Hyde Tools, a manufacturer of surface preparation and finishing tools, has promoted Sales Directors Robert B. Clemence and Louis A. Oleksy, Jr. to vice president of sales in their respective channels, effective January 1, 2011.

Bob Clemence, currently president of the American Edged Product Manufacturers Association, has worked for Hyde for 20 years, most recently as sales director for the Co-op and Paint Manufacturers channel in North and South America. As a fourth-generation member of the Hyde Tools family business, he joined Hyde in 1991 after seven years of work in Hyde sister companies. With his new position come additional domestic and international account assignments, including Lowe’s, Target and Walmart.

Clemence lives in Southbridge, where he serves as business advisor to Quinsigamond Community College, former chairman and advisor for the South County Chamber of Commerce and president of the Trinity Catholic Academy Endowment Fund. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the Lesley University Business School of Management. Contact Bob Clemence at 508-764-4344 ext. 6051 or email bclemence @hydetools.com.

Lou Oleksy has played an integral role in building Hyde’s strong presence and growing brand share on a national basis within the hardware and industrial channel. A 26-year veteran member of Hyde’s sales team, he has provided leadership in shaping the company’s sales strategy for national accounts.

He began his career at Hyde in 1984 as district sales supervisor covering New England area accounts. He was promoted to field sales manager, national sales manager and most recently served as director of sales for hardware and industrial distribution.

In his new position as vice pesident of sales, Oleksy will have additional responsibility managing sales to large national accounts, including The Home Depot and Menards. 

Oleksy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, School of Business, Storrs, CT. He is a member of the Hardware Group Association, a forum for industry executives. He is a resident of Brooklyn, CT, where he serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Contact Lou Oleksy at 508-764-4344 ext. 4935 or email loleksy @hydetools.com.