Our Team

OUR STORY

In 1991, Byron Whetstone founded American Direct with the concept of selling value-add building components through specialty distribution channels. More than 25 years later, American Direct is the nation’s leading provider of totally integrated 28/8 safety and security solutions at the door, with 27 offices across the United States.

The company’s growth has been fueled by continuous investment in technology and innovation, strategic acquisition, and development of a deep network of industry partners. Most important, though, are the company’s nearly 200 associates, whose extensive experience in consulting, specification, logistics, installation, field service, integration, security, and access control allow American Direct to provide clients with unparalleled products, services, and solutions.

OUR VALUES

Integrity
We do what we say we will do.

Commitment
We maintain superior standards of quality and achievement in our work and workplace.

Teamwork
We work together to accomplish a shared purpose.

Excellence
We all engage our best efforts to help the company succeed.

Accountability
We are personally willing to answer for the results of our behavior.

Respect
We hold each other in high esteem. Each person is valuable and worthy of being treated with dignity.

Service
We strive to be responsive, flexible, and adaptable to people’s needs, expectations, and requirements.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Byron Whetstone
President and CEO
Byron is the CEO and President of American Direct. Since starting the company in 1991, his vision and devotion to creating a culture of constant innovation has led American Direct on a trajectory of success. In early 2016, Byron’s progressive thinking lead to the acquisition of AccessNsite access control solution, an unprecedented move for a traditional door, frame, and hardware company. This innovative approach put American Direct on track to become the only company in the nation able to combine Division 28 and Division 8 product, service, and expertise to deliver totally integrated safety and security solutions at the door opening. Since its first full year in operation in 1991, American Direct’s revenue has grown from $1.8 million to $100+ million in 2016.

Jerry Glynn
Chief Information Officer
Jerry’s past experience as an IT consultant to business and government executives, CEO of an online search marketing startup, and Senior Vice President of Information Technology at a financial services company, brings a broad depth of perspective to his roles at American Direct and AccessNsite. As the CIO for American Direct and CTO for AccessNsite, Jerry’s key responsibilities include leadership and strategy to align the company’s IT infrastructure with business priorities, advising on the most effective use of technology to enhance the company’s product offering, and serve as the company’s top technology architect.

Jerry Pennington
Vice President – National Contract Sales
Jerry is a 35+ year veteran of the door openings industry and started his career at American Direct in 2005 overseeing National Account Sales. Jerry’s role then shifted to Chief Operating Officer for four years before moving to his current role as Vice President of National Contract Sales. He currently provides leadership to eight fulfillment center managers from five regions. Before joining American Direct, Jerry was an owner of Builders Specialties and Hardware in Kansas City for 13 years.

Sandy Harper
Vice President – Corporate Services
As the leader of Corporate Services, Sandy is responsible for purchasing, vendor relationships, and accounts payable. Within these key functions, Sandy provides direction to deliver on quality control objectives, resolve order discrepancies, timely execution of accounts payable and ensures monthly revenue projections are achieved.

Tony Saverino, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Tony brings 30 years of financial and management experience in the construction, real estate, and insurance industries to his role as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Tony manages the financial risk, financial reporting, accounting, billing and collections teams for American Direct.