STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Paul Marks, the operations manager for heavy duty vehicle lift supplier Stertil-Koni, recently retired.

Marks, a former U.S. Air Force officer with 26 years of service, joined Stertil-Koni in 1998 as one of the company’s first employees. At the time, Stertil-Koni operated out of a small, one-room office in Ellicott City, Maryland, with only two employees: its President, Dr. Jean DellAmore, and Marks.

Stertil-Koni said in a news release that Marks has played a significant role in the company’s growth over the last 21 years, having overseen key operations and logistics associated with the delivery, receipt, and shipping of the company’s heavy duty vehicle lifting systems and shop equipment. The company estimates that Marks ordered, sent, tracked, delivered, and invoiced more than 10,000 items during his tenure.

"Paul has been a key driver in our ongoing success and has worn many hats along the way,” said Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni. “He has an exceptionally strong work ethic, with superb attention to detail, a command of complex logistics operations, and an intense commitment to serving Stertil-Koni and our customer base. We are a better company today thanks to Paul Marks.”

Marks is succeeded by Doug Frakes, who joined Stertil-Koni following ten years of experience with FedEx Ground.

During his retirement, Marks plans to spend his leisure time at his home in Maryland with his wife and two dogs, as well as traveling and visiting his four grandchildren.