Otis Technology founder Garrett steps down from top job, Puzzuoli named new CEO

LYONS FALLS — Otis Technology, a Lewis County–based manufacturer of gun-cleaning kits, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Leonard Puzzuoli as CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Puzzuoli, who has served as the company’s CFO since 2009, succeeds Doreen Garrett, the firm’s founder, president, and CEO, in the top job, the business said in a news release.

Garrett, who founded the company in 1985 at the age of 16, stepped down from the CEO post, but will remain on Otis Technology’s advisory board.

“We welcome the strengths he brings in financial leadership, strategic planning, and positioning the company for continued growth,” Garrett said in the release.

Puzzuoli recognizes the “responsibilities and challenges” that the 120-employee company faces as it pursues its “next phase of growth.”

“We are excited to continue to exceed our customers’ needs and expectations. I appreciate the confidence the advisory board has shown in me and the entire Otis team,” Puzzuoli said.

Besides the CEO appointment, Otis Technology has also promoted Harold Philbrick, who now serves as vice president of operations. He previously served as director of operations.

In his role, Philbrick leads the Otis manufacturing, warehousing, quality assurance, and materials teams, the company said.

He’s been with Otis Technology since July 2009.

Additionally, Otis Technology has appointed James Brooker as vice president of engineering, research and development (R&D).

He leads the R&D team in Otis’ Engineering Center of Excellence in the Oswego County village of Phoenix.

Brooker has worked for Otis Technology since September 2009 and formerly served as director of engineering.

Otis Technology specializes in gun-cleaning equipment for the sporting goods, U.S. military, and law-enforcement markets.

The firm is headquartered on Laura Street in Lyons Falls.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com