“When the customer knows you have a problem, you did something wrong.”

Bradley J. Sanders is a transformational executive whose leadership journey spans more than three decades across manufacturing, sales, logistics, and operations within the industrial gases sector. He has become a recognized figure in the industry for revitalizing operations, developing high-performance teams, and delivering growth even under the most challenging circumstances. Known for his pragmatic yet forward-thinking leadership style, Brad blends tactical execution with long-term strategic vision, earning the respect of peers, teams, and business partners alike.

Brad’s professional path began in the trenches of production, where he served as a Production Supervisor at Valley Ice Company in Omaha, Nebraska. From these early operational roots, he quickly rose through the ranks, gaining firsthand knowledge of manufacturing efficiencies and labor dynamics. His early roles at Carbonic Reserves—spanning Plant Manager to Area Manager—laid a strong foundation in plant operations and distribution management. These experiences gave Brad a ground-level view of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, shaping his approach to scalable and sustainable leadership.

His breakthrough came after joining Airgas Dry Ice in the late 1990s, where he navigated several regional and district management roles. Brad distinguished himself by his ability to integrate newly acquired businesses and unify disparate teams under a cohesive operational and cultural umbrella. He became known for turning uncertainty into opportunity—establishing brand identity in new markets and fostering synergy across merged teams. This agility and empathy set him apart in an industry often governed by rigid protocols.

As Vice President of Operations at Airgas Dry Ice, Brad took on national responsibilities that required deep operational insight and strategic execution. He championed cost reductions through yield optimization, asset maintenance schedules, and infrastructure upgrades, while building a culture of performance and accountability. Brad was instrumental in redirecting R&D efforts to improve equipment manufacturing costs and oversaw the assimilation of major acquisitions—delivering on time and on budget without disruption to customer service levels.

Transitioning into the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brad expanded his influence into the commercial realm. Here, he redefined sales strategies around customer intimacy, pricing transparency, and market responsiveness. He pioneered the creation of an inside sales team targeting underserved accounts and implemented data-informed pricing models that elevated profitability while strengthening customer trust. Brad’s work went beyond traditional metrics; he redesigned PSAs, established market trend analysis systems, and integrated branding efforts across departments, reflecting his holistic approach to business growth.

In 2020, at the peak of global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brad was appointed President of Airgas National Carbonation. Under his leadership, the company not only stabilized but grew consistently through 2024. Employing concentric and convergent diversification strategies, he focused on expanding the rental fleet, enhancing business processes, and enriching team capabilities. Brad’s steady guidance led to a 35% improvement in sales and a remarkable 47% increase in EBITDA, all while reducing safety incidents and nurturing an inclusive, performance-driven culture.

A hallmark of Brad’s leadership is his commitment to people. He believes strongly in cultivating talent from within, investing in training, coaching, and mentorship to elevate the next generation of leaders. This philosophy has created resilient teams capable of adapting to industry shifts while remaining aligned with organizational values. His empathy and approachability are balanced by his analytical rigor, making him both a strategic thinker and a trusted advisor to those he leads.

Outside of his corporate roles, Brad has contributed meaningfully to community organizations, including volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America and the Mill Creek Youth Athletic Association. While not currently serving on boards, he brings boardroom-ready insights from decades of executive collaboration with senior leadership and governance teams. He views post-retirement consulting and board service as a meaningful next step to share his knowledge and help other organizations thrive.

Throughout his career, Brad has stayed true to his guiding principle: accountability, especially to the customer. His mantra—“When the customer knows you have a problem, you did something wrong”—is more than a catchphrase; it’s a philosophy that has governed every strategic move, every team meeting, and every customer interaction. It reflects a deep respect for trust, transparency, and continuous improvement.

As Brad transitions into consulting and advisory roles, he brings not only operational and strategic expertise but also an unshakable character grounded in humility, service, and results. His journey is one of earned wisdom, built not in a boardroom tower but on factory floors, distribution routes, and executive war rooms—where decisions impact people, profits, and long-term value.

Character:
Brad Sanders exemplifies integrity and empathy, leading with a deep sense of responsibility to his teams, customers, and communities. He is admired for his authenticity and his unwavering commitment to doing what is right—even when it’s difficult.

Knowledge:
With over 30 years of industry experience, Brad possesses deep operational, sales, and executive insight. His extensive leadership across multiple business disciplines has equipped him with a 360-degree view of enterprise growth and resilience.

Strategic:
Brad consistently brings a strategic mindset to operational challenges, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. From M&A integrations to navigating crises, he demonstrates clarity of vision and tactical foresight.

Communication:
Brad is a natural communicator who listens as much as he leads, making him a trusted leader across all levels of an organization. He uses clear, actionable language to inspire alignment and drive results across departments and geographies.