Papé Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Papé has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, construction equipment operations, forestry management, materials handling, agricultural development, and legal compliance.

Driven by a commitment to heavy equipment excellence, Papé maintains a legacy of supporting Western infrastructure through the distribution and maintenance of specialized machinery for construction, forestry, and aviation sectors.

Leadership Roles at Papé

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

    Jordan Pape, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Papé, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire holding company. Overseeing the diverse portfolio of capital equipment dealerships, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational consistency across all Western regional markets. This leadership role involves managing high-level relationships with major equipment manufacturers while driving long-term growth initiatives for the organization. By aligning corporate resources with the specific needs of the construction, forestry, and aviation industries, Jordan Pape maintains the company's competitive edge in the industrial machinery sector. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to optimize capital allocation and expand market reach. Through rigorous oversight of business units, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational integrity of the enterprise, ensuring that every dealership meets the high standards expected by clients throughout the Western United States.

    Lance Jorgensen - Chief Financial Officer

    Lance Jorgensen, the Chief Financial Officer at Papé, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, tax strategy, and treasury operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the liquidity necessary to support extensive equipment inventory across the West. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends in construction and forestry to forecast revenue and mitigate financial risk. By implementing robust accounting controls, Lance Jorgensen provides the transparency required for informed decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with department heads to optimize operational budgets and improve profit margins across all dealership locations. Through disciplined financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of service capabilities and the acquisition of new capital equipment lines. Jorgensen maintains the fiscal stability required to sustain the company's long-term growth objectives within the competitive industrial machinery landscape.

    Chris Wetle - President

    Chris Wetle, the President at Papé, directs the materials handling and warehousing division. Overseeing the distribution of specialized logistics equipment, the President ensures that regional warehouses receive the necessary machinery to maintain supply chain efficiency. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key industrial clients and optimizing the service network for forklifts and warehouse automation tools. By focusing on the specific needs of the materials handling sector, Chris Wetle drives revenue growth and enhances customer satisfaction across the Western territory. The President coordinates with the broader executive team to align logistics solutions with the company's overall industrial machinery strategy. Through the implementation of advanced maintenance programs, the President improves equipment uptime for clients. Wetle ensures that the materials handling division remains a cornerstone of the company's service portfolio, consistently delivering high-performance solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern warehousing operations.
    Chris Wetle

    Deven Evans - President

    Deven Evans, the President at Papé, manages the construction equipment division. Overseeing the sales and service of heavy machinery used in large-scale infrastructure projects, the President ensures that contractors across the West have access to reliable equipment. This leadership role involves monitoring fleet performance and coordinating with manufacturers to bring the latest technology to the regional market. By prioritizing equipment availability and technical support, Deven Evans drives operational success for construction clients. The President collaborates with other division leaders to share best practices in equipment maintenance and fleet management. Through strategic planning, the President expands the footprint of the construction division, ensuring that the company remains the preferred partner for heavy machinery needs. Evans focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the service department, thereby reducing downtime for critical construction projects and strengthening the company's reputation for reliability in the industrial machinery sector.

    Robert Riecke - President

    Robert Riecke, the President at Papé, directs the forestry equipment division. Overseeing the specialized machinery required for timber harvesting and land management, the President ensures that forestry operations across the West receive high-quality equipment and expert maintenance. This leadership role involves navigating the unique challenges of the forestry industry, including rugged terrain and demanding operational schedules. By focusing on the durability and performance of the equipment fleet, Robert Riecke supports the productivity of regional forestry companies. The President coordinates with the executive team to align forestry initiatives with the company's broader industrial machinery goals. Through the development of specialized service programs, the President enhances the value proposition for forestry clients. Riecke ensures that the division maintains a strong market position by providing innovative solutions that address the specific needs of the timber industry, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and stability of the organization.

    Kelly Artz - President of Agriculture and Turf

    Kelly Artz, the President of Agriculture and Turf at Papé, manages the sales and service of equipment for the agricultural and landscaping sectors. Overseeing the distribution of tractors, mowers, and specialized turf machinery, the President of Agriculture and Turf ensures that farmers and groundskeepers across the West have the tools necessary for efficient land management. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with agricultural producers and turf professionals to understand their specific equipment requirements. By focusing on the reliability and technological advancement of the product line, Kelly Artz drives growth in this critical market segment. The President of Agriculture and Turf collaborates with the executive team to integrate agricultural solutions into the company's wider industrial machinery portfolio. Through the implementation of comprehensive service and support programs, the President of Agriculture and Turf enhances customer loyalty and ensures that the company remains a leader in the agricultural equipment space.
    Kelly Artz

    Ryan Papé - President

    Ryan Papé, the President at Papé, directs the aviation and specialized equipment division. Overseeing the sales and maintenance of capital equipment used in private aviation and ground support, the President ensures that aviation clients receive top-tier service and reliable machinery. This leadership role involves managing the complex requirements of the aviation sector, where precision and safety are paramount. By focusing on the unique needs of airport operations and private flight facilities, Ryan Papé drives the expansion of the company's aviation-related services. The President coordinates with the executive team to align aviation initiatives with the company's broader industrial machinery strategy. Through the implementation of rigorous maintenance standards, the President ensures that all aviation equipment meets the highest safety and performance benchmarks. Papé focuses on delivering specialized solutions that support the operational efficiency of aviation clients, thereby strengthening the company's presence in this niche but vital industrial market.
    Seth Smythe, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Papé, manages all legal affairs and corporate governance for the organization. Overseeing contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, and risk management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company operates within the legal frameworks of the various industries it serves. This leadership role involves providing strategic counsel to the executive team on matters related to acquisitions, dealership agreements, and employment law. By mitigating legal risks, Seth Smythe protects the company's assets and reputation across the Western region. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer collaborates with department heads to ensure that all business practices align with corporate policies and industry regulations. Through proactive legal oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer supports the company's growth initiatives and ensures that the organization maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct in all its industrial machinery operations.
    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 (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Wetle (President).
    Who is part of Papé’s executive team?
    The executive team of Papé includes leaders such as Jordan Pape (President & Chief Executive Officer), Lance Jorgensen (Chief Financial Officer), Chris 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.