Papé Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Papé has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and legal.

Driven by a legacy of service, Papé is dedicated to providing essential capital equipment solutions across the Western United States, fostering growth and efficiency for its diverse client base.

Leadership Roles at Papé

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

    Jordan Pape, the Chief Executive Officer at Papé, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the holding company's diverse capital equipment dealerships. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's expansion and market penetration across the Western United States, ensuring alignment with the company's founding principles established in 1938. Jordan Pape oversees the strategic acquisition and integration of new dealership brands, focusing on sectors such as construction, forestry, and materials handling. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and customer service, critical for maintaining Papé's competitive edge in the capital equipment market. This executive drives the long-term vision, ensuring sustained growth and operational excellence across all business units. Jordan Pape's strategic direction solidifies the company's position as a leader in its industry.

    Lance Jorgensen - Chief Financial Officer

    Lance Jorgensen, the Chief Financial Officer at Papé, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the holding company and its subsidiaries. This executive oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal health across dealerships engaged in construction, forestry, and materials handling equipment. Lance Jorgensen's responsibilities include optimizing capital allocation, managing investment strategies, and securing financing to support ongoing expansion initiatives throughout the Western United States. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in evaluating potential acquisitions and mergers, ensuring financial viability and strategic fit. By implementing rigorous financial controls and driving efficiency, Jorgensen safeguards the company's assets and enhances shareholder value. Lance Jorgensen's financial acumen is vital for navigating market complexities and achieving sustainable profitability.

    Christopher Wetle - President

    Christopher Wetle, the President at Papé, spearheads the operational execution and strategic development for key segments of the capital equipment dealerships. This leadership position involves driving performance across multiple divisions, including construction and forestry equipment sales and service operations throughout the Western United States. Christopher Wetle focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing supply chain logistics, and ensuring superior customer service delivery. The President's role includes fostering strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and clients, guaranteeing Papé's continued market leadership. By overseeing departmental synergies and implementing best practices, Wetle ensures that each dealership functions at peak performance. Christopher Wetle's commitment to operational excellence underpins the company's reputation for reliability and service.
    Christopher Wetle

    Kelly Artz - President of Agriculture and Turf

    Kelly Artz, the President of Agriculture and Turf at Papé, directs the strategic growth and operational management of the company's agriculture and turf equipment divisions. This executive oversees sales, service, and support functions for specialized machinery catering to the agricultural and grounds maintenance sectors across the Western United States. Kelly Artz focuses on expanding market share, enhancing product offerings, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction within these niche markets. The President of Agriculture and Turf's responsibilities include forging strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers and developing innovative solutions to meet evolving client needs. By driving operational efficiencies and cultivating a high-performance team, Artz strengthens Papé's position in the agriculture and turf segments. Kelly Artz's leadership ensures continued success and market leadership in these vital industries.
    Kelly Artz

    Deven Evans - President

    Deven Evans, the President at Papé, drives the strategic direction and operational oversight for critical business units within the capital equipment dealership network. This executive focuses on enhancing the performance and market reach of divisions involved in warehousing and materials handling equipment across the Western United States. Deven Evans is responsible for optimizing sales strategies, streamlining service operations, and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive customer support. The President's role involves fostering cross-functional collaboration to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction. By implementing innovative business practices and cultivating strong supplier relationships, Evans strengthens Papé's competitive advantage. Deven Evans's leadership ensures sustained growth and operational excellence in the materials handling sector.

    Robert Riecke - President

    Robert Riecke, the President at Papé, leads the strategic initiatives and operational management for key segments of the capital equipment dealership portfolio. This executive focuses on driving performance and market expansion for divisions specializing in private aviation equipment and services across the Western United States. Robert Riecke oversees sales, maintenance, and customer support operations, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery. The President's role involves cultivating strong relationships with aviation clients and manufacturers, reinforcing Papé's commitment to excellence. By implementing efficient operational strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Riecke enhances the company's competitive position. Robert Riecke's leadership ensures sustained success and client satisfaction within the private aviation sector.

    Ryan Papé - President

    Ryan Papé, the President at Papé, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for significant business units within the capital equipment dealership network. This executive focuses on enhancing market penetration and operational efficiency for divisions involved in construction and forestry equipment across the Western United States. Ryan Papé is responsible for optimizing sales channels, improving service delivery, and ensuring robust customer engagement. The President's role involves fostering synergistic relationships between departments to maximize overall business performance. By championing innovative solutions and driving operational excellence, Papé strengthens the company's market leadership. Ryan Papé's strategic oversight ensures sustained growth and client trust in these core sectors.
    Seth Smythe, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Papé, provides comprehensive legal counsel and strategic guidance across the organization's extensive operations. This executive oversees all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing capital equipment dealerships throughout the Western United States. Seth Smythe's responsibilities include managing corporate governance, contract negotiations, risk management, and litigation oversight. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer plays a pivotal role in advising senior leadership on legal implications of business decisions, mergers, and acquisitions. By safeguarding the company's legal interests and promoting ethical business practices, Smythe supports Papé's long-term stability and growth. Seth Smythe's expertise is essential for navigating the complex legal landscape of the industry.
    Seth Smythe

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Papé Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Papé?
    Papé is led by Jordan Pape (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer) and Christopher Wetle (President).
    Who is part of Papé’s executive team?
    The executive team of Papé includes leaders such as Jordan Pape (Chief Executive Officer), Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer), Christopher Wetle (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Papé have?
    Papé has 8 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, Chief Financial Officer, President, President of Agriculture and Turf, President.