About Us

Dale DJ Desjardins – CEO

I’m Dale, known as DJ DesJardins Jr., a dedicated entrepreneur who embarked on my first business venture back in 1988. Alongside my wonderful wife Tara and our two amazing daughters, family means everything to me. Fueled by a profound passion for nurturing individuals and fostering growth, I thrive on delivering unparalleled customer experiences. With a firm commitment to excellence, I craft success stories in both my personal and professional endeavors. When I’m not shaping futures or delighting clients, you might find me enjoying cherished moments with my family, exploring new adventures, or immersing myself in the rhythm of life.

• Food: Steak
• Hobby: Golf
• Band or Musical Artist: Elton John
• TV Show: ESPN
• Place: Cabo

Adam Rankin – President

Hey, I’m Adam, the head honcho as the President of Absolute Aluminum since ’98. Hailing from the heart of Michigan, I’m a true-blue guy – and yes, I mean “Go Blue” in both Wolverines spirit and my denim wardrobe. When I’m not conquering aluminum challenges, catch me scoring touchdowns in sports debates, finding humor in every movie (especially the unintentionally funny ones), and dominating euchre tables like it’s my second job. Because in this game of life, I’m dealing a winning hand – and saying “Go Blue” to that!

• Food: Steak
• Hobby: Sporting clays shooting
• Band or Musical Artist: Any country music
• TV Show: Andy Griffith
• Place: with my family

Ryan Manuel – COO

Hey, I’m Ryan, hailing from the sunny shores of Venice, Florida, where I also spent my formative years split between Venice and North Port. Graduating from USF with a BS in Business, majoring in Finance & Marketing, I bring a blend of analytical prowess and creative insight to the table. At Absolute Aluminum, I’m part of a dynamic team, channeling our collective expertise to turn outdoor living dreams into reality for our community. My journey with Absolute Aluminum officially began in 2002, but my roots here run deep, tracing back to my childhood. When I’m not immersed in our projects, you’ll likely find me cherishing moments with my loved ones, tapping into the energy of live music, or reconnecting with nature’s beauty.

• Food: Lasagna & Fruit
• Hobby: SCUBA
• Band or Musical Artist: Chris Stapleton
• TV Show: Performing Arts
• Place: Keys

Elisha Miller – CAO

Hey, I’m Elisha, the Chief Administrative Officer at Absolute Aluminum, keeping the office as sturdy as our products since 2010. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Criminal Justice from UCF, I traded in digging up ancient artifacts for the modern art of efficient office administration and accounting. When not uncovering the mysteries of paperwork and numbers, you can catch me perfecting my retail therapy skills, mastering the Netflix weekend marathon, and showering my two dogs with more love than my inbox gets emails!

• Food: Potatoes
• Hobby: Shopping
• Band or Musical Artist: My music taste is as eclectic as my shoe collection
• TV Show: The Office
• Place: Sitting in my hanging egg chair with a good book

Summer Cruz – Director of Marketing

Hello there, I’m Summer, the marketing maverick here at Absolute Aluminum since 2018. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Marketing from FIU, I’m the muscle behind our brand’s brilliance. Despite my introverted tendencies, I lead our marketing squad with a sprinkle of humor, a dash of support and just a pinch of chaos. When I’m not cooking up campaigns, you’ll find me brushing up on my ASL, jamming out to tunes, or buried in a book with my cat, Stevie, by my side. So, grab a cuppa, let’s chat strategy, and get ready for some seriously purr-fect marketing magic!

• Food: Sushi
• Hobby: Reading, spoiling my husband and cat
• Band or Musical Artist: Turnover
• TV Show: Criminal Minds
• Place: Disney World

Nick Bowery – Director of Sales

Hey there, I’m Nick Bowery and I am the Sales Director at here Absolute Aluminum where I lead a team that is committed to delivering exceptional outdoor living projects and unmatched customer experiences. With a focus on quality and satisfaction, I ensure every homeowner receives the best possible service and that we continue to create raving fans while building dreams!!!! Outside of work, I enjoy a busy, yet fulfilling life, managing the “controlled chaos” of my wife’s and mine’s hectic schedule as our two sons are heavily involved in baseball and football year round on numerous teams. When we aren’t on the field, we love RVing and boating/fishing in the beautiful landscapes of Southwest Florida.

