A Bold Transition
Darley is entering an exciting new chapter as we launch Operation 3B30, our five‑year strategic plan with a bold plan to reach $3 billion in revenue by 2030. We will achieve this through a relentless focus on you, our customers, Team Darley members, and partners.
It might surprise you to learn that Darley is one of fewer than 25 U.S. family businesses over 100 years old with greater than $1 billion in revenue. These enduring “Evergreen Family Businesses” succeed by balancing multi‑generational family leadership with strong non‑family executives, while contributing to society in meaningful ways. With that philosophy guiding us, we began our succession planning, which we call continuity planning, over 10 years ago. Several third-generation Darley family members have recently retired, and we have promoted exceptional family and non-family leaders to carry the business forward.
As part of that plan, Lee Wise has assumed the role of President, becoming the first non-family president in Darley’s 118-year history. Lee brings an exceptional blend of corporate and defense experience, paired with a growth-oriented mindset and a strong ethical foundation. His leadership style aligns seamlessly with Darley’s values and our professional family culture.
The entire Darley family, and most notably our fourth generation, stand fully behind Lee. The Darley family will continue to represent the heart and soul of the company to industry, supported by dedicated team members of non-family professionals across the organization.
I am not retiring. As Chairman and CEO, I will remain actively involved, focusing on the big “boulders” – passionately engaged, while focusing on key customers, partners, employees and strategic opportunities that will drive our growth. While defense, state, and municipal contracts will remain central to our strategy, we are also investing heavily in manufacturing across our pump, fire, defense, and adjacent markets. Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification further strengthens our position with defense customers.
Every member of the Darley team is committed to working hard and working passionately to continue earning your trust and your business, while continuing to be dedicated stewards of a company built by those before us. You serve others. We serve you.
Paul C. Darley
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
pauldarley@darley.com
Cell: 1-708-267-6288
