Michael Lavelle began his forklift career on January 2,1974, at Clark Equipment Co's then branch in Cleveland, Ohio. Thirty-three years later, to the day, he was named president of Doosan Infracore's lift truck division.

"It has been a very long, rewarding experience," he said when asked about the promotion. "I have been fortunate to meet many of the great people who make up this industry along the way."
Lavelle's career includes 21 years with the Clark Material Handling organisation, 11 years with Daewoo, and the last two years with Doosan. He credits Nelson Henry Sr, a then Clark regional manager, for giving him the opportunity for an interview with Clark back in 1973. "We met while I was working at a local country club where he was a member. He gave me my "big break". Neither of us imagined it would lead to this nor last this long; I am forever grateful to him, he said.

"I sincerely appreciate the confidence Doosan management has expressed in me and look forward to the challenges ahead."

Michael has been married to Terri for 34 years. The couple has two sons, Chris and Mike, both married, and two grandchildren, Cody, 7, and Cameron, 5. The Lavelle families live outside Atlanta, Georgia.