• Food – Steak
• Hobby – Sports, RVing/traveling, boating
• Band or musical artist – I listen to all types of music!!!
• Movie – Top Gun
• Place – Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee

Lenora Toth – Employee Engagement Director

Hey there, I’m Lenora, your friendly neighborhood Employee Engagement Director extraordinaire! Since 2017, I’ve been spreading joy and team spirit like confetti at a party. With a personality as sunny as my favorite days, I thrive on connecting with people and making work feel like a fiesta. When I’m not whipping up engagement magic, you’ll find me lost in a good book, chasing sunshine, exploring new destinations, or indulging in my other great love: food. Let’s taco ’bout making work fun!

• Food: Chicken tenders and ranch
• Hobby: Reading
• Band or Musical Artist: Russ
• TV Show: Somebody Feed Phil
• Place: with the people I love most

Tony De Los Santos – Branch General Manager

Hi, I’m Tony, Branch General Manager in Bradenton, Fl. I’ve been with Absolute Aluminum since 2004, where I started out as an installer. Being born and buttered here in Bradenton, I’ve had the opportunity to live and grow in the place I’ve always called home! When I’m not working to be the best for our company, you’ll find me working to be the best I can be for my family. Being blessed with marring my high school sweetheart and raising two of the best kids a father could ask for, making wonderful memories with them is my “Absolute” pleasure as well as living my lifelong dream!

• Food: I love to grill!
• Hobby: Fishing, football and boxing!
• Band or Musical Artist: Any and all!
• TV Show: Sports!
• Place: The Southwest

Jeff Valery – Director of Procurement

I’m Jeff Valery, and I hold the role of Director of Procurement here at Absolute Aluminum. About three decades back, I made the move from Western New York to join this incredible team. Since then, I’ve dedicated 21 years of my career to Absolute, working diligently to ensure our procurement processes run smoothly and efficiently.

• Food: PB&J, pork chops and applesauce, steak
• Hobby: Golf
• Band or Musical Artist: Steely Dan
• TV Show: Seinfeld
• Place: Home

James Desjardins – Field Operations Manager

I am James DesJardins, Field Operations Manager at Absolute Aluminum. I was born and raised in Venice. I have been in and around Absolute Aluminum since the early 1990s, came back in 2010, and have been here in various capacities ever since. I lead with a willingness to get hands-on when necessary and by teaching others what was taught to me, driven by ultimate customer satisfaction. ‘I won’t put it on your house if I wouldn’t put it on mine.’ When I am not overseeing Daily Operations at Absolute, I can be found spending time with my wife and kids outdoors, four-wheeling, fishing, hiking, working on a project vehicle, or just helping out those in need.

• Food: Anything fried
• Hobby: Modifying anything with 4 wheels and an Engine # Built Not Bought #Stock Sucks
• Band or Musical Artist: Toby Keith / Demun Jones
• TV Show: Tombstone 1993 ( Kurt Russell , Sam Elliott and Val Kilmer)
• Place: Anywhere with my Wife and Kids

Tod Crawford – Production Manager

Hi, I’m Tod. I’m retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service, happily married for 40 years, and blessed with three children and two grandchildren. My days are filled with hands-on work, from yard maintenance to intricate tasks like welding, fabrication, and restoring aircraft and custom cars, starting from sunrise till sundown.

When I manage to steal a few moments of leisure, I retreat to nature to indulge in its wonders with all five senses. Unlike many, I can’t find stillness in front of a television or movies. Instead, give me a horse and a plot of land any day over the hustle and bustle of the city, opulent houses, and crowds.

Mark Popp – Preconstruction Specialist

Hi, I’m Mark Popp I am your preconstruction specialist. I’ve been with the company approximately 32 plus years and have pretty much been in the Aluminum industry for over 45 years. I’ve lived in Florida, my entire life and I love everything It has the offer. I love spending time with my three kids & grandkids when possible, immensely.

• Food: Pretty much any and all kinds
• Hobby: Drag racing, watching football, fishing, camping pretty much anything outdoors
• Band or Musical Artist: Any and all kinds
• TV Show: Any type of sporting events
• Place: This paradise in which we live

Rob Cruse – Production Coordinator

Hey there, I’m Rob Cruse – your dependable Production Coordinator at Absolute Aluminum. Hailing from the vibrant city of Philadelphia, I was born in 1956 and raised in the cozy suburb of Langhorne, known for its iconic Langhorne Speedway. When it comes to indulging my taste buds, I’m an all-rounder, but there’s something about seafood, that truly tickles my fancy. At the core of my being, two pillars stand tall: God and family. They are not just priorities but the very essence of who I am.

