Joseph Ruzynski

Chief Executive Officer & Director, Franklin Electric

Search every verified Joseph Ruzynski interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Joseph Ruzynski, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Franklin Electric, spoke at the 36th Annual Gabelli Pump, Valve, and Water Systems Symposium on February 26, 2026. He noted that he has served as CEO for over 18 months and described the period as eventful. Ruzynski discussed Franklin Electric's history of more than 50 acquisitions over the last 20 years, many of them smaller bolt-ons, and stated that the current market presents opportunities for acquisitions, though he said last year's tariff-related "liberation day" created a holding pattern. He mentioned that three of the four deals the company completed last year were outside the U.S., reflecting a global focus. Ruzynski also outlined a strategic pivot made about 18 months ago, emphasizing a shift toward faster-growing markets where the company has application expertise, estimating that an extra point of growth in those areas could be worth $20 to $30 million. He described a move to operate more as an enterprise rather than three standalone segments, which he said has improved decision-making and strategy. Additionally, he referenced his prior experience building a liquid cooling business for data centers at a company called Invent, noting that it was difficult to attract major pump, motor, and drive companies to that new and unpredictable business at the time.