B'laster Taps Retail Veteran Tad Schimmelpfennig as New CEO to Accelerate Growth

VALLEY VIEW, OH – January 14, 2026 – B'laster Holdings, a leading manufacturer of specialty lubricants and maintenance chemicals, today announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Tad Schimmelpfennig as its new Chief Executive Officer. The move signals a strategic pivot toward aggressive retail expansion and strengthened market execution for its portfolio of iconic brands, including B'laster, GUNK, and Liquid Wrench.

Schimmelpfennig, a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience, takes the helm from Randy Pindor, who will transition to the Board of Directors. The appointment is positioned as a direct effort to bolster B'laster's go-to-market strategy, deepen relationships with its vast network of retail partners, and expand the reach of its products across key automotive, industrial, and consumer channels.

"I am thrilled to join B'laster as Chief Executive Officer," Schimmelpfennig stated in the official announcement. "I look forward to working closely with our talented employees, customers, and partners to build on B'laster's strong foundation and momentum, delivering reliable, high-performance products while accelerating growth through innovation, operational excellence, and deeper customer partnerships."

A Veteran of the Retail Trenches

Tad Schimmelpfennig's extensive resume reads like a blueprint for B'laster's stated ambitions. His career is marked by leadership roles at major consumer product and specialty chemical companies, where he honed a sharp focus on brand building and retail channel management. Most recently, he served as President of AFCO Food & Beverage, a division of Zep Inc., another major player in the specialty chemicals space.

His tenure at Zep is particularly relevant, as he previously oversaw its Retail and Vehicle Care businesses. In that capacity, he worked directly with large national retail customers to expand product distribution and refine go-to-market execution—precisely the mandate he now carries at B'laster. His experience is not limited to chemicals; earlier in his career, Schimmelpfennig managed a multi-billion-dollar portfolio as Vice President of Sales for Samsung's U.S. Home Appliance business and held senior leadership positions at industrial and consumer giants Honeywell and Maytag. This diverse background in consumer-facing roles provides him with a deep understanding of how to position brands for success on the crowded shelves of retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, AutoZone, and Walmart, all of which are current B'laster partners.

His appointment is a clear signal that B'laster intends to leverage its brand equity more aggressively in the retail environment. Schimmelpfennig will now oversee the entire stable of B'laster Holdings brands, which includes not only the flagship B'laster PB Penetrant but also GUNK engine degreasers, Liquid Wrench, AC Avalanche, Titeseal, Motor Honey, and Casite.

Building on a Legacy of Strategic Expansion

Schimmelpfennig inherits a company that has been actively expanding under the leadership of outgoing CEO Randy Pindor. Pindor, who will remain a guiding force on the Board of Directors, stewarded B'laster through a period of significant growth and strategic acquisition. His tenure, which began in 2017, was defined by a series of moves that solidified the company's position in the automotive aftermarket.

A landmark achievement was the May 2022 acquisition of the BBI division from Blumenthal Holdings, which brought the powerful GUNK, Liquid Wrench, and Titeseal brands into the B'laster fold. This move dramatically strengthened the company's portfolio and deepened its penetration into the professional and DIY automotive maintenance markets. Other key acquisitions under Pindor's watch include Workshop Hero in 2020, which added the Metal Rescue line of rust removal products.

Beyond acquisitions, Pindor's era saw a concerted push into brand marketing, most visibly through high-profile partnerships in NASCAR, an environment Pindor called a "natural fit" for the company's performance-oriented products. Pindor's transition to the board ensures this institutional knowledge and strategic vision will be retained, providing continuity as Schimmelpfennig charts the next course. His continued involvement will support the company's focus on product innovation, a cornerstone of its long-term strategy.

Navigating a Dynamic and Competitive Market

The leadership change comes as B'laster navigates an increasingly complex and competitive specialty chemicals landscape. The global automotive aftermarket chemicals market, valued in the billions, is projected to see steady growth, fueled by an aging vehicle fleet and a robust DIY culture. However, the industry is also in flux, facing trends that demand agility and foresight.

Competitors like WD-40 Company, 3M, and CRC Industries are formidable, and the market is seeing a definitive shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly product formulations. Furthermore, the retail environment itself is transforming. The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels has changed how customers research and purchase products, with over 90% of auto parts buyers now starting their journey online. For a company like B'laster, whose success is tied to its physical retail footprint, adapting to this digital shift is paramount.

This is where Schimmelpfennig's expertise becomes critical. His experience with large-scale retail operations and complex supply chains at companies like Samsung and Zep positions him to optimize B'laster's distribution network while potentially expanding its digital presence. The challenge will be to balance the needs of traditional brick-and-mortar partners with the growing opportunities in e-retailing, a space where brands are increasingly connecting directly with end-users. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that B'laster's trusted brands are not just on the shelf, but are also top-of-mind for consumers browsing online.