Welcome John Kiser!

Arthur Budge and I are happy to welcome John Kiser as the newest member of the Five States family. John assumed the role of President at the beginning of August. His charge is broad, with responsibility for the effective planning and control of all aspects of Five States’ future management and operations.

Arthur and I have long been aware of the need to bring aboard an individual with John’s background, knowledge and industry experience, but until recently we had not identified anyone with whom we were sufficiently impressed. Fortuitously, during this period of COVID-19 quarantine, John became available to us as a consultant to conduct a “deep dive” review of Five States. His charge was to provide an analysis of the company, and to suggest opportunities that might be available in the acquisition marketplace and strategies that might be appropriate for us to employ.  

His report was so well researched and his recommendations so pragmatic that he was offered the position of President to implement his suggestions. Fortunately, John elected to join us. You may review his bio online at www.fivestates.com/team.

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Arthur and I plan to stay fully engaged in the company. Arthur retains the CEO position and I remain Chairman, and our roles are to be as helpful and supportive to John as possible. With new leadership at the top and with acquisition opportunities becoming more abundant, I believe Five States is entering a period of more activity and successful investments than has existed during most of the previous decade.