As VMAC prepares to celebrate 40 years of innovation in 2026, we are also preparing to mark the close of an extraordinary chapter in our own history.
On April 2, 2026, Chris Larsen will officially retire from VMAC.
Chris joined VMAC in 1997, in the company’s early days, starting part time on the production floor as an electrical assembler. At the time, VMAC was transitioning to building control boxes for what would become the highly successful UNDERHOOD® Air Compressor System. Chris quickly became an integral part of that evolution, assembling kits, improving organization, and standardizing processes that strengthened quality and efficiency across the board.
Her impact did not stop on the production floor.
Recognized for her initiative and attention to detail, Chris moved into Engineering, where she built Bill of Materials, created manuals, organized part numbers, and helped formalize documentation processes that remain foundational to VMAC’s product development today. In 2004, she stepped into the role of Engineering Manager, leading with both technical rigor and genuine care for her team.
During her tenure as Engineering Manager, Chris launched an Engineering Internship Program, expanded Research and Development funding, and built collaborative partnerships with universities and trade schools. Those initiatives did more than support projects. They helped shape the next generation of talent and strengthened VMAC’s long term innovation pipeline.
Her leadership journey continued as she took on roles including Marketing Manager, Director of Engineering, and later Corporate Administrator. In every position, Chris brought the same combination of operational discipline, mentorship, and steady guidance. Affectionately known as “Eng-mum” by her colleagues, she built teams that were not only technically strong but deeply collaborative.
In 2012, Chris made a career change within VMAC and took the role of HR Manager, continuing to shape our culture. As the HR team evolved into People and Culture, Chris played an active part in supporting the department and VMAC’s coworkers. Her belief that growth comes from opportunity, education, and trust has influenced countless coworkers over nearly three decades.
In recent years, Chris has remained closely involved in People and Culture and special projects, continuing to shape VMAC as a workplace of choice.
Chris’s career reflects what VMAC stands for at its core: investing in people, encouraging development, and building leaders from within. From assembling electrical components on the shop floor to guiding multiple departments at the senior leadership level, her journey is a remarkable example of dedication, adaptability, and long term impact.
As she steps into a well earned retirement on April 2, 2026, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service, leadership, and mentorship. Her fingerprints are on our products, our processes, and our culture. That kind of legacy does not fade.
Chris, thank you for everything you have given to VMAC. We wish you a retirement filled with new adventures, meaningful time with family and friends, and every opportunity to enjoy the next chapter as much as you have helped shape ours.
