Meet our latest COMP2025 panelist Dan Grady
Please welcome Dan Grady, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for Hercules Industries, to the COMP2025 panel stage!
Panel | From Current Challenges to Future Opportunities: Expert Perspectives on Manufacturing
With 15+ years at Hercules Industries, Daniel Grady has been a driving force behind operational excellence, profitability, and workforce growth. As VP of Manufacturing Operations, he leads strategies that boost efficiency, strengthen safety, and deliver on customer needs.
Daniel’s career spans leadership in manufacturing, sales, and operations — with a proven track record in branch management, duct fabrication, steel processing, and large-scale distribution. Beyond Hercules, he is deeply engaged in the industry and community, serving on national committees with SMACNA, the Denver Workforce Development Board, and the American Radio Relay League.
Recognized for his results-driven leadership, Daniel combines deep industry expertise with a passion for advancing Colorado’s workforce and the manufacturing sector nationwide.
At a Glance: Hercules Industries
Hercules Industries specializes in custom metalwork for both commercial and residential properties. With decades of expertise, the company designs, fabricates, and installs metal structures tailored to the unique needs of its clients. Hercules provides both custom and standard sheet metal products to HVAC residential and commercial contractors, supporting projects ranging from new build installation, remodeling and maintenance.
Founded in 1962, Hercules Industries has built a strong reputation by investing in customer relationships, expanding its manufacturing and distribution facilities, and supporting its 600 employees with the resources needed to deliver excellence.
About Dan
Daniel Grady is a seasoned management executive with a comprehensive background spanning manufacturing, sales, marketing, project management, procurement, and operations leadership. As the current Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Hercules Industries, Daniel is responsible for designing and executing strategies that enhance profitability, efficiency, and predictability across the company’s manufacturing centers.
Career at Hercules Industries: Since joining Hercules Industries in 2010, Daniel has held multiple leadership positions,including Director of Manufacturing Operations and Commercial Division Branch Manager. In these roles, he effectively managed branch-level operations, overseeing commercial duct fabrication, steel processing, and wholesale distribution. Daniel’s leadership has focused on promoting quality, meeting delivery deadlines, and satisfying the requirements of commercial mechanical contractors. Additionally, he has prioritized the implementation of a sustainable safety program to ensure a secure and compliant work environment.
Professional and Volunteer Involvement: Beyond his responsibilities at Hercules Industries, Daniel is deeply involved in several professional and volunteer organizations. He serves as a Vice Director and Board Member for the American Radio Relay League, contributing to policy development that shapes the organization’s direction. Daniel is also a Board Member of the Denver Workforce Development Board, where he helps advance workforce initiatives and supports the development of workforce needs in the Denver area.Within the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Colorado chapter, Daniel has played a pivotal role, serving as Director, Vice President, President, and Board Chairman. On a national level, he is a member of the SMACNA National Business and Finance Committee, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing the industry’s goals and strategies.
Prior Leadership Roles: Before joining Hercules Industries, Daniel gained valuable experience in various leadership capacities. He served as Vice President of Operations at Q’so Incorporated and as Product Manager at NB Handy. At Ductmate Industries, Inc., Daniel began as a Regional Sales Manager and was promoted to Manufacturing Facilities Manager, overseeing operations across two facilities in multiple states.
Education and Leadership Expertise: Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from the University of Phoenix and pursued Religious Studies at Seton Hall University. His expertise includes team and people development, profit and loss management, lean business practices, ISO quality management systems, and cost control programs. Daniel is recognized as a results-focused leader, dedicated to building profitable and efficient professional environments.
Join us at COMP to hear from Dan Grady with Hercules Industries as he explores how today’s manufacturing landscape is evolving, the hurdles businesses must overcome, and the strategies that will define future success.
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