OVERLAND PARK, KS — There's a saying in the industry that goes something like this: “Be nice. You never know what company name will be on your shirt the next trade show.”

And judging by the changes at manufacturer companies over the last few months, it appears a lot of people will be wearing new shirts at the next trade show — possibly at the Club Industry show in Chicago.

Many of the changes have centered on Star Trac, Irvine, CA. Paul Ireland, who was part of the company's downsizing in June after spending more than 15 years with the company, is now handling North American sales for Power Plate International, also of Irvine, CA.

“We're really excited about it,” Power Plate CEO Gregg Hammann says. “I think he's a great addition to the team and is going to be a terrific asset.”

Randy Bergstedt, vice president of marketing, left Star Trac after 12 years to become executive vice president of efi Sports Medicine, San Diego. He was scheduled to begin at efi this month.

“The addition of Bergstedt to the efi team is a critical step in our growth plans as we strive to expand our product offerings and enter new markets,” Tom Campanaro, CEO of efi Sports Medicine, said in a statement. “His experience and passion for the fitness business will help him hit the ground running and integrate into the fantastic team we already have in place.”

Steve Nero, who resigned as Star Trac president in May, confirmed to Club Industry last month that he is consulting with Michael Bruno, the Land America Health and Fitness Co. owner who bought Star Trac in July. Nero is focusing his consultation on Primus Medical, another company owned by Bruno.

In other manufacturer news, Chris Clawson left his position as president and CEO of Johnson Health Tech North America, which manufacturers Matrix Fitness equipment, to become president of Life Fitness, owned by Brunswick Corp. Clawson, who had previously served as vice president of consumer sales and marketing at Life Fitness, replaced John Stransky, who left Life Fitness in April. Clawson will report to Brunswick Chairman and CEO Dustan E. McCoy.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Chris back to Life Fitness, where he will apply his industry knowledge and expertise in leading a talented team of employees, whose mission is to provide the global fitness community with outstanding products and services,” McCoy said in a statement.

Kevin Hedley also joined Life Fitness during the summer. Hedley, in charge of vertical sales in the Southeast, had been the chief operating officer of O2 Fitness, Raleigh, NC.

Johnson Health Tech North America replaced Clawson with Nathan Pyles, who previously served on the Cottage Grove, WI-based company's board of directors for 17 years.

“Nathan was the natural choice for the job,” said Jason Lo, CEO of Johnson Health Tech Co. Ltd. “He understands all aspects of our business, including our culture, operations and vision for the future.”

Johnson Health Tech also promoted Bob Zande to chief operating officer in addition to his role as chief financial officer.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.