Company
Concrete Production Equipment, Service & Facility Solutions
Founded in 1998, Pathfinder Systems provides concrete production equipment, automation, parts, technical service and complete facility solutions to concrete product manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada.
Through partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers and decades of industry experience, Pathfinder supports customers throughout the life of their equipment, from initial planning and equipment selection through installation, commissioning, training, parts and ongoing technical service.
Today, Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing operate under unified ownership, bringing equipment sales, manufacturing, spare parts, technical service and customer support together to better serve the concrete products industry.
Our Mission
To provide concrete product manufacturers with innovative equipment, automation and technical solutions backed by responsive service, industry expertise and long-term support.
Through partnerships with leading engineering and equipment manufacturers, we connect North American concrete producers with technology designed to improve production, expand capabilities and support the evolving needs of their operations.
Vision
Building the Future of Concrete Manufacturing
Pathfinder believes the future of concrete manufacturing depends on smarter production, greater automation and equipment solutions designed for long-term performance.
Our goal is to help concrete product manufacturers strengthen their operations through innovative technology, efficient production systems and continued technical support. By staying connected to our customers, manufacturing partners and the concrete products industry, we help identify new technologies and opportunities that keep producers moving forward.
Built Around the Concrete Products Industry
Pathfinder supports concrete manufacturers with solutions spanning the entire production process. From individual machines and replacement parts to automation, secondary processing and complete facility development, our team works to understand each customer’s operation and develop solutions around their specific production needs.
Equipment & Automation
Pathfinder provides concrete block and paver machinery for North American manufacturers, including TIGER Model S, PS Series and TG Series production machines. Equipment and automation solutions are selected around each plant’s product mix, production capacity, layout and automation requirements.
Parts & Service
North American parts availability backed by experienced technicians providing installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and technical support.
Facility Development
Planning, equipment selection, installation, commissioning and support for new greenfield facilities, plant expansions and production upgrades.
Industry Expertise
Decades of experience working directly with concrete product manufacturers, equipment partners and industry organizations throughout North America.
1998
TIGER Machine Partner
50+
Facilities Built
250+
Machines Installed
1000s
Parts in Stock
Our Story
Built on Relationships. Growing Through Innovation.
Pathfinder Systems was founded in 1998 by Larry Hilldore through a partnership with TIGER Machine of Okayama, Japan, bringing advanced concrete production technology to manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada.
What began with concrete production equipment grew into a much broader commitment to the industry. Pathfinder expanded its capabilities to include automation, secondary processing, curing, material and product handling, spare parts, technical service and complete facility development.
Over more than two decades, the company has remained focused on the relationships behind the equipment, understanding customers’ operations, supporting their teams and being there long after installation.
In 2026, Travis Hilldore acquired Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing, continuing the Hilldore family’s ownership and bringing both businesses together under one unified ownership structure.
Today, Pathfinder is building on that foundation by strengthening the connection between equipment sales, manufacturing, spare parts, technical service and long-term customer support while continuing to invest in its people, systems and capabilities.
Global Technology. North American Expertise.
Pathfinder’s relationship with TIGER Machine dates back to the company’s founding in 1998. Based in Okayama, Japan, TIGER develops concrete production equipment and automation for the manufacture of concrete masonry units, pavers, retaining wall products and other concrete products.
Pathfinder provides TIGER equipment, parts, technical expertise and service to manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada.
TIGER Finishing Technology
TIGER has expanded its capabilities in concrete finishing through the acquisition of intellectual property for GMM polishing and grinding equipment. Building on that foundation, TIGER is developing a new generation of finishing equipment incorporating TIGER technology, controls and engineering standards.
Pathfinder provides these solutions to North American concrete product manufacturers as part of its growing range of production and secondary processing equipment.
CureTec provides advanced curing systems for precast and dry cast concrete manufacturing. Pathfinder works with CureTec to provide controlled curing solutions designed to support consistent product quality, efficient production and integration with modern concrete manufacturing facilities.
Meet the Team
Leadership
President and CEO
Travis Hilldore
Call: (616) 403-7174
Send a Message: Email
Travis Hilldore serves as President and CEO of Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing, continuing the Hilldore family’s more than two-decade legacy in the concrete products industry. Since entering the concrete production equipment business in 2005, Travis has developed extensive expertise in TIGER and GMM equipment, specialty R&D, curing, product processing, product development and process improvement. As President and CEO, he is focused on strengthening the connection between equipment sales, manufacturing, spare parts and technical service while continuing to invest in Pathfinder’s people, capabilities and long-term customer support. Travis is actively involved in concrete products industry associations and has completed extensive leadership development training. Outside of Pathfinder, he enjoys traveling with his family, boating, snowboarding and relaxing by a backyard fire with a bourbon.
Senior Advisor
Larry Hilldore
Call: 616-283-2227
Send a Message: Email
Larry Hilldore serves as Senior Advisor to Pathfinder Systems, continuing to support the company through key customer relationships, sales and training. Larry began his career as a cuber technician at Lithibar Matik in Holland, Michigan, eventually becoming the company’s president and owner before founding Pathfinder Systems in 1998 through a partnership with TIGER Machine of Okayama, Japan. Over more than two decades, he helped build Pathfinder around strong industry relationships, technical expertise and long-term customer support. Today, Larry brings that experience and industry knowledge to his advisory role, supporting Pathfinder’s customers and the next generation of company leadership.
