Markey Machine Names Eric Rose President and CEO
Marine winch buyers and service partners should confirm contacts as insider-led management takes over.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Seattle-based Markey Machine, a nearly 120-year-old maker of marine winches and deck machinery, has completed an ownership and leadership transition, with Eric Rose becoming President & CEO. For operators in marine equipment supply and service, the change signals continuity in an established manufacturer's management structure.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions at long-established equipment makers can affect supplier relationships, service networks and product support that marine operators depend on. Rose's acquisition of an ownership stake and Jeff Dempke's expanded investment indicate the transition is being anchored by insiders rather than an outside sale.
Markey Machine is nearly 120 years old, and its leadership figures carry long tenure: Blaine Dempke has a 48-year career and Jeff Dempke has more than 20 years at the company. The announcement does not disclose transaction values, ownership percentages or revenue figures.
The players
Markey Machine
Seattle-based manufacturer of marine winches and deck machinery with a history of nearly 120 years.
Eric Rose
President & CEO of Markey Machine who acquired an ownership stake as part of the transition.
Jeff Dempke
Director of Business Operations at Markey Machine with more than 20 years at the company and an increased ownership stake.
Blaine Dempke
Advisor Emeritus at Markey Machine with a 48-year career at the company.
The details
Eric Rose assumed the role of President & CEO and acquired an ownership stake in the company as part of the transition. Jeff Dempke was promoted to Director of Business Operations and increased his ownership investment, and Blaine Dempke remains involved as Advisor Emeritus. Casey McGarity serves as Chief Financial Officer and Scott Kreis as Vice President of Sales & Engineering. The company says the transition brings new investment from within the organization.
Timeline
Ownership and leadership transition announced on November 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition keeps Markey's management largely within long-tenured insiders, with Blaine Dempke's 48-year career and Jeff Dempke's expanded role linking the new leadership to the company's history. Markey is also developing its Markey Authorized Technician network through Ryan Hogge's aftermarket operations in Jacksonville, Florida.
Operators who buy from or service Markey equipment should confirm that current sales, engineering and service contacts remain in place under the new leadership. Expanded regional service access through the Markey Authorized Technician network may affect where owners find support on the East and Gulf Coasts.
The takeaway
Insider-led transitions at long-established manufacturers often preserve supplier and service relationships, but operators should still verify contacts directly. Track whether the Markey Authorized Technician network expands service coverage in your region before relying on it for maintenance planning.
Further reading
For more on executive moves and ownership changes at companies like this, browse our People coverage.
