Forest City Gear Celebrates 2 Anniversaries: Gary Strakeljahn, Jake Childers

May 20, 2025

Forest City Gear is proud to recognize several employees for their long-term dedication to the company, including Gary Strakeljahn (5 years) and Jake Childers (5 years).

Gary Strakeljahn is Forest City Gear’s Controller. Strakeljahn started the very same week the world was turning upside down due to Covid. From day one, he’s handled pressure with calmness and humor, always ready to lend a hand or share a friendly word with anyone. “Gary keeps our cash flowing and our finances steady, all while bringing a genuinely helpful and personable spirit to the team,” says Kika Young, President of Forest City Gear. “We’re grateful for everything he does and lucky to have him on board. Happy anniversary, Gary!”

Jake Childer

Jake Childers is Forest City Gear’s Logistics & Trade Compliance Manager and Non-Destructive Testing Level II Magnetic Particle Inspection Technician. According to his supervisor, Jared Lyford, Childers is a “Jake of many trades” in his roles; Childers oversees Forest City Gear’s export compliance program, which spans ITAR compliance as well as shipping/receiving and warehousing operations.

In addition to this, Childers has worked with the Forest City Gear quality department and external NDT Level III consultant to build the NADCAP Magnetic Particle Inspection Program. The program successfully received initial accreditation in 2023 and two recertification audits. Previously, Childers served as an intern at Forest City Gear and worked in the warehouse as a material handling technician. “We are fortunate to have Jake’s steadfast temperament and his extremely analytical approach to complex projects at the helm of these tasks,” said Lyford.

Forest City Gear thanks Strakeljahn and Childers for their above-and-beyond commitment and years of dedication to Excellence Without Exception.

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