Sales & Development
Sales Manager
Jim Mueller
Call: (616) 610-0199
Send a Message: Email
As Sales Manager, Jim will focus on supporting and developing Pathfinder’s sales team, strengthening customer and industry partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and helping customers find the right equipment and solutions for their operations. His technical background and customer-first approach will help Pathfinder continue building long-term relationships and sustainable growth.
Midwest Special Projects Regional Sales
Paul Wank
Send a Message: Email
Paul has been with Pathfinder for 15 years and has 45 years of experience in the concrete industry. He has experience in all aspects of concrete products manufacturing as a sales and service engineer, general manager and operations manager. He was also the president of Quality Concrete Products for 14 years. He now works part time for Pathfinder on special projects in the Midwest.
Midwest Sales Engineer
Todd Lambert
Send a Message: Email
Todd joined Pathfinder as our newest Midwestern Sales Engineer with an engineering degree from South Dakota State and over 25 years of sales experience. Todd has extensive experience in sales and engineering that will ensure clients succeed. He is dedicated to playing a strong role in the midwestern states and listening to and understanding clients’ needs. Prior to joining the Pathfinder team, Todd worked at Johnson Controls in sales and building solutions. He has experience in engineering, sales and the precast industry. Todd is focused on producing optimal sales opportunities for customers as well as ensuring their success and performance to continuously improve industry standards.
South Central Sales & Service
Jack Horwath
Send a Message: Email
Jack has built a diverse and dynamic career rooted in technical precision and service excellence. He began in the oil and gas industry, assembling top drives and later specializing in hydraulic systems on the rig service side. As a third-party service technician, he became known for staying in sync with client needs and ensuring timely delivery of both products and support.
Jack then transitioned to the maritime industry, where he serviced tugboats and barges along the U.S. coast and up the Mississippi River. He later stepped into the concrete industry, where he found his true passion. Before joining Pathfinder, Jack worked extensively with board, block, and pipe machines, and was also involved in parts sales and service contracts. He’s continually inspired by the evolving technology in the field and brings a deep curiosity and commitment to learning into every project.
Service Technicians & Support
Service Technician - Phone Support
Phil Neal
Call: (616) 283-1283
Send a Message: Email
Phil has been with Pathfinder since 1999, but his concrete knowledge goes back to 1972 following his days serving in the United States Air Force. He has knowledge in single and multi-machine plants, TIGER training and operating, and more. Phil understands the specifications of concrete products and how to best achieve them, enjoys motivating people by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Phil was a traveling service technician until 2017 and since then, with the knowledge he’s acquired since 1972, has switched to phone technical support for Pathfinder.
Service Manager
Neil Calvert
Call: (616) 283-1290
Send a Message: Email
Neil started in the service field in 1984 as a service technician at the same company that Larry Hilldore was working at. Neil joined Pathfinder in 1999. Although Neil specializes in electrical troubleshooting, as well as pneumatics and hydraulics, he is happy to handle any project and help wherever he is needed. Aside from troubleshooting, he enjoys helping customers understand equipment and become familiar with their new machines. Neil is happy to listen to customer concerns and assist in resolving them.
Service Technician & Installation Specialist
Steve Taggart
Call: (616) 610-9862
Send a Message: Email
Steve started his career in the concrete production and batching field in 1999. He is an expert in batching installation and assists with Pathfinder’s Service Training Program. He leads greenfield plant builds, is experienced in coordinating, project management, service and repairing equipment, and more. He provides extensive knowledge in the batching and installation field, ensures customers learn and succeed, and provides technical and service support generally in the Western US but will provide support throughout the US and Canada.
Service Technician
Brian Heishman
Call: (616) 741-6127
Send a Message: Email
Brian has worked in the concrete production field since 2007. He is experienced in concrete block production and equipment and plant management. He has a background as a leader in the Marine Corps which fuels his ambition to push businesses to succeed. Brian helps Pathfinder run a technical training program, assists in rebuilding and repairing equipment, uses diagnostic tools and software to determine a successful repair plan, and more. He provides extensive knowledge in the concrete production field, values leadership and teaching customers how to be comfortable with their equipment, and will provide technical support near or far in the US and Canada.
Hitoshi Harada
Service Technician
(616) 395-8447
Email
Toyota Keisuke
Service Technician
(616) 395-8447
Email
Parts Department
Bill Notier
General Manager
(616) 399-9099
Email
Justin Notier
Operations Manager
(616) 566-1040
Email
Sarah Newman
Customer Support Associate
(616) 399-9099
Email
Joe Dendel
Parts Coordinator
(616) 399-9099
Email
Gary Johr
Parts Coordinator
(616) 399-9099
Email
Chris Buchheister
Parts Coordinator
(616) 377-9422
Email
Paula Strabbing
Accounting Administrator
(616) 399-9099
Email
Austin Ensing
Shipping & Receiving
(616) 399-9099
Email
Administration
Industry Associations
Pathfinder Systems is an active member of a number of national and regional groups in the dry cast and concrete industries.
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Empowering Concrete Producers to Stay on the Leading Edge
Pathfinder stays connected with equipment manufacturers, customers and industry organizations around the world to identify new technologies, production methods and product opportunities for the North American concrete products industry.
By sharing equipment developments, automation solutions and emerging production capabilities with our customers, we help manufacturers evaluate opportunities to expand their product offerings, improve production and remain competitive in their markets.
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