For more than three decades at SUN Automation Group, Frank Reynolds has been the person colleagues turn to when something needs to be understood, solved, or simply talked through.
On April 30, that chapter will close when Reynolds retires from SUN.
In preparing this article, conversations with colleagues, friends, and family revealed something unexpected. The stories were different, the roles varied, and the perspectives came from across departments and decades. Yet the descriptions of Frank remained remarkably consistent
Across both his professional and personal life, Reynolds became known not just for how he approached problems, but for how he treated people along the way. Thoughtfully, carefully, and with genuine intention.
At SUN, that same approach made him someone colleagues relied on across functions. With the discipline of an engineer, the perspective of sales, and the calm presence of a trusted leader, Reynolds often served as something of a “Swiss Army knife” within the organization.
Reynolds joined SUN in 1991 when the company had around 20 employees. Starting in engineering design, his role grew as the business expanded its global footprint and product portfolio. But Reynolds’ analytical and methodical approach to business had developed long before his time at SUN. He began his career as a draftsman at Black & Decker and later worked with companies including Ward and Prime Technology. Those early roles helped build the technical foundation that would shape the rest of his career.
Curiosity has long shaped Reynolds’ approach to both work and life. His wife, Karen Reynolds, says he has always been fascinated by how things work. As a child, he was often by his father’s side, studying whatever project was underway and trying to figure out how it all fit together.
For more than a decade at SUN, Reynolds focused on engineering design. In 2003, he made a move that surprised even those closest to him when he applied for an internal sales position.
Karen remembers the moment clearly: “He came home and said he was thinking about applying for the sales job,” she said. “I was surprised because Frank was an engineer in both personality and trade. However, once he explained it was an internal role and how he craved a new challenge, we knew it was the right move. And sure enough, it was. He was instantly happier and motivated by the opportunities it provided for connecting and growing.”
The position allowed Reynolds to apply his engineering background in a new way. Instead of designing equipment, he helped customers understand how machines could solve real operational problems.
Chris Kyger, President of SUN Automation Group, says Reynolds’ commitment to learning helped shape the culture around him: “Frank is analytical and methodical, but he’s also always learning,” Kyger said. “He attends sessions, reads constantly, and asks questions. That mindset pushes the people around him to keep learning, too.”
That same instinct also shaped how Reynolds worked with others. Rather than simply providing answers, he often took the time to explain how and why systems worked the way they did.
Amy Zappardino, Senior Sales Coordinator at SUN Automation Group, says that patience and willingness to listen defined his day-to-day leadership: “Frank is incredibly kind and compassionate,” she said. “He listens and genuinely cares about the people he works with.”
Colleagues say that his steady, understanding presence created an environment where people felt comfortable asking questions.
Aaron Schlothauer, Vice President of Engineering at SUN Automation Group, says Reynolds’ respect for others set the tone across teams: “Frank always treated people with respect,” Schlothauer said. “Whether it was direct reports, coworkers, or leadership, he approached everyone the same way.”
Faith also played an important role in shaping Reynolds’ approach to leadership. Those who know him well say his beliefs reinforced values he carried into the workplace: humility, patience, and service to others.
Many colleagues describe it as servant leadership. Reynolds focused on helping others succeed rather than drawing attention to himself.
His breadth of experience across engineering, sales, and leadership made him someone colleagues relied on when collaboration was needed. Greg Jones, Executive Vice President at SUN Automation Group, says Reynolds’ presence often helped bring teams together.
“Back when we operated more in silos, Frank was one of the only people who could move between departments and really bring people together,” Jones said. “Everyone let their guard down when he walked into the room because they knew his intentions were always good. He puts others first, leads by example, and backs it up with deep knowledge of the business.”
That ability to connect people wasn’t limited to formal roles or responsibilities. It carried into the relationships he built over time, both inside and outside of SUN.
Eric Aulton, Product Manager – RDC at SUN Automation Group and a longtime colleague and friend, has worked alongside Reynolds for more than three decades. The two first met before they were even coworkers, seated together at a wedding through a mutual connection.
A short time later, Reynolds joined SUN, beginning what would become a decades-long connection. “Frank is one of the most dependable, honest, and trustworthy people I know,” Aulton said. “His patience is unwavering, and he’s remarkably consistent in both his work ethic and how he treats people.”
