Spiceland Ind.-based Draper Inc. hired Chris Broome as its fifth president in the company’s 118-year history, after John Pidgeon stepped down following 15 years in the role. Broome continues the Draper tradition of family ownership and management. He is the cousin of John Pidgeon and son of vice president of manufacturing Mike Broome, and the great, great grandson of company founder Luther Draper.

“It has been an honor to serve as Draper’s president for the last 15 years, but the time has come to pass the torch,” Pidgeon said.

Chris Broome has been with Draper since 1992, serving in several capacities including architectural market manager.

“Chris [Broome] has been preparing for this job for many years, and he will do it well,” Pidgeon said. “Draper’s culture is strong and will endure and I am confident that our best years are yet to come.”

Chris Broome said, “I am honored to carry on the family tradition at Draper. I realize that I have big shoes to fill, but like John, I am very confident about Draper’s future.”
The move also led to several other management changes. Lee Denhart replaces Chris Broome as architectural market manager. Denhart was hired at Draper on the sales team in 1989. Jentry Wittkamper was hired at Denhart’s former position, director of sales. Wittkamper was hired at Draper in 1997 and served as export sales manager and lifts and mounts product manager. Pidgeon will continue as chairman of the board of directors, and Mike Broome remains in his role as vice president of manufacturing.