Company History
In 1983, shortly after Alex Goldis was laid off from his role as a product engineer, he and his wife Cheryl founded Alexander Associates, Inc. a rep firm in Metro Detroit, Michigan. While working as an engineer in the industry, Alex had sales people call on him – some with technical expertise and others without. He quickly recognized the value in combining the disciplines of engineering and sales, and created a business model to reward that unique combination of talents.
In the early years Alex focused his efforts on prototype development to generate quick revenue and prove success. Since then he has led AAI on a strategic path towards tight tolerance, high volume transportation products. Alex navigated the agency through the Great Recession of 2009 and AAI has been growing steadily in the years since. In 2011, Jason Goldis, Alex’s son, joined him in business and further propelled the agency to success championing both ICEs and EVs.
Now, as agency president, Jason leads AAI’s strong team of highly-technical sales engineers and detail-oriented support staff. Alexander Associates, Inc. remains committed to excellence and customer service, with business relationships spanning over 40 years as testament to the agency mission of forward thinking and high quality.
Our Team
PRESIDENT & sales engineer
Jason Goldis
Jason officially joined AAI in 2011, although he had been close to the business for many years before. Prior to joining AAI, Jason was with Raytheon in their Engineering Leadership Development Program working as an Operations Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, and Program Manager.
Jason holds both a B.S.E. in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and a M.Eng. in Concurrent Marine Design from the University of Michigan. While completing his Master's degree, Jason also became a fellow of the Tauber Institute of Global Operations program in the Ross School of Business. He completed the CPMR (Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative) certification in 2016.
Jason enjoys travel, golf, and spending time with his wife and two children.
sales engineer
Alex Goldis
Alex came to the USA from the former Soviet Union in 1978 armed with a Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Moscow Institute of Technology. He worked his way into a product engineering job designing disc drives, and then eventually founded AAI in 1983 along with Cheryl. Alex is proud of the team members he has assembled at AAI, and of the past accomplishments of the Agency on behalf of its loyal Principals and Customers.
Alex enjoys golfing, personal health/fitness, and traveling.
sales enginEer
Jim Ihm
Jim joined the Alexander Associates team in 1999. Prior to joining AAI, Jim worked for an AAI Customer and got to know Alex Goldis through this relationship. His engineering experience is in management and design of mechanical drive systems for sunroofs and garage door openers. Jim's previous role as Engineering Manager provided a knowledge of many commodities and manufacturing processes, leading to his success at AAI. Jim is a Spartan and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Michigan State University.
Jim enjoys golfing, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
sales enginEer
Michael Stovall
Mike joined the AAI team in 2018 after spending 29 years in the manufacturing, automotive, food processing, and office furniture industries. Twenty years of that time was spent in technical sales and marketing as well as purchasing and program management leadership roles at a global steering systems manufacturer.
Mike holds Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Michigan.
Mike enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
sales enginEer
Marco Cercone
Marco joined the AAI team in 2019, having previously worked in the automotive industry and steel distribution. Most recently, he worked as a Product Development Engineer at Ford. Marco’s education includes a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University.
Outside of work, Marco enjoys mountain biking and spending time with family and friends.
SALES ENGINEER
Jack Zohoury
Jack joined the AAI team in 2022 after nearly four years at General Motors. Jack’s experience at GM included a leadership development program with roles in supply chain operations, crisis management, purchasing and warranty. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Jack enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
inside sales manager
Catherine MacKenzie
Catherine joined the Alexander Associates team in July of 2010. Prior to her role at AAI, Catherine worked as a political campaign manager and mortgage banker. Growing up in the Motor City, she has always been interested in the automotive industry. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations from Michigan State University.
Catherine’s free time is spent traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Business Manager
Cheryl Goldis
Cheryl has been a part of AAI since its founding in 1983, after earning a post-graduate degree from the University of Michigan. Responsibilities include accounting, payroll, retirement planning, and human resource management. Cheryl’s experience in building this agency and understanding of the total agency operations allow her to contribute in creating a well-functioning business entity that can concentrate all efforts on sales.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Arica Goldis
Arica officially joined the AAI team in 2020 but supported AAI in marketing and administrative efforts for years prior. Before joining AAI, Arica worked in various digital marketing and management roles. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Arts from Michigan State University and her Master’s Degree in business from Walsh College. Arica works closely with Cheryl to ensure AAI is a successful and efficient organization.
Arica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and a good design project.