Papé Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Papé has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, regional operations, and legal compliance.

Committed to excellence in capital equipment distribution, Papé maintains a legacy of service across the Western United States by providing essential machinery for construction, forestry, and aviation sectors.

Leadership Roles at Papé

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Miller
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jordan Pape
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lance Jorgensen
  • President - Chris Wetle
  • President - Deven Evans
  • President of Agriculture and Turf - Kelly Artz
  • President - Ryan Papé
  • President - Robert Riecke
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Seth Smythe
  • John Miller - Chief Executive Officer

    John Miller, the Chief Executive Officer at Papé, directs the overarching corporate strategy for capital equipment distribution across the Western United States. Miller architects long-term growth initiatives by aligning dealership operations with the evolving needs of the construction and forestry sectors. By managing high-level relationships with global equipment manufacturers, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent supply chain integrity. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain competitive advantages in materials handling and private aviation services. John Miller drives operational excellence by fostering a culture of reliability and technical expertise throughout the organization. Through rigorous oversight of regional performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the enterprise. Miller maintains focus on sustainable expansion, ensuring that the company remains a premier partner for industrial clients requiring heavy machinery solutions in diverse, demanding environments.

    Jordan Pape - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jordan Pape, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Papé, governs the strategic vision and daily execution of the holding company. Jordan Pape manages the integration of diverse capital equipment dealerships, ensuring unified service standards across all Western territories. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the deployment of resources to support construction, forestry, and warehousing operations. By coordinating with department heads, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes internal processes to enhance customer satisfaction and equipment uptime. This leadership role requires balancing immediate operational demands with future-focused investment in technology and infrastructure. Through active engagement with industry stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the firm. Pape drives organizational efficiency by streamlining communication channels and prioritizing safety protocols. The executive ensures that the company delivers superior value to clients through comprehensive service and support networks.

    Lance Jorgensen - Chief Financial Officer

    Lance Jorgensen, the Chief Financial Officer at Papé, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Jorgensen oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management to support the expansive network of dealerships throughout the West. By analyzing economic indicators within the construction and forestry industries, the Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights for executive decision-making. This leadership role involves maintaining robust relationships with financial institutions and investors to secure necessary funding for equipment inventory and facility upgrades. Lance Jorgensen drives fiscal discipline by implementing rigorous auditing procedures and cost-control measures across all business units. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing tax strategies to maximize shareholder value. Through precise financial forecasting, Jorgensen supports the long-term stability of the company, enabling consistent investment in the high-quality machinery and service capabilities that define the brand.

    Chris Wetle - President

    Chris Wetle, the President at Papé, directs the materials handling division, focusing on warehouse logistics and industrial equipment solutions. Wetle architects operational strategies to meet the high-volume demands of regional distribution centers across the Western United States. By overseeing the sales and maintenance of specialized warehousing machinery, the President ensures that clients maintain peak operational efficiency. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and coordinating with technical teams to provide rapid service responses. Chris Wetle drives market penetration by identifying emerging needs in automated storage and retrieval systems. The President collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate materials handling services into the broader corporate portfolio. Through a focus on client-centric service models, Wetle enhances the reputation of the company as a reliable partner in industrial logistics. The executive maintains a rigorous commitment to safety and performance standards in every warehouse environment.
    Chris Wetle

    Deven Evans - President

    Deven Evans, the President at Papé, leads the construction equipment division, focusing on heavy machinery sales and fleet management. Evans architects strategies to support large-scale infrastructure projects throughout the Western region. By overseeing the procurement and maintenance of earthmoving equipment, the President ensures that contractors receive reliable support for demanding job sites. This leadership role involves managing relationships with major construction firms and optimizing the availability of critical machinery. Deven Evans drives revenue growth by expanding the service footprint and enhancing technical support capabilities. The President coordinates with regional managers to ensure that equipment performance meets the rigorous standards required for heavy industrial applications. Through a focus on operational reliability, Evans strengthens the market presence of the company in the construction sector. The executive prioritizes the development of skilled service teams to maintain the high-performance standards expected by professional contractors.

    Kelly Artz - President of Agriculture and Turf

    Kelly Artz, the President of Agriculture and Turf at Papé, directs the specialized division serving the agricultural and landscaping sectors. Artz architects strategies to provide advanced machinery for farming operations and turf management across the Western United States. By overseeing the distribution of high-efficiency equipment, the President of Agriculture and Turf ensures that growers and land managers maintain productivity throughout the seasons. This leadership role involves managing technical support teams and ensuring the availability of parts for critical agricultural cycles. Kelly Artz drives market growth by introducing innovative equipment solutions that address the specific needs of modern farming. The President of Agriculture and Turf collaborates with regional stakeholders to optimize service delivery and equipment performance. Through a focus on long-term client relationships, Artz supports the sustainability of agricultural businesses. The executive ensures that the company remains a trusted provider of essential tools for land cultivation and maintenance.
    Kelly Artz

    Ryan Papé - President

    Ryan Papé, the President at Papé, oversees the forestry equipment division, focusing on the specialized needs of the timber and logging industries. Papé architects operational plans to ensure that forestry operations across the West have access to durable, high-performance machinery. By managing the sales and service of heavy-duty logging equipment, the President supports the efficiency of timber harvesting and processing. This leadership role involves coordinating with forestry experts to anticipate equipment requirements and provide timely maintenance solutions. Ryan Papé drives market leadership by emphasizing the reliability and ruggedness of the equipment portfolio. The President collaborates with other divisions to leverage corporate resources for enhanced service delivery. Through a focus on technical excellence, Papé ensures that forestry clients maintain operational continuity in challenging environments. The executive prioritizes the development of specialized service capabilities to meet the unique demands of the timber industry.

    Robert Riecke - President

    Robert Riecke, the President at Papé, directs the aviation services division, focusing on the maintenance and support of private aircraft. Riecke architects strategies to ensure that aviation clients receive top-tier service and technical support across the Western region. By overseeing the management of hangar facilities and maintenance teams, the President ensures the safety and reliability of private aviation fleets. This leadership role involves maintaining strict adherence to aviation regulations and quality standards. Robert Riecke drives operational excellence by investing in advanced diagnostic tools and training for technical staff. The President collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate aviation services into the broader corporate mission of providing high-quality capital equipment support. Through a focus on precision and responsiveness, Riecke enhances the reputation of the company in the private aviation market. The executive ensures that every aircraft receives meticulous care to support the demanding schedules of aviation clients.
    Seth Smythe, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Papé, manages the legal framework and corporate governance for the entire organization. Smythe architects strategies to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with all regional and federal regulations governing capital equipment sales and services. By overseeing contract negotiations and legal disputes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer protects the interests of the company across the Western United States. This leadership role involves providing counsel on corporate policy and ethical standards to the board and executive team. Seth Smythe drives organizational integrity by implementing robust compliance programs and internal controls. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer collaborates with department heads to navigate complex legal landscapes in construction, forestry, and aviation. Through proactive legal management, Smythe supports the stability and growth of the enterprise, ensuring that all business activities align with the core values and legal obligations of the firm.
    Seth Smythe

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Papé Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Papé?
    Papé is led by John Miller (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jordan Pape (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Papé’s executive team?
    The executive team of Papé includes leaders such as John Miller (Chief Executive Officer), Jordan Pape (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Papé have?
    Papé has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Papé’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Papé includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President.