• Food: Conch stew and shellfish
• Hobby: Spending time with family
• Band or Musical Artist: Robin Trower, Pink Floyd and Cream
• TV Show: Seinfeld
• Place: Anywhere with my family

Milan Gosic – Service Manager

Greetings, I’m Milan. Armed with an Associate’s Degree from SCF, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous improvement and growth. Since 2017, I’ve been an integral part of our company, where I lead our service team with a commitment to excellence. Beyond the office, you’ll often find me pursuing my passions: hitting the gym, casting a line while fishing, engaging in various sports, and staying active. With a steadfast dedication to both personal and professional development, I strive to ensure our customers receive nothing but the best.

• Food: Steak
• Hobby: Gym, fishing, disc golf, pickle ball
• Band or Musical Artist: All different genres based on my mood
• TV Show: Reacher, 911, Marvel Series
• Place: The beach

Clint Verhey – Scheduling Coordinator

Hey, I’m Clint! Born and raised in Cody, Wyoming, I proudly call it my hometown. After graduating from Cody High School in 1995, I embarked on my journey with Absolute Aluminum, where I currently serve as a Scheduling Coordinator. With 14 years of dedication to the company under my belt, I find solace and joy in spending time with my family, enjoying rounds of disc golf, and hitting the open road on my motorcycle during my leisure hours.

• Food: BBQ, pizza, nothing outrageous
• Hobby: Disc golf, motorsports
• Band or Musical Artist: Mostly 90’s rap
• TV Show: Sci-fi, comedies
• Place: The Smoky Mountains

Dave Moser – Director of Client Engagement

Hey there, I’m Dave Moser, originally from Stark County, Ohio, specifically Jackson Township. I pursued my education at both Ohio State University and the University of Akron, where I studied Business Management and Music Theory, blending my passion for both fields.

At Absolute Aluminum, I serve as the Company Director of Client Engagement, acting as the primary point of contact for our valued clients. My role involves bridging the gap between clients and our teams, ensuring seamless communication and exceptional service delivery. With 12 years of dedicated service to Absolute, I’m committed to providing solutions and achieving results for our clients.

Outside of work, you can often find me exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. I also enjoy soaking up the vibrant energy of small venue live music performances and embarking on culinary adventures to discover new tastes and flavors.

• Food: Virtually everything, I love good food and good wine.
• Hobby: Dogs, hike, paddle boarding, culinary exploration, exploring good red wines
• Band or Musical Artist: Jacob Collier, Al Dimeola, Jean Luc Ponty, John McLaughlin, and many, many more from all genres
• TV Show: Eureka
• Place: Mountain lakes and spring fed rivers

Raphael De Los Santos – Field Supervisor

Hello, I’m Raphael De Los Santos, Field Supervisor at Absolute Aluminum. I was born and raised in Bradenton Fl till 2007 then I moved to a small country town called Chiefland where I finished my education at Chiefland High School and then I attended Santa Fe Community College to study automotive. Then in 2016 I started my career at Absolute Aluminum! Started as an Installer and worked my way up a field supervisor. On my free time I absolutely love spending time with Family. My Family is truly my pride and joy and I try my best to succeed at work that way I can give them the best.

• Food: Mexican and American BBQ
• Hobby: Gun Collecting
• Band or Musical Artist: Corridos and Country
• Place: Texas/li>

Dan Cornelius – Cutshop Foreman

My name is Dan, but I have gone by several nicknames over the years. I have been called “Lefty” since I’m left-handed. I have been called “Hillbilly” since I grew up in around farmers on the outskirts of the Appalachian mountains. I have been called “The Human Calculator” because I do most calculations in my head quickly. They fit me, but don’t define me. I also grow plants, read occasionally, and enjoy various technology items. I’m always welcome to some new nicknames.

• Food: Fresh-picked green beans
• Hobby: Watching funny or informative YouTube videos
• Band or Musical Artist: Don Williams
• TV Show: M*A*S*H
• Place: Home

Alex Alvarez – Field Operations Manager

Hey there, I’m Alex, the Field Operations Manager you can count on, proud to call Florida home, especially beautiful Manatee County where I grew up. Let me tell you about my world—it’s centered around my incredible wife, my high school sweetheart, and our amazing kids. When I’m not busy overseeing operations, you’ll find me soaking up every moment with my family. Whether it’s cheering on one daughter at the softball field, flipping out (literally) at gymnastics with the other, or beaming with pride over my eldest who’s currently shining bright at FIU, family always comes first. Life’s an adventure, and with my loved ones by my side, every moment is precious.

• Food: Love to grill and make food in the smoker
• Hobby: Fishing, model cars, and poker
• Band or Musical Artist: Open to all music
• TV Show: Sports & crime shows
• Place: Anywhere as long as I’m with my family