Meet Eric Chartre: From Fighter Jets to Kusel Equipment

At Kusel Equipment, we’re proud to have team members who bring exceptional experience, dedication, and heart to everything they do. Our new Sales Manager, Eric Chartre, is no exception. After more than two decades maintaining fighter aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Eric has traded flightlines for food equipment—bringing the same precision, discipline, and commitment to excellence that defined his military career.

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From the Skies to Stainless Steel

Eric joined the Air Force right out of high school and spent 23 years working as a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist. Over that time, he supported F-16 and F-35 aircraft around the world, serving in more than 19 countries and completing two tours in Iraq. “It’s not worth doing if you don’t do it right,” he says—a philosophy that’s followed him from the hangar to the factory floor.

That hands-on background makes him uniquely equipped to understand the importance of reliability, safety, and craftsmanship—values that align perfectly with Kusel’s heritage of precision-engineered stainless steel products.

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A Natural Fit for Customer Success

Transitioning from military service to sales might seem like a big leap, but for Eric, the connection is clear. “So much of what I learned in the Air Force applies here—teamwork, accountability, and always following through,” he says. At Kusel, he focuses on helping customers find equipment solutions that support their production goals, knowing that the smallest details often make the biggest difference.

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Outside the Office

When he’s not on the road visiting customers, Eric can usually be found outdoors. He’s an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper who enjoys spending time at his family’s cabin in Eagle River, Wisconsin. He also officiates football and baseball for both WIAA high school and NCAA Division III programs—a role that combines his love of sports with his steady, fair-minded approach to leadership.

Eric lives in Deerfield, Wisconsin, with his wife of 16 years, their three children, and three dogs—Zulu, Echo, and Munchkin. Whether he’s in the woods, on the field, or helping a customer solve a problem, Eric’s drive to “do it right” remains constant.

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We’re thrilled to have Eric on the Kusel team. His experience, integrity, and hands-on perspective bring tremendous value to our customers and our company alike.