Thirty years with one company is an achievement. Thirty years spent helping customers make better decisions is a legacy.

Mike Zeluff joined Hapman in 1996, starting his career in the test lab at a time when material handling solutions—and the expectations around them—looked very different than they do today. Over the next three decades, his role evolved alongside the company, moving from hands-on testing to sales support and into his current position as a Standard Product Manager supporting the Helix flexible screw conveyor and other core product lines.

Throughout that time, one thing has remained consistent: a practical, experience-driven approach to solving material handling challenges.

Learning from the Material First

Mike’s early years in the test lab shaped how he approaches applications today. Testing materials across different conveying technologies built a deep understanding of how bulk materials actually behave—beyond what data sheets or assumptions might suggest.

That hands-on experience removed guesswork and replaced it with evidence. It also established a mindset that continues to guide Hapman’s approach: start with the material, understand the application, and let that drive the solution.

Experience That Informs Better Decisions

Over time, Mike’s role expanded beyond testing into supporting customers and sales teams with application insight. That transition didn’t leave the test lab behind—it carried its lessons forward.

Knowing what works, what doesn’t, and why allows for honest conversations with customers. Sometimes that means confirming the right fit. Other times, it means recommending a different approach altogether—even when that solution isn’t Hapman equipment.

That willingness to prioritize long-term success over short-term wins reflects both Mike’s perspective and Hapman’s values.

Growing with the Company

During Mike’s 30 years at Hapman, the company expanded its capabilities, product offerings, and services. The Helix® flexible screw conveyor evolved from a utility solution into a widely used option for food, sanitary, and packaging applications. Service offerings grew. Testing capabilities expanded. Customer expectations changed.

What didn’t change was the emphasis on experience, transparency, and application knowledge.

Today, Mike works as part of a broader product specialist team, sharing his knowledge across product lines and supporting customers and representatives with practical guidance rooted in decades of real-world exposure.

A Legacy of Practical Expertise

Ask Mike what Hapman is best known for today, and the answer isn’t a single product—it’s application knowledge. With many long-tenured employees across the organization, Hapman brings historical perspective to modern material handling challenges.

That experience helps customers avoid costly missteps, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.

After 30 years, what continues to motivate Mike is the same thing that motivated him early on: helping customers handle materials effectively, realistically, and reliably.

Thank You, Mike

Mike’s 30-year milestone is more than a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the experience, continuity, and commitment that define Hapman.

We’re grateful for his contributions, his expertise, and the role he continues to play in helping customers and teammates alike make better material handling decisions.

Here’s to 30 years—and counting.