Meet the Team

Dan Bakotic

President
(815) 791-7100
dan@mastsalesgroup.com

Dan’s inexhaustible supply of ambition, vision, and enjoyment of strategy and planning create a powerful sales and marketing process that comes to the rescue of his industry peers time and time again. His customer support ranges from sales training to marketing consultations to merchandising, and his unending creativity and persistence create unique, results-oriented outcomes. Naturally, these skills are a great fit for the managing partner of Mid America Sales.

Beginning his career on the front lines of the industry—in retail sales, construction, and pool service—Dan was no stranger to high achievement awards. His career history and sincere desire to help others brought him to Mid America as an independent representative in 2002. Now, his hands-on experience allows him to relate to his customers and their needs, helping them find the right solutions with an educational consultative approach. As managing partner, Dan’s sense of responsibility to grow his company is only equaled by his desire to grow the businesses of his clients. That means everybody wins.

Every good businessperson knows when to take a break, and when he is not working, Dan can be found playing hockey, hiking, beach bumming, or boating with his wife and son.

Drew Schilling

Vice President
(859) 250-2098
drew@mastsalesgroup.com

Drew looks at life and business with a critical eye, challenging the world and everyone in it to live up to their claims. He believes in the merits of truth, proof, and impeccable quality control. His standards may be high, but once his inquiring mind is satisfied, his loyalty will not be shaken. This “don’t tell me, show me” mentality has earned him a very respected reputation, and his recommendations are rarely questioned. He practices what he preaches, and his presentations as a salesman are unequaled. 

Drew’s introduction to the pool, spa, and backyard industry began in the water, as a swim coach. He also managed private swim clubs, and his attention to detail quickly led him towards a more sales-oriented career path. His obvious skill at learning and sharing information turned into a steady demand to give presentations and training throughout a national network of retail locations. 

Drew has been a vested partner with Mid America Sales since 1993, and during that time he has been invited by all levels of business to lead training presentations—which he does with gusto. 

At home with his wife and children, Drew likes to challenge himself and his family through a variety of physical activities, like skiing and swimming. 

Mike Getty

Regional Sales Manager - Central East, Partner
(616) 260-5126
michael@mastsalesgroup.com

Mike began his career in the pool and spa industry working for regional distribution. After 14 years, he was given an opportunity to open and run a distribution center for an international distributor, which he did for 12 years. This allowed him to build his reputation in the market before becoming a territory sales manager for a major equipment manufacturer. His responsibilities included customer service, plumbing spas, repairing spa packs, purchasing, and managing branches. Mike was a trainer for APSP in spa pack repair and basic electricity. He also created two spa lines, including equipment design, from concept to market. 

Mike a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a minor in math, so he pays close attention to details. This has given him a technical approach to sales that directly benefits his customers. 

As an avid family man, Mike enjoys traveling with his wife, keeping up with his children’s collegiate sporting careers, hunting, fishing, and bowling.

Dominic Mastrodonato

Regional Sales Manager - Central West, Partner
(630) 352-6535
dominic@mastsalesgroup.com

As an experienced national sales manager, Dominic has tripled sales, increased market share, and identified and captured new business and revenue streams during his career; he has also held positions including principal, business analyst, help desk developer, and facility manager. However, Dominic’s job title is less important to him than being able to take on business challenges and the responsibilities that come with growing a business. His strengths include consultative sales, business development, profit improvement, competitive analysis, problem solving, and sales forecasts in B2B environments. As a top producer, he is equally adept at brand management, working with products in multiple markets, and cost control. 

Within the industry, Dominic is known to have exceptional people skills and a strong instinct combined with an expert understanding of what products will sell. His decisive nature allows him to meet tight deadlines and transition smoothly during change. Dominic earned his MBA and BSBA from the University of Phoenix while spending nearly half his time traveling for his professional sales career. Through this, he has proven his dedication tenaciously and methodically pursuing the best results for his customers.

Outside of work, Dominic spends time with wife and two kids. He is an avid Chicago sports fan and likes to chase the ball around the golf course.

Karon Bakotic

Sales Administrator
(815) 676-0801
karon@mastsalesgroup.com

Karon is a creature of disciplined structure. Bringing a methodical and detail-oriented approach to her work, she is a perfect fit for managing Mid America’s CRM database, accounting, and warranty. Karon is always willing to help others; in fact, she wakes up with her arm raised so she can be the first selected for any project. 

Karon is proud to be a hockey mom and a big fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. When she’s not working or attending a hockey game, Karon can be found exploring the north woods of Wisconsin or relaxing on the beach in Florida. Her other interests include spending time with family, boating, antiquing, ancestry research, and enjoying her two favorite food groups: wine and chocolate.

DJ Johnson

Customer Service

“Sales without customer service is like stuffing money into a pocket full of holes.” – David Tooman. 

With over 30 years of experience in customer service roles, DJ has a passion for helping others and making sure her entire team is successful. In her role at Mid America, she strives to make a difference, mend any holes, and make customers smile. 

Outside of work, you’ll rarely find DJ at home. With her husband and two kids, she’s often at baseball fields, softball fields (to watch her daughter play), or hockey rinks across the country. DJ also volunteers with the softball booster club at her alma mater and loves spending time with her granddaughter.

Candice Blackann

Territory Sales Manager
(330) 990-1944
candice@mastsalesgroup.com

Candice is a customer-focused sales professional with over 14 years of experience. She’s detail-oriented and known for her timely follow-ups. She uses a consultative sales approach to help her customers work through challenges and achieve their goals.

