Daryl Adams is President and CEO of the Shyft Group, the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for ecommerce-driven parcel delivery, as well as the broader commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets.
Key topics in this conversation include:
- The value of a modular and right-sized approach to EV batteries for commercial applications
- The difference between Blue Arc’s EV Chassis and a skateboard platform for passenger car applications
- How Daryl has helped to optimize organizational health and performance at The Shyft Group
- Shyft’s approach to customized solutions for their customers, including a purpose-built vehicle configuration for Starbucks
- How Blue Arc is addressing the full EV ecosystem with their Power Cube
Listen here:
Apple Podcasts: link
Google Podcasts: link
Spotify: link
Links:
- Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/daryladams
- Daryl’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylmadams/
- Shyft Group’s website: https://theshyftgroup.com/
- Shyft Group’s YouTube channel
About Daryl and The Shyft Group
The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF) is the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for ecommerce-driven parcel delivery, as well as the broader commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. With expertise second to none, Shyft leverages deep last mile expertise and industry-leading innovation to deliver a better, more sustainable future for all. The company’s go-to-market brands – including Utilimaster, Royal Truck Body, DuraMag, Strobes-R-Us, Spartan RV Chassis, and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing – employ over 3,800 employees in 16 campus operations across 10 states and two countries. In 2021, The Shyft Group reported earnings of $991.8M from continuing operations.
Adams joined the organization in 2014 as the COO and was moved into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer within just six months. Adams’ approachable and upfront style, combined with his willingness to challenge the status quo for the good of the business, echoes the company’s nimble, assertive stance. He combines his more than 30 years of manufacturing experience with a will to win.
As President and CEO, he’s more than doubled the Company’s earnings and scale, invested heavily in talent, led the development of multiple industry-first solutions, successfully completed five acquisitions and one divestiture, as well as a full company rebranding effort. Adams also sits on The Shyft Group’s board of directors, providing insight related to the Company’s operations and strategic direction.
Prior to joining The Shyft Group, Adams held leadership positions at many of the most successful Tier 1 automotive suppliers in North America. Adams previously served as the CEO of Midway Products, a privately held Tier 1 full-service automotive supplier, providing body/chassis structures and assemblies as well as powertrain and engine components for domestic and international OEM customers. Under Adams’ leadership, Midway more than doubled its revenue and market share. Prior to his career at Midway, Adams served in progressive leadership positions at Lear Corporation, both domestically and in Europe, for 17 years.
A lifelong Michigan resident, Adams is dedicated to the community, often engaging with students of all ages to encourage an interest in STEM and modern manufacturing. He holds board positions with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. Mr. Adams is an active member of Business Leaders for Michigan and various other state leadership and manufacturing associations. He is committed to increasing awareness and highlighting education programs for skilled trades positions.
Adams earned an MBA from Michigan State University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and Manufacturing from Lawrence Technological University. In 2021, Adams’ work was recognized when the prominent outlet MiBiz honored The Shyft Group’s with its “Deal of the Year” award for its divestiture of the Emergency Response portion of the business and subsequent acquisition of f3 MFG, Inc. In 2019, Adams was named the Manufacturing Executive of the Year and received the Workforce Champion Award by Michigan’s Capital Area Manufacturing Council. He was honored as one of 2018’s Most Transformative Leaders by MichBusiness and appeared in DBusiness Magazine’s “The Detroit 500” list in 2018, 2019, and 2020, which recognizes the most influential business leaders in Michigan.
Adams has also been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business, MiMfg Magazine, Greater Lansing Business Monthly, The Detroit News, and Forbes for his work in transforming Spartan Motors into The Shyft Group. Adams and his wife have three children and live in Novi, Michigan.
Future of Mobility:
The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.