Thompson Pump executive retires, successor named

Farrell

John Farrell, vice president of sales and marketing at Thompson Pump & Manufacturing Co., retired after 38 years with the company.

Nearly four decades ago, Farrell was hired as a purchasing agent for Thompson Pump. According to the company, he then rose through the ranks to purchasing manager, regional sales manager and was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing in 2002.

While with Thompson Pump, Farrell helped to establish and grow partnerships with national rental companies, distributors and vendors, the company says. He grew Thompson Pump’s international and municipal business as well as its dealer and distributor network to more than 40 business partners across the U.S. and Canada.

“I am humbled and proud to have been such an integral part of the Thompson Pump team … to have helped this company exceed all expectations and grow to be the industry leader it is,” Farrell says. “I will miss being at Thompson Pump each day, but I will be keeping in [touch] and staying a part of the family.”

Adds Chris Thompson, president of Thompson Pump: “John is and always will be a friend to coworkers, customers and competitors across the globe, and to us. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him, and we are forever grateful.”

Company promotions

Zitzka

Upon Farrell’s retirement, Thompson Pump promoted Bobby Zitzka to vice president of sales and marketing.

Zitzka began his career at Thompson Pump in 2002 as the branch manager for the company’s Orlando, Florida, branch. He was then promoted to the role of national sales manager in 2013 and moved to Thompson Pump’s corporate headquarters.

According to the company, Zitzka and Farrell worked together to bring in additional accounts, and Zitzka helped to close the largest sale in company history. He is also part of the company’s executive management team.

“The years I spent working with John were the most formative and gave me a solid foundation to help Thompson Pump build towards the future,” Zitzka says. “As the company continues to grow, I’m excited to help with several initiatives to take Thompson Pump to the next level as an industry leader, just like John always did.”

Adds Thompson: “I know the team is in very capable hands with Bobby, and we are looking forward to seeing just how far he can take us.”

In addition, the company promoted Pat Broderick to national sales manager.

Broderick has been with the company for nearly 20 years. He was hired as a sales and rental territory manager in the Midwest and helped expand Thompson Pump’s reach by starting the company’s Kansas City, Missouri, branch in his barn, according to the company. In 2005, he was promoted to regional manager for the Midwest and West Coast.

“For nearly 20 years, I’ve been a part of helping Thompson Pump grow and expand and I’m excited for the opportunity to further that growth,” Broderick says. “I am grateful to John for showing me the way that will help me build Thompson Pump’s partnership network for years to come.”