MADISON, Ind. — He was once on the verge of playing in the NHL. Today, Eric Morris is celebrating his 30-year anniversary with truck LED supplier Grote.

The Stratford, Ont. native left his hometown at age 15 to play hockey in the Detroit Red Wing Organization. His competitiveness on the ice prepared him for challenges off of it, including in the business world.

Morris joined Grote Canada in 1978 as general manager, and was eventually named president. As President of Grote Canada, he led the company’s growth of truck lighting and safety equipment in the Canadian marketplace.

His performance here was instrumental in his promotion to the position of executive vice president of Grote Industries, Inc. at their world headquarters in Madison, Ind. Since 2000, Morris has led Grote sales efforts throughout North America, and his leadership has been a critical component to Grote’s gains in market share, the company says.

In December 2003, Grote announced the appointment of Morris to president and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all Grote operations.

“This is just the beginning,” Morris said. “I have enjoyed my career with Grote and I am excited to continue bringing Grote’s innovations to the global marketplace.”