Before joining the MAST Sales Group, Candice worked in sales as a representative and executive in both the B2B and medical device industry. Her unique consultative approach to sales and attention to detail comes from her years of working with highly technical products and building relationships with healthcare professionals and patients. Prior to starting her career, Candice attended Florida State University and where she received a Bachelor’s in Marketing.

In her free time, Candice loves to travel, especially if there’s a beach to visit. She also loves music and attending concerts, spending time snuggling with her pup, and she’s a big Steelers fan!

Charlie Gephart

Northeast Sales Director
(860) 910-6114
charlie@mastsalesgroup.com

Charlie began his career in the pool and spa industry over 30 years ago and has been witness to the unique changes, improvements and advancements our industry has experienced during that time. Charlie has built an accomplished career in pool and spa manufacturing, distribution, and retail and he’s excited to share that experience with others to help them grow! 

His previous work as Vice President for arguably the most successful specialty chemical lines in our industry and as Metro Atlantic Region Manager in Distribution gives him the insight and understanding of how critical it is to have highly effective and motivated sales representation. He is fully engaged in the complete business and selling cycle—from providing exceptional service and new customer development for long-term sales growth. Charlie is experienced and well-versed in sales, new business development, financial management, and operation planning.

Charlie is an outdoor enthusiast, world traveler, and avid bicyclist. He grew up in Montana following the cowboy way of life and previously owned his own outdoor outfitter and bike shop. He’s done his fair share of traveling and is pretty sure he’s been to every state here in the U.S, most of two continents—and thinks he might have stepped onto at least one more while passing through.

TJ Walker

Territory Sales Manager
(267) 342-5794
tj@mastsalesgroup.com

Mark Verplaetse

Territory Sales Manager
(763) 310-5941
mark@mastsalesgroup.com

“Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others.  Unsuccessful people are always asking “what’s in it for me?”” – Brian Tracy

Exceeding customer expectations is paramount to any organization’s success, Mark excels in this area building relationships, networking, and focusing on what the customer’s needs and challenges are.  He is solution-oriented and enjoys assisting customers with gaining market share and owning their prospective markets.

Throughout Mark’s 25+ years of experience in the pool & spa industry, he has worked in many areas of the business and sales channels. He started cleaning pools while attending college; worked in service and construction, as well as retail, sales and marketing on both the dealer and distribution side; and was also a Regional Sales Manager for a premier hot tub manufacturer. 

Away from the office, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and Minnesota Sports (Wild, Twins, and Vikings).  In his down time during the winter months, you can find him on a hockey rink somewhere officiating NCAA, MN High School, and USA Hockey games.

Grace Schultz

Marketing Coordinator
(815) 919-4764
grace@mastsalesgroup.com

Kristine Labounty

Territory Sales Manager
(603) 722-9824
kristine@mastsalesgroup.com

"Today is a good day to have a great day."

-Germany Kent

After being in the retail side of things for over a decade, Kristine knows the importance of having a rep who is reliable and efficient. She strives to provide exceptional customer service and unwavering consistency. Her background of working in-store with customers gives her the knowledge on what works with sales and loves to guide her customers to success.

Before MAST Sale Group, Kristine worked in the outdoor specialty world selling above-ground pools, high-end patio furniture, hot tubs, top-rated grills and much more. While her strongest focus was both learning and educating employees and customers on proper swimming pool care, her knack for sales and her excellent organizational skills led her up the ladder into management and purchasing positions. She has spent the later half of her career buying products such as spas, and choosing what works in the market she was familiar with. Along with that, she was managing employees, implementing product training, and selling on the sales floor. Her love for the swimming pool industry didn't waiver, and led to her becoming the sole author of Pool Care the Dummies book, which is a huge milestone in her professional career. Helping people is her business, and she will always reference her experience in retail to be better for her customers with MAST.

Outside of her work life, Kristine loves her family and pets. She has been a foster home for dozens of dogs over the past decade and will always choose to rescue! She loves experiencing new things and takes her son on adventures any chance she gets. Starting as a kid, Disney has always been a source of happiness in her life, and thoroughly enjoys vacations to the most magical place on earth, Disney World!

Dalton Pence

Territory Sales Manager
(513) 799-1450
dalton@mastsalesgroup.com

Ralph Miller

Retired

Ralph has been dubbed the chef of Mid America Sales, partly because of his mouth-watering culinary expertise, but also because he has worn so many hats throughout his career. He is the master of his kitchen, and the one all his peers refer to for experience and direction. When Ralph is approached with a question, he will offer a recipe for success, skillfully concocted from his personal business acumen in the way an experienced and passionate chef might. He can also grill a mean steak.

Ralph began his career in the pool and spa industry as a salesman for a leading retail chain in Ohio. He was rapidly promoted to store manager, then to purchasing, and, finally, to the wholesale division. After many years of success, he put his skills to use as an operations manager and later branch manager for another influential supply store. 

In 2000, Ralph was welcomed wholeheartedly to the Mid America Sales team. As a vested partner, he enjoys the versatility and opportunities the company offers to use his varied career and life experience on a regular basis. He has received certifications in many industry areas, including CPO, construction, outdoor lighting, and interior design. 

Ralph’s wife, children, and grandchildren keep him young, as does his long-lived singing career. Among other hobbies, traveling and enjoying nature are close to his heart.