Sales Team
Meet Your Airflow Advisor Below
Albert Howell
800-768-3985 ext. 150
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
My name is Albert Howell, and I am the Sales Manager here at Patterson Fan Company. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. I started working for Patterson in March of 1994.
I started in Regional Sales with no contacts or customers and have since built a database of over 2000+ contacts. In 1996, I was the top producer for my group and was promoted to Major Accounts Manager, managing 25 accounts. After two years, I was then promoted to National Accounts, where I was responsible for 10 large distribution and packaging handling corporations. During that time, I established Patterson Fan’s first signed National Account agreement. In 2005, I was promoted to one of six Regional Account Managers, and then in 2009, I became Sales Manager for all of Regional Sales.
In addition to my current responsibilities, I’ve been tasked to lead a new group to target the growing number of online retailers that are expanding and building. We want to ensure that these companies receive the attention and knowledge of our staff that they deserve. I’m excited about this new group and the potential it holds.
I’m married to my wife, Tara, of 25 years, and have two precious daughters, ages 20 & 23. We enjoy spending time with family, as my twin brother and I are the youngest of eight children. We also enjoy boating on Lake Murray, SC, traveling to the beach, mountains, Disney World, and attending the University of South Carolina football games on Saturdays in the Fall.
Brandon Johnson
800-768-3985 ext. 106
Daniel Weldon
800-768-3985 ext. 162
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
IL, MN, NY, OH, PA
My name is Daniel Weldon, and I've been a regional sales manager with Patterson since 2020. When I joined the Patterson family, I began working in the assembly area, learning how our many different models of fans are made. I then transitioned to our shipping department, where I gained an appreciation of what it takes to get an order completed and shipped out the door. From there, I moved over to our parts warehouse under the title “Inventory Control Specialist,” where I helped to implement new practices and procedures that have since drastically improved our production efficiency and material management. I consider myself very fortunate to be joining the sales team with such an in-depth knowledge of our products and processes. Over the years, I’ve developed an in-depth understanding of air movement and ventilation problems and how to properly address them.
I graduated from Midlands Technical College in 2014 with an Associate’s Degree and spent five years in the building and construction industry. In 2025, I married my beautiful wife, Kelsea, here in Columbia, SC. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, fishing, camping, playing soccer, spending time with my chocolate lab, Gus, and anything that gives me an excuse to be outside.
David Richardson
800-768-3985 ext. 148
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Food Processing - West
Hello, my name is David Richardson, and I am a food processing rep at Patterson Fan Company. My goal is to assist you in meeting the needs of your company’s air movement challenges. My commitment to you is that I will listen to your goals, challenges, and concerns, to offer the best air movement solutions, while respecting budget constraints.
I have an extensive career in sales and have always felt that if you try to represent the best product in your field, you do what you say you’re going to do, and you are fair to the customer, then you’ll be successful. Simply put, it is my belief that we make the best fans on the market today.
I am married to my beautiful wife of 30 years, and we have three grown boys, David, Hunter, and Luke. When it comes to family, I have been blessed way beyond what I deserve! I enjoy music, boating, the outdoors, going to the movies, and “chillin” with family and friends.
To me, life is about relationships, and I hope you’ll give us the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with you and your company. Again, thanks for considering Patterson Fan Company!
Liz Fox
800-768-3985 ext. 113
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Catalogs & Distribution
I currently serve as the Business Development Manager at Patterson Fan Company, where I focus on B2B distributor national accounts. Since 2007, I’ve also held roles as Regional Sales Manager and National Sales Manager, which gave me the foundation to strengthen distributor networks, drive multimillion-dollar growth, and deliver practical, results-driven solutions for manufacturing, warehousing, and industrial facilities across the United States.
I will complete my Master’s in Retail Innovation at the University of South Carolina in December 2025. Through this program, I’m expanding my expertise by applying advanced retail, supply chain, and leadership strategies to industrial markets. My goal is to merge traditional manufacturing experience with innovative approaches in distribution and customer engagement, keeping pace with how industries are evolving.
I’ve called Blythewood, South Carolina, home for the past 30 years. My husband and I have a large blended family of six, and five of us are proud USC alumni or soon will be. We enjoy college football and always support our Gamecocks. I also dedicate time to causes close to my heart, including pet rescue and domestic violence prevention.
Beyond my career and community, I am passionate about lifelong learning. I actively invest in cryptocurrency ETFs, follow blockchain and Ethereum trends, and explore how these technologies can integrate with artificial intelligence to shape the future of industry and investment. At the core of everything I do, my purpose is to empower people to excel in what they enjoy most building both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Franz Silas
800-768-3985 ext. 116
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Catalogs & Distribution
My name is Franz Silas, and I am your account manager here at Patterson Fan. I graduated from Francis Marion University, located in Florence, SC, in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In November of 1995, I was hired to join the Patterson “Family”.
