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The Eastern Company
The Eastern Company manages industrial businesses — Big 3 Precision, Eberhard, Velvac — under CEO August Vlak since 2016.
The Eastern Company
August Vlak, a former McKinsey consultant and Lehman Brothers investment banker, became CEO and President of The Eastern Company in 2016. The firm, publicly traded under ticker EML, manages a collection of industrial businesses rather than a traditional pool of financial assets. Its wealth origin is not publicly disclosed. The Eastern Company's strategy centers on acquiring and managing businesses that produce stable earnings and cash flow. Its portfolio includes Big 3 Precision (returnable packaging and blow mold tools), Eberhard Manufacturing (industrial and vehicular access hardware), and Velvac (vision systems and aftermarket components for heavy-duty trucks). The firm serves OEMs and aftermarket customers across North America and China, per its corporate profile. Leadership has shifted recently: Ryan Schroeder joined in 2024 as President & CEO, alongside niche presidents Zachary Gorny (Eberhard, December 2024) and Emilio Ruffolo (Big 3 Precision, January 2025). The company operates additional facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Shanghai. It has not disclosed any changes to its investment committee or capital deployment in the last 24 months. Structurally, The Eastern Company is a publicly traded industrial holding company, not a conventional family office. This structure provides liquidity and transparency via its stock, while still concentrating on long-term operational management and selective acquisitions. Its governance remains with the same senior leadership team.
General information
Firm type
Single Family Office
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Naugatuck
Corporate office
Naugatuck, CT, United States
Additional offices
Centralia, Illinois · New Berlin, Wisconsin · Strongsville, Ohio · Shanghai, China
Principals
August M. Vlak
President & Chief Executive Officer, Director
Ryan Schroeder
President & Chief Executive Officer
Nicholas Vlahos
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Zachary Gorny
President, Eberhard Manufacturing
Dan McGrew
President & CEO, Velvac
Emilio Ruffolo
President, Big 3 Precision Products
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at The Eastern Company?
Investment decisions are made by the executive leadership team, currently led by President & CEO Ryan Schroeder (since 2024) and previously by August Vlak, who remains on the board. The team evaluates acquisitions, capital allocation, and operational strategy for its three wholly owned businesses.
Is The Eastern Company a family office or an operating company?
The Eastern Company is publicly traded (NYSE: EML) but operates as a holding company for industrial businesses, with a long-term, concentrated portfolio approach. It functions similarly to a family office that manages operating businesses rather than financial assets.
What businesses does The Eastern Company own?
It owns three businesses: Big 3 Precision (custom returnable packaging and blow mold tools), Eberhard Manufacturing (latches, hinges, locks for vehicles and industry), and Velvac (mirror and camera systems for heavy-duty trucks). All design, manufacture, and sell engineered solutions for OEMs and aftermarkets, per the firm's website.
Where does The Eastern Company operate geographically?
Its headquarters are in Naugatuck, Connecticut, with manufacturing and office locations in Centralia, Illinois; New Berlin, Wisconsin; Strongsville, Ohio; and Shanghai, China. The firm serves customers primarily in North America and Asia.
Does The Eastern Company invest in external funds or only direct deals?
The firm appears to focus exclusively on direct ownership and operational management of its wholly owned businesses. Its website and leadership biographies describe acquisitions of operating companies but do not mention fund investments or partnerships with external general partners.
What is the average tenure of The Eastern Company's senior leaders?
Senior leadership turnover has been high: Ryan Schroeder joined in 2024, Zachary Gorny in December 2024, and Emilio Ruffolo in January 2025. CFO Nicholas Vlahos has been with the company since 2017 and held his current role since February 2023. Dan McGrew leads Velvac since 2013.
Does The Eastern Company have any philanthropic or foundation structures?
The firm's website and public filings do not disclose any separate philanthropic foundation or charitable arm. The Eastern Company's governance documents mention a Pension Investment Review Committee, but no philanthropic vehicles are listed.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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