Dick Blaudow
Dick Blaudow is one of the co-founders of Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS) and is currently Chairman and CEO. He began his career at Caterpillar in 1969 in the Plant Operations Training Program. He later assumed the position of Staff Engineer in Plant Engineering in the East Peoria facility and held positions of increasing responsibilities. He started and managed the Electronic Repair Department at the East Peoria Caterpillar plant. This Electronic Repair Department later became the startup group of ATS. In November 1996, Mr. Blaudow, along with other investors, purchased the remaining outstanding shares of ATS from Caterpillar.
Mr. Blaudow received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Southern Illinois University in 1970. He serves on the Board of Directors for Southern Illinois University College of Engineering (COE) Industrial & Alumni Relations, Purdue University-Fort Wayne Engineering Technology Computer Science (ETCS) Industrial Advisory Board, Gridiron Capital and TDI Products, Inc. He served for several years on SIUC's Industrial Advisory Council of the Department of Electrical Engineering and as Chairman of the SIUC Engineering Annex Advisory Committee. In October 1998, Mr. Blaudow was named an SIU Distinguished Alumni in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to SIU. Mr. Blaudow is currently a member of the World Presidents Organization, and a former member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).