I started in regional sales, where I managed a database for the daily marketing and sales to over 2000 companies across the United States. I then moved to the National Accounts Group, where I was responsible for sales to (6) major distribution and package handling corporations. During that time, I established Patterson Fans' first blanket contract. I have had varying roles throughout the years and find myself back in the National Account Program, for which I truly have a passion.
I am married to my college sweetheart and have one wonderful son. We enjoy boating on beautiful Lake Murray, SC and traveling with my son’s lacrosse team. On college football Saturdays, you can find us at Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
I look forward to working with you on any fan or ventilation projects that you may have.
Glen Kelly
800-768-3985 ext. 166
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
AR, GA, IA, NC, TN
My name is Glen Kelly and I am a Regional Territory Manager here at Patterson Fan Company, covering accounts in Georgia and Tennessee. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have spent time in engineering, contracting, and manufacturing, across a broad range of industries.
I am originally from South Carolina and returned after living in Northern Virginia for 7 years. I have three adult kids and enjoy spending time with them, rooting for the Gamecocks, playing golf, or watching a well-played game baseball.
JJ Hammond
800-768-3985 ext. 104
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Catalogs & Distribution
After 15+ years in the mortgage banking and real estate business, J.J. Hammond became part of the Patterson family in 2021. He is the Sales Manager for online distribution throughout the U.S. J.J. graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Entertainment Management.
A native of Columbia, SC, JJ lives with his wife and four lovingly, wild children. After playing football in college, he enjoys all USC Gamecock events, attending sporting events to mark various stadiums across the country off the bucket list, and hitting up the golf course.
Joe Mendola
800-768-3985 ext. 161
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
CT, DE, FL, ME, MA, NH, NJ, RI, VT, WI
Joe began his career with Patterson in January 2024. He spent his first year in the Catalog & Distribution division before moving into Regional Territory Management in January of '25, where he now covers CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, RI, VT, and WI.
Born just south of Buffalo, Joe earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, and has been fortunate to study, work, and live in several corners of our country.
His professional background includes a 10-year stint with Scheels All Sports, where he pursued his development from sales roles into management. Joe strives to bring his experience, knowledge, and dedication to Patterson Fan Company and its valued customers.
Bonus fact: Joe enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing, and is an avid snowboarder who loves spending time in the great outdoors.
John Campolong
800-768-3985 ext. 150
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
AL, LA, MS, TX
I make a living moving air, not blowing it. At Patterson Fan Company, I focus on solving airflow problems with practical solutions that keep businesses running at their best, usually starting with keeping employees cool and comfortable!
When the workday’s done, I trade fan performance for tree stands and fishing rods. I’m an outdoorsman at heart, but also a proud husband and dad of daughters... family time always comes first. We love enjoying the coast of SC or the mountains of the upstate.
Whether it’s helping customers or making memories at home, I bring the same energy and commitment to both.
John Strait
800-768-3985 ext. 159
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
CA, CO, KS, NV, OK, SC, WA
I am a 2001 cum laude graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. During my time at Clemson, I was fortunate enough to be a member of the football team as a placekicker and punter, earning a varsity letter in 2000.
Upon graduation, I spent time in the chemical industry in various roles including operations engineer, supervisor, and quality manager. In 2012, I joined the Patterson team as the Product Specialist and technical assistant to sales for the High-5 fan and Solar Shield products.
Beginning in 2014, I was named the Lead Sales Representative for Solar Shield’s evaporative roof cooling and truck spray products. I also began coordinating installation of Patterson products in May 2015. Most recently in November of 2017, I became a member of the Patterson Fan sales team, responsible for the states of CA, CO, KS, NV, OK, SC, and WA.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and passionately cheering on the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Kent Ray
800-768-3985 ext. 154
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, NE, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WY | Food Processing - East
My name is Kent Ray and I’m your Agriculture and Food Processing Accounts Manager with Patterson Fan Company. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree, placing an emphasis on Marine Science.
I have been in sales, working with National chain accounts as well as mom and pop outfits, for the past twenty years. One of the most important lessons I have learned through the years is that the customer always comes first.
I have a wonderful wife, two daughters, and one little man. When not working, my family and I enjoy many outdoor activities; the weather usually dictates our recreation. I enjoy mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding, kayaking, fishing, football (both types), etc. My family loves South Carolina Gamecock athletics and attends as many events as we can.
So, that is a little bit about me… but it is about you, and here at Patterson Fan we look forward to speaking with you about your air flow and ventilation needs.
Stay cool, my friend.
Matt Patterson
800-768-3985 ext. 102
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Matt, a third-generation employee, is the dedicated Account Manager for FedEx and UPS. He holds a B.B.A. in Business Management from Mesa State University in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Matt began as a summer intern in 2000; he had the opportunity to experience production, traveling road sales, trade shows, and perform various levels of market research. A full-time employee since 2006, Matt has held various levels of responsibility in the sales department. As an account manager for FedEx and UPS, he has had the opportunity to work closely with design engineers to help develop a new loading dock fan designed specifically to suit their needs.
