Meet The Team

James DeSmet is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience in top leadership roles at General Electric and Big Ass Fans. Driven by a long-held goal to build his own engineering firm, James acquired CRG Automation in 2019 and transformed it into a nationally recognized industrial automation and integration company—one known for solving the kinds of complex engineering challenges that leave others scratching their heads.

As CEO, James grew CRG Automation from a six-person team to more than 30 employees, earning national recognition for the company’s rapid growth, innovation, and culture. Under his leadership, CRG delivered advanced automation systems for demanding environments, including its critical role in the U.S. Department of Defense’s chemical weapons demilitarization program. Today, the company supports a range of blue-chip clients in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, offering custom-engineered solutions alongside high-performance equipment and machinery.

Now serving as Chairman of the Board, James provides strategic direction, governance, and M&A guidance as CRG continues to expand its capabilities and reach. A lifelong learner and technology enthusiast, he actively explores emerging innovations—within automation and beyond.

James holds a Marine Engineering Systems degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and has earned GE Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt certifications (DFSS/DMAIC). He served 14 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve and is also the President and Co-Founder of 502cares, Inc., a Louisville-based nonprofit. Outside of work, James enjoys spending summer weekends at the lake with his wife Missy and their four children.

Paul Joined CRG in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer before assuming the role of President and CEO in 2025. He brings over 30 years of experience and executive leadership including roles at Big Ass Fans and Industrial Air Centers, with oversight in operations, financial analysis, strategy development and deployment, contract negotiation, business development and M&A transactions.  Paul’s diverse professional experience provides him with a broad understanding of the organizational needs for developing and executing growth strategies. “I truly enjoy establishing and working with teams to develop talent and to achieve rapid growth while maintaining the highest level of quality.”

Paul holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Kentucky and, in his spare time, enjoys hiking and spending time on the lake with his wife Tiffany and their adult children.

Alex joined CRG Automation as its first Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth and corporate strategy. His career began nearly 20 years ago at manufacturer Big Ass Fans, where he led an expansive marketing division that helped the company grow from $30 million in annual sales to more than $250 million. Following a successful exit from Big Ass Fans, Alex served as an executive in several high-growth, venture-funded startups before taking a leadership position with a private-equity backed home improvement giant. In late 2024, he brought his passions for go-to-market operations, brand strategy and corporate development to CRG.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys helping companies, young professionals and students level up their capabilities and unlock new opportunities. When not working, you can find Alex on the court or athletic fields with his wife and kids or commiserating about Cleveland sports fandom. 

Dillon serves as the Director of Engineering and Sales at CRG Automation, where he combines a passion for innovative design with strategic business insight to deliver advanced solutions in custom machine automation and robotics integration. With a rich background spanning engineering, production, and maintenance roles in the automotive industry, Dillon brings a customer-focused perspective to automation design, shaped by his experience as an end user of such systems. His dual-focused role involves leading engineering teams to develop cutting-edge solutions while driving sales strategies to expand client relationships, ensuring every project is technically sound and exceeds expectations.

Dillon holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville, along with a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement in design and customer satisfaction. Outside of work, Dillon enjoys playing golf and cherishing time with his wife and young son.

Andrea serves as Director of Accounting and Human Resources at CRG Automation, bringing over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and team leadership. She has held key roles across corporate and financial sectors, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.

Throughout her career, Andrea has focused on improving processes, fostering team collaboration, and aligning financial and HR functions with broader business goals. Her leadership style emphasizes clear communication, thoughtful planning, and continuous improvement.

Andrea holds a BSBA in Accountancy from the University of Louisville and is currently preparing for her CMA certification. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working on creative projects, and being outdoors with her dog.

Randall has built an impressive career over 25 years in the manufacturing industry, beginning as a skilled machine tool and die maker. His dedication to the precise art of tool and die making, combined with his attention to detail and commitment to quality, quickly set him apart. Over time, Randall embraced emerging technologies and manufacturing techniques, consistently seeking ways to optimize processes and reduce waste. His hands-on expertise provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies of manufacturing, enabling him to develop effective solutions that drive efficiency and excellence.

Since joining CRG in 2005, Randall’s passion for continuous improvement and innovation has propelled him through various roles within the company. From machine tool and die maker to setup operator and lead technician, he has gained invaluable experience across all aspects of manufacturing. Through on-the-job training and leadership development, Randall has consistently stepped into new opportunities, guiding teams through complex projects and fostering collaboration. Now serving as Director of Manufacturing, he oversees all shop floor production, leading a diverse team and promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Adam is a highly experienced Director of Project Management with over 17 years of expertise in engineering and manufacturing. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Purdue University, Adam excels at managing complex projects, optimizing processes, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver results on time and within budget.

In his current role at CRG Automation, Adam leads project management efforts to drive innovative manufacturing solutions, overseeing a range of projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Prior to this, Adam held leadership positions at GE Appliances, VA Roll Forming Corp, and Honda of America, where he developed and implemented advanced manufacturing technologies, managed quality assurance processes, and spearheaded new product launches.

With a strong focus on process improvement and team development, Adam is passionate about optimizing manufacturing workflows, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. A devoted Purdue Boilermakers fan, he can often be found cheering for his alma mater during sporting events.