Fortune 100 company, and held executive positions at several other companies in a wide variety of industries. John received his MBA from The Wharton School and holds a Master’s from Dartmouth.
Special offer
Access to All Three DSC Reports
Additionally all individuals who register for the Master Manager program will receive the three DSC (Distributor Statistical Comparison) Reports! Three reports are: Industrial Truck; Storage and Handling; Engineered System/Integrator.
Free to You!
These reports are valued at:
$500
Access to these reports will provide you with data and insights on three important profit drivers: Growth, Gross Margin, Expenses.
The report is based on financial data collected from MHEDA Members most recently completed fiscal year. The data is collected by Mackay Research Group and analyzed for validity, thoroughness, and market representation based on the organization’s size, line of business, and geographic region.
The report is based on financial data collected from MHEDA Members most recently completed fiscal year. The data is collected by Mackay Research Group and analyzed for validity, thoroughness, and market representation based on the organization’s size, line of business, and geographic region.
What is the Master Manager Program Curriculum?
Want to Learn More?

Grab a time that works for you!
THE GOALMAKERS GUARANTEE
We believe in our material, so much that we offer a money-back guarantee if you don't find value after the first two weeks.
MHEDA Master Manager Certification
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By the end of this course you will have the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to be more successful so let the world know it!
Up upon completion of this program you will receive the MHEDA Master Manager certification as a badge you can add to your LinkedIn and other professional credentials. -
Fundamentals of the MHEDA Master Manager Program
Here are the key takeaways of each section in the program:
Set Goals All The Time
- Set a company-wide vision.
- Learn how to create good goals.
- Create goals for the company, departments & each employee.
Focus On The Process
Not a Plan
Not a Plan
- Measure current company state.
- Replace the business plan.
- Create strategies for a constant planning process.
Coach The Right People
- How to build the right team.
- Learn to identify natural abilities.
- Create position descriptions for yourself and every employee.
Serve The Right Customer
- Identify your good customers.
- Define your generic strategy.
- Create a sales process & refine your operations processes.
Empower Your Entire Team
- Learn the life-cycle of a manager.
- Build an empowerment culture.
- Create an organization of 'Wide Boulevards, High Curbs'.
Do The Right Things Right
- Learn the six tools to measure & manage goal achievement.
- Create a system of management for your team.
Write your awesome label here.
Improve your management and grow your bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the program for?
This information is beneficial for everyone, from the CEO to the sweeper, essentially the more of your team that understands these fundamentals, the better off your business will be. However, if you want to start slow, we suggest that owners, managers, future leaders, supervisors, and high-potential employees go through this program together as a unit for the most impactful outcomes.
How long will it take me to complete? Per section & in total?
Weekly you should expect about 2.5 hours per week, but self-paced learning is all up to your availability!
Then bi-weekly we have 60-minute long live sessions with your peers and industry experts.
Overall, you should expect anywhere from 20-40 hours over the 10-weeks. (Some learners spend much longer than this and some a little less, but it depends on where you are at in your professional journey)!
Then bi-weekly we have 60-minute long live sessions with your peers and industry experts.
Overall, you should expect anywhere from 20-40 hours over the 10-weeks. (Some learners spend much longer than this and some a little less, but it depends on where you are at in your professional journey)!
How many people from my team should participate?
Beyond being a great learning program this is an organizational alignment tool meaning that the more people who participate together, the better the impact you'll see when looking to implement these learnings.
What if I miss the live sessions?
While you will get the most out of joining them and participating in the conversation with both your peers and industry experts, if you can't make one do not worry! All sessions are recorded and uploaded into the eLearning to review later.
How long will I have access to the program?
Great question, while the program runs in a synchronous timing with your peers after the 10-weeks you will retain access as it does not expire!
Are there assignments & testing?
You won't get a certificate just for signing up, no participation trophies here!
Throughout the program there are 6 end-of-section knowledge checks at the end of each of the management sections, and then a cumulative exam at the end. All must be completed and passed in order to receive your certificate.
Not ready to register, but want to stay connected?
Add your email address below and we'll stay in touch (no spam) about any special offers for the program both for this cohort and future!
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