SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Bergstrom Inc. Appoints 3 New Sales Managers

Drew Goaley, Matt Chaplin, and Kevin Searer will provide service to the climate systems supplier’s customers in various regions.

February 25, 2019
Bergstrom Inc. Appoints 3 New Sales Managers

Matt Chaplin joins the Bergstrom sales team as a regional sales manager, focusing on the South and Midwest areas.

2 min to read


Drew Goaley will work as the national sales manager for aftermarket bus air conditioning systems, handling the Northwest and West regions.

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Climate systems supplier Bergstrom Inc. has appointed three new sales managers: Drew Goaley, Matt Chaplin, and Kevin Searer.

The new managers will work as part of Bergstrom’s new aftermarket bus air-conditioning systems team, and will be based remotely to provide service to pre-existing and potential customers in different regions, according to a news release from the company.

Ad Loading...

“At Bergstrom, we’re always looking to innovate the best solutions for our customers,” said Forrest Fields, director of aftermarket bus air conditioning systems. “As we continue to build our bus systems business, we expanded our team with these three talented and experienced individuals. We know they’ll help us take that next leap forward.”

Matt Chaplin joins the Bergstrom sales team as a regional sales manager, focusing on the South and Midwest areas.

Drew Goaley will work as the national sales manager for aftermarket bus air conditioning systems, handling the Northwest and West regions. Goaley previously worked in regional sales at Valeo Thermal Systems, and has more than 10 years of experience in the school and transit bus market.

Matt Chaplin joins the Bergstrom sales team as a regional sales manager, focusing on the South and Midwest areas. Chaplin previously worked at ProAir, and has more than 15 years of experience in the school bus industry.

Kevin Searer will work as a regional sales manager for climate control systems for the East coast. Searer has more than 11 years of experience in mobile air conditioning sales with past work as an account manager at Valeo Thermal Systems and MORyde International.

Kevin Searer will work as a regional sales manager for climate control systems for the East coast.

Bergstrom has been providing HVAC systems to commercial and specialty vehicles for more than 40 years. The company introduced its school bus air conditioning system, the Cool Zone, in 2016.

Ad Loading...

In more recent Bergstrom news, the company unveiled two new installation centers to expand its services in the school bus industry. The centers, located in Byron, Georgia, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, will handle the installation of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems in school buses.

More Management

Graphic for School Bus Fleet's "Changing Lanes" July 2026 personnel roundup featuring headshots of six industry professionals: Jamie Smith (AMF Buns), Dan Strock (Pro-Vision), Kyndra Webb (HopSkipDrive Council), Jared Schnader (CALSTART), Alycia Gilde (CALSTART), and Micah Enterz (Kooner Fleet Management Solutions), displayed on an orange geometric background.
Managementby StaffJuly 31, 2026

Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner

Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.

Read More →
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.

Read More →
Two school buses parked in front of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 28, 2026

Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City

From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A HopSkipDrive caregiver waits by an open car door in front of a house.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 27, 2026

HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support

The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
A yellow school bus is parked outside a school beneath a large oak tree with blooming white blossoms, framed by white buildings and a bright blue spring sky.
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 27, 2026

Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners

See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.

Read More →
Graphic for a School Bus Fleet article titled "Understanding Emotional Intelligence," featuring wooden letter blocks spelling "IEQ" and the subtitle, "Tips for transportation leaders to stay calm in any situation."
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 26, 2026

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Student Transportation

Learn the five key elements that bus drivers and transportation directors can use to stay calm in any situation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Zonar Back to School Readiness Report for 2026
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report

Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

Read More →
Collage highlighting recipients of the 2026 National School Transportation Association awards at the Annual Meeting and Convention in Denver
Managementby Amanda HuggettJuly 23, 2026

National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners

Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.

Read More →
A South Carolina Public Schools school bus lineup with text reading "How To Make Routing Data Persuasive."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 21, 2026

School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells

Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage highlighting NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference, featuring awards presentations, NYAPT President Marc Medina speaking, packed educational sessions, and the event's "Back to the Future" theme celebrating 50 years of pupil transportation leadership.
Managementby StaffJuly 20, 2026

Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show

See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.

Read More →