Although he’s only been an employee since 2006, he has been a member of the Patterson family since 1980. Matt’s father and grandfather started Patterson Fan Company in 1989; he’s been a part of the business as long as he can remember and is proud to be able to come into work every day and serve those customers that help get us where we are today.
Outside of work, Matt is probably most notable for coining the phrase, “Flip that puppy on the sunny time.” While much debate still surrounds the exact meaning of this popular expression, the two prevailing schools of thought are “look for the bright side of any situation” or “let’s put a pin in this discussion until the following day.” A third, and perhaps most widely accepted interpretation is: it’s complete gibberish. If by some miraculous twist of fate you’ve yet to encounter this common idiom in your day to day life, don’t worry, soon you will.
Sam Steele
800-768-3985 ext. 117
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Sam is the National Account Manager at Patterson Fan Company, which basically means if you need big fans and even bigger results, he’s your guy. Before taking the national stage, Sam cut his teeth as a Regional Account Manager, growing his territory like it was a prize-winning tomato garden.
A proud graduate of Charleston Southern University with a B.A. in Business Administration, Sam dove headfirst into his career at Patterson, where he quickly started racking up awards like he was playing sales bingo: President’s Cup, Ventilation Sales Award, Significant Contribution Award, and the ever-glorious Rookie of the Year.
Outside the office, Sam’s powered by faith, family, and the Force. He’s happily married to Haley (his real-life MVP) and is a proud dad to one daughter and two sons, future fan experts or Jedi, time will tell. When he's not closing deals or building Lego sets with the kids, you'll find him weightlifting, cheering on Clemson football, exploring new places, or deep into a good book (The Bible tops the list). Favorite movie? The Empire Strikes Back. Favorite candy? It’s a hard-fought battle between Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s.
Shawn Rodgers
800-768-3985 ext. 146
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Agriculture
After eight years in the golf course industry, where precision, planning, and performance were key, I transitioned into industrial airflow solutions with Patterson Fan Company in 2007. I began as a Regional Territory Manager, covering multiple states and working with some of the biggest names in manufacturing and warehousing. Much of my work involved partnering with corporate engineers to design and implement optimized airflow layouts that improved efficiency, comfort, and overall operations.
I graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, SC with an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture Technology, specializing in Golf Course Management. During my years managing golf courses, I used Patterson Fans to protect greens during the hot summer months. That hands-on experience with the fans gave me a firsthand understanding of their reliability and performance, something that stuck with me and eventually brought me to Patterson.
Today, I serve as the Business Development Manager for Agriculture, focusing on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). I work directly with growers to design airflow solutions that enhance crop yields, improve energy efficiency, promote plant health, and protect valuable investments from product loss. A large part of my role is detailed fan placement design, ensuring that every system we deliver is customized to fit the unique needs of each growing facility.
I’m passionate about helping growers and ag businesses reach their full potential with proven, science-backed airflow strategies. Whether it’s a vertical farm, greenhouse, or indoor grow, I’m here to help move air, and results, in the right direction.
Outside of work, I’ve been married to my wife since 1999 and have two sons. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, vacationing with my family at Holden Beach, NC, and Pawley’s Island, SC, and spending fall weekends cheering on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Taylor Mackay
800-768-3985 ext. 158
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
DC, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, VA, WV
Taylor Mackay serves on the Regional Sales Team at Patterson Fan Company, where he is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and tailored ventilation solutions to clients across his territory. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Taylor brings professionalism, expertise, and a strong focus on relationship building to every customer interaction.
Beyond his professional role, Taylor enjoys fishing, kayaking, and disc golf. He is happily married and takes great pride in being a devoted parent and positive role model to his young son.
Tyler Delehant
800-768-3985 ext. 114
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Warehousing, Distribution, and Fulfillment
Tyler has a long history with Patterson Fan, having worked on the production side of the company during the summers of 2006-2008, he was already very familiar with the company and their values.
After six years living in Reno, NV, working in sales, snowboarding, going to live shows, and visiting Lake Tahoe as much as he could, in 2014 he decided to make his way back to the Carolina’s.
He got a great opportunity to join the Patterson Sales Team and spent 3 years working as a Regional Territory manager. In 2018 he moved on to a larger role within the company to National Accounts.
He reconnected with his true love and married his wife, Geena, in 2023. They live happily with their two dogs; a basset hound named Stella and boxer named Charlie. On the weekends, Tyler is normally traveling. Living in Columbia, he’s just a short drive away from his hometown Morganton NC in the mountains, the beach, as well as the Bank of America Stadium... Tyler is a huge fan of the Carolina Panthers and usually attends at least one game a year.