Behind Every Kalmar Machine: Meet Zeke Rodriguez

Built in Ottawa

Zeke’s journey with Kalmar started on the production floor in Ottawa, Kansas, building cabs for Terminal Tractors. Over the past 12 years, he has worked across multiple roles, including Item Management Engineer, Product Support Manager, and Customer Support Lead.

“I always knew about the history of Ottawa Truck and what is now Kalmar,” he explains. “As the inventor of the Terminal Tractor, there’s a legacy here that motivates us every day.”

That deep connection to the Ottawa legacy still drives his work today.

The Front Line of Customer Support

Zeke describes his team as the “gateway” between customers and Kalmar.

“When a customer contacts us, it’s usually because there is a machine-down situation that needs a resolution as quickly as possible,” he says.

His days involve constant interaction with customers, dealers, and internal departments—from sourcing and logistics to planning and product support. That coordination becomes critical when operations are at risk.

Supporting customers during critical machine-down situations is where our team adds the most value

Why Genuine Parts Matter

For Zeke, the value of genuine parts is straightforward.

“Genuine parts are built to the specifications of those particular models,” he explains. “Investing in long-term maintenance prolongs machine life and reduces downtime.”

And the risks of alternatives are very real.

“We’ve seen hydraulic failures, engine failures, and electrical failures when customers decided to use non-approved vendors for replacement parts.”

Visit MyKalmar STORE for genuine parts

One of the most common misconceptions customers have is that aftermarket parts are just as reliable because they cost less. However, lower upfront costs often lead to higher long-term operational costs through additional failures, downtime, and maintenance.

"Our customers value one thing—our availability,” he explains. “Are we there to help them when they need it?”

That responsiveness is what defines the relationship between Kalmar and its customers. When you call, you aren't routed to an outsourced, automated call center halfway around the world. You are connected directly to our dedicated team based right out of Ottawa, Kansas.

Behind every successful resolution is a combination of real, local expertise, genuine teamwork, and the right components.

Protecting the Ottawa Legacy

What makes Zeke proudest is being part of something bigger than himself.

I’m proud to work at Kalmar Ottawa because I’m part of a rich and important history—not only in this community, but globally.

That history carries a major responsibility. Because every time a machine returns to operation, every time downtime is avoided, and every time a customer receives support when they need it most, the Kalmar legacy continues.

Discover the History of Kalmar Ottawa

The Heartbeat Behind Performance

Customer support lives where pressure is highest—when operations stop and solutions are needed immediately. In those moments, reliability depends on more than just a fast response. It depends on real, local expertise, quality parts, and a team committed to keeping the world moving. Because at Kalmar Ottawa, genuine parts are not just replacements. They are the heartbeat behind the machine's performance, and the ultimate promise of a legacy built to last.