Linder Industrial Machinery announces leadership changes

Linder Industrial Machinery, a Plant City, Florida-based heavy equipment distributor with operations across the U.S. Southeast, has announced that John Coughlin, who has served as president and CEO since 2010, will transfer responsibilities to Executive Vice President of Operations Travis Mullins, who will assume the role of president and CEO on April 1.

In tandem with this change, Richard Fikis, the company’s current executive vice president of construction sales, will be appointed chief operating officer.

The company says Coughlin has been an integral contributor for 22 years, guiding it through substantial growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Linder says it has expanded its market presence, strengthened relationships with key manufacturing partners and enhanced its commitment to customer service and innovation.

“Leading Linder has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for the dedicated team and valued customers who have made our businesses mutually successful,” Coughlin says.

“On behalf of Linder’s employees, manufacturing partners and the board, I would like to thank John for his outstanding leadership and resolve during his 15 years as president and CEO," Lindner Chair Ichiro Murofushi adds. "John’s strategic vision has positioned our company as a well-diversified, premier equipment and solutions provider across the Southeast. We are excited to support Travis, Rich and the leadership team in driving the next level of growth for Linder and its stakeholders.”

Linder says Mullins brings extensive industry experience and a strong track record of leadership to his new role. Having served in several executive positions at Linder for nearly 10 years, the company says Mullins has “played an essential role” in driving operational excellence and executing strategic growth and customer success initiatives.

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the legacy that John established,” Mullins says. “Linder is a company with a rich history and a bright future. I look forward to working with our talented team to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.”

Fikis was a vice president of sales at the company for three years before his promotion to an executive vice president position in 2024. Prior to joining Linder, Fikis held several senior leadership roles with Komatsu North America.

“Linder has a strong legacy of excellence, and I look forward to working with Travis and our incredible team to drive innovation, efficiency and continued growth for our customers and partners,” Fikis says.

As part of the transition, Coughlin will stay on as senior advisor over the next year to ensure a seamless transition and successful integration of recent acquisitions.

“I have complete confidence in Travis, Rich and the leadership team to continue building on our strong foundation,” Coughlin says.

Linder launched a material handling and port solutions division in 2014. Four years later, Linder Turf & Tractor was established, which now has seven locations in three states. In 2024, the company expanded into Virginia, making it the largest Komatsu dealer in the country.