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    Joe Hammel: Driving Growth with Purpose and Precision

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    “Build strong teams, empower great partnerships, and the numbers will follow.”

    Joe Hammel is a seasoned executive with over two decades of hands-on experience and proven leadership in the automotive, trucking, and transportation industries. Currently serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at Reviva Inc., Joe oversees more than $60 million in annual sales, leading a diverse team across sales, marketing, and key account functions. From wrenching under the hood as a diesel technician to shaping national sales strategies, his career reflects a rare blend of mechanical insight, entrepreneurial grit, and boardroom finesse. Joe’s story is one of consistent growth—both in terms of revenue and human capital—with a core focus on customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team performance.

    Born and raised in Minnesota, Joe’s early career in diesel technology laid the foundation for a deeply technical understanding of the products he would later promote and sell. His training at Universal Technical Institute in Illinois provided a comprehensive education in automotive and diesel systems, empowering him to speak with authority in a sector where trust and expertise matter. Before climbing the leadership ranks, Joe worked as a diesel technician and later as a Lead Technician and FRA Inspector, ensuring mechanical excellence across complex equipment systems. This phase of his career forged his respect for the field, and the teams who keep the industry moving.

    Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged in full force when he launched his own Mac Tools franchise. As an independent distributor, he managed everything from inventory to collections, customer service to territory expansion. This immersive experience shaped his appreciation for end-to-end business operations, honing his skills in client retention, sales forecasting, and brand representation. Under his leadership, the franchise saw exceptional year-over-year growth, and Joe sold the business only after positioning it for continued success. The lessons from this phase—about hustle, accountability, and relationships—continue to influence his leadership style.

    His success as a franchise owner earned him a promotion within Mac Tools, where he became a Route Developer and later a District Sales Manager. In these roles, Joe expanded territories, mentored new franchisees, and played a central role in developing what would become the Mac Sales Development Program (MSDP). His SOP contributions helped scale this program nationwide. With a clear talent for nurturing sales talent and operationalizing growth strategies, Joe quickly became one of the company’s top performers, leading one of the fastest-growing districts in the country.

    Joe’s transition to regional sales management roles brought his skills to larger and more complex operations. At Kumho Tire USA, he managed a $14 million sales region spanning six states. His ability to drive results through relationship management, training, and channel strategy positioned his region as one of the top three for growth nationally. Joe’s impact wasn’t just in numbers; he became known for his ability to listen deeply, respond quickly, and turn feedback into action—earning the trust of vendors, customers, and direct reports alike.

    In 2018, Joe returned to Reviva Inc., a move that marked the beginning of his most significant leadership chapter. Initially serving as Business Development Manager, he was responsible for a vast network of over 1,200 distributors and 4,000 salespeople across North America. His approach was strategic and hands-on: providing technical training, conducting high-level sales negotiations, and improving CRM platforms to streamline internal operations. By 2020, despite the market turbulence brought on by the global pandemic, Joe exceeded his sales goals and continued to expand market share—a testament to his adaptability and focus.

    Promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing in 2023, Joe took full command of Reviva’s revenue engine. He leads a multi-tiered team that includes Inside Sales Agents, Business Development Managers, and Key Account Leaders. Under his direction, Reviva not only exceeded its revenue budget during a challenging economic year but also strengthened cross-departmental collaboration between production, sales, and warranty teams. Joe’s leadership has transformed the company’s go-to-market strategy, refined brand messaging, and introduced new digital tools to enhance customer experience.

    What distinguishes Joe is his dual fluency in technical detail and high-level strategy. Whether launching a new e-commerce portal or aligning sales incentives with company growth targets, he is both a tactician and a visionary. His background allows him to connect meaningfully with engineers and sales teams alike, earning respect across functional areas. Joe thrives in fast-paced environments where change is constant and leadership requires more than a title—it requires example, engagement, and accountability.

    Outside of work, Joe remains passionate about engine work and equipment maintenance, which continues to ground him in the practical realities of the industry he serves. Though he has not yet held a formal board seat, he has worked closely with executive boards and advisory committees, providing insight into sales operations, market trends, and business development. He views board service as a natural next step—a chance to contribute his knowledge at a strategic level while supporting growth-stage companies in transportation, industrial sales, and aftermarket services.

    Joe’s personal values—work ethic, curiosity, and a relentless commitment to improvement—guide his professional mission. He believes that sustainable growth stems from empowered teams, strong customer partnerships, and operational integrity. As he looks toward future advisory and board roles, Joe brings not only experience but a clear sense of purpose: to help businesses navigate complexity with confidence, and to mentor the next generation of sales leaders.

    Character:
    Joe is guided by a strong moral compass rooted in hard work, responsibility, and respect for the people he leads. His consistency in honoring commitments and elevating those around him makes him a trusted figure in every role he undertakes.

    Knowledge:
    With more than 21 years of experience, Joe has cultivated deep expertise in sales leadership, technical products, and market development across a range of transportation and industrial sectors. His understanding of both product and people allows him to solve problems holistically and build long-term business value.

    Strategic:
    Joe excels at seeing the big picture while managing tactical execution. He aligns company objectives with market realities, leveraging data, relationships, and cross-functional collaboration to exceed targets and drive transformation.

    Communication:
    Whether speaking to franchisees, engineers, or board members, Joe communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose. His ability to listen actively and respond with insight has been key to his leadership success and client retention record.

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    Kacey Card
    Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
    Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.