#99 - Daryl Adams | The Shyft Group – Blue Arc EVs, Last Mile Electrification & Customized Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Daryl Adams is President and CEO of the Shyft Group, the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for ecommerce-driven parcel delivery, as well as the broader commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets.

Key topics in this conversation include:

• The value of a modular and right-sized approach to EV batteries for commercial applications
• The difference between Blue Arc’s EV Chassis and a skateboard platform for passenger car applications
• How Daryl has helped to optimize organizational health and performance at The Shyft Group
• Shyft’s approach to customized solutions for their customers, including a purpose-built vehicle configuration for Starbucks
• How Blue Arc is addressing the full EV ecosystem with their Power Cube

Links:

• Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/daryladams
• Daryl’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylmadams/
• Shyft Group’s website: https://theshyftgroup.com/
• Shyft Group’s YouTube channel

About Daryl and The Shyft Group

The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF) is the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for ecommerce-driven parcel delivery, as well as the broader commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. With expertise second to none, Shyft leverages deep last mile expertise and industry-leading innovation to deliver a better, more sustainable future for all. The company’s go-to-market brands – including Utilimaster, Royal Truck Body, DuraMag, Strobes-R-Us, Spartan RV Chassis, and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing – employ over 3,800 employees in 16 campus operations across 10 states and two countries. In 2021, The Shyft Group reported earnings of $991.8M from continuing operations.

Adams joined the organization in 2014 as the COO and was moved into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer within just six months. Adams’ approachable and upfront style, combined with his willingness to challenge the status quo for the good of the business, echoes the company’s nimble, assertive stance. He combines his more than 30 years of manufacturing experience with a will to win.

As President and CEO, he’s more than doubled the Company’s earnings and scale, invested heavily in talent, led the development of multiple industry-first solutions, successfully completed five acquisitions and one divestiture, as well as a full company rebranding effort. Adams also sits on The Shyft Group’s board of directors, providing insight related to the Company’s operations and strategic direction.

Adams has also been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business, MiMfg Magazine, Greater Lansing Business Monthly, The Detroit News, and Forbes for his work in transforming Spartan Motors into The Shyft Group. Adams and his wife have three children and live in Novi, Michigan.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.