Chandler Hamilton responsible for sales at Modesta LLC in Texas
Dutch dust extraction specialist Modesta is taking their next step in conquering the US market. Meet Chandler Hamilton, responsible for sales at Modesta LLC: a fourth-generation woodworker, seasoned industry professional, and familiar face within the Modesta family.
After officially opening its first branch on American soil in Garrison, Texas, at the end of 2024, Modesta has strengthened its US team by placing Chandler Hamilton in charge of sales for the woodworking industry across the United States. In the coming months, he’ll focus on introducing the local market to what the Dutch dust extraction specialist has to offer. ‘I’m looking forward to this new challenge,’ says Chandler. With a large network in the woodworking industry, as well as many years of experience in the construction and installation of filter systems, he’ll make a great addition to the Modesta team.
A seasoned professional
Chandler, who lives in Nacogdoches with his wife Jackie and their two young children, has been collaborating with Modesta since 2020. As Vice President at CenTech, he was responsible for selling and installing several Modesta systems at factories on American soil in the last couple of years. Managing the family business together with his father, Chandler has extensive knowledge of the local woodworking and construction industry. ‘I’m a fourth-generation carpenter and cabinet maker. My father Jeff has been in construction his whole career, so ever since I was young, I helped out at the family business,’ says Chandler. His father, Jeff Hamilton, started out building homes, then worked for a large window and door manufacturing company before founding his own construction business in the 1990s and later running a cabinet shop. In 2012, he entered the woodworking equipment industry, where he spent several years supplying and installing machinery. More recently, he has gradually shifted his focus toward dust collection, compressed air, and waste management solutions.
Having obtained his business degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2016, Chandler decided to join the family business. ‘Throughout the years, I had different roles within the company: I worked as a welder, did sales, and learned how to make technical drawings using autoCAD, after which I was able to handle the design part of our projects as well. I eventually became Vice President, working closely together with my father. We were responsible for all installation, traveling to our customers in Texas and other states.’
First impressions
The first collaboration with Modesta came in 2020, when the Modesta team couldn’t travel due to corona virus restrictions and asked CenTech to install a project on their behalf. ‘Because there was no one on site from Modesta, we had to figure out how to do everything by ourselves. Although this was challenging, I was immediately impressed by the quality of Modesta’s systems,’ Chandler recalls. Having worked with different suppliers of dust collectors at many different factories throughout the area, Chandler knew the common problems and challenges with these kinds of installations. ‘The first thing I noticed was the quality and the robustness, the precision with which the products are made, the way all the bolt holes line up, flanges meet like they’re supposed to. Also, the fact that the electrical package is included is a big advantage: with other systems, the client would have to get a separate quote from an electrician. Modesta makes sure all the wiring is included so we just have to hook everything up. All we need is power supplied to the control panel. On top of that, the installations include an advanced control system that monitors everything in real time and optimizes pressure and energy efficiency. This helps a lot in preventing damage to the equipment, avoiding downtime, and limiting operating costs.’ He also noticed the advantage of remote access for service: ‘We’re able to access the client’s system remotely, enabling us to solve problems more quickly, either from here in Texas or from the Netherlands.’
After having worked with several clients that invested in Modesta equipment, Chandler could see the difference with his own eyes. ‘Just by looking at the factory floor after they had their new filter installation up and running, I could see the premises were much cleaner, resulting in a healthier working environment, less fire hazard, and happier employees.’
Expanding the family
Getting to know the Modesta team while working together throughout the years, Chandler built up a partnership with Wyboud and Marianne Kloppenburg, Modesta’s directors. He saw similarities between their company and his own preferences in doing business. ‘Modesta is a family business, which is reflected in their company culture. Often, when any problems arose, I was talking directly to Wyboud, who would also give us a call just to ask how things were going. I appreciate this direct and unbureaucratic way of communicating: it’s the way I prefer working as well.’
After establishing Modesta LLC in 2024, Modesta asked Chandler to become part of their team and strengthen their presence on American soil this year. ‘It was a big leap for me, but I trust it will be a great challenge. I know Marianne and Wyboud really want what’s best for all of us – business-wise, but also for both of our families.’
‘We are very pleased to welcome Chandler to the Modesta team in this new role,’ says Wyboud Kloppenburg, Managing Director of Modesta and responsible for global strategy, sales and marketing. ‘Over the past years, we have worked closely together and have seen firsthand how well he understands both the woodworking industry and our way of doing business. With his extensive network, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience, Chandler is the ideal person to help us further expand our presence in the American market. As demand for high-quality dust extraction solutions continues to grow in the US, having Chandler as an additional sales force on the ground will allow us to strengthen relationships with existing customers and introduce many more companies to what Modesta has to offer.’
Marianne Kloppenburg, responsible for global operations at Modesta, including production, installation and service, is equally enthusiastic about Chandler joining the team. ‘As our installed base in the United States continues to grow, having experienced people locally becomes increasingly important. Chandler brings valuable practical knowledge from many successful Modesta installations and will provide extra boots on the ground for overseeing larger projects. He will also play an important role in supporting customers after installation, whether by providing remote assistance, coordinating on-site service when needed, or initiating the supply of spare parts already stocked on American soil. This enables us to respond even faster and provide the level of service and support our customers expect from Modesta.’
From this summer onwards, Chandler will focus on sales within the woodworking branch of Modesta LLC. ‘Modesta has been supplying dust collection solutions to woodworking factories, agricultural companies and the recycling industry in Europe and the UK for 75 years, but in the American market, they’re not that well known so there’s some work to do.’ Luckily, Chandler has a big network in the industry. ‘The next few months I’ll spend on the road, spreading the word and making new connections with woodworking businesses that may benefit from a Modesta dust collection system.’