Akron, Ohio — December 22, 2025 — Cardinal Group today announced the retirement of Ray Brophy, who will step down as Chief Executive Officer after more than 48 years with the company, including over four decades of dedicated service.
Brophy’s career at Cardinal Group is defined by a strong work ethic and a deep, firsthand understanding of the business. He began his career as a laborer and steadily advanced through roles in sales and executive leadership, ultimately serving as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. This broad experience across all levels of the organization uniquely positioned him to guide Cardinal Group through periods of growth, diversification, and operational expansion.
During Brophy’s tenure, Cardinal Group evolved from a regional maintenance and janitorial company into a leading industrial services provider, offering comprehensive solutions in environmental, facility, workforce, roofing, and transportation services, with operations spanning multiple states across the United States.
“Ray’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Cardinal Group of today,” said Brandon Skidmore, Chief Operating Officer. “His ability to understand our customers, support our employees, and anticipate opportunities for growth helped build a stronger, more resilient organization.”
As part of a planned leadership transition, Brophy will continue to serve as a consultant to support continuity and guide the organization through the next phase of leadership. Brandon Skidmore, Cardinal Group’s current Chief Operating Officer, and Brian Madden, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will assume overall leadership of the organization, each serving as Managing Partner.
Together, Skidmore and Madden bring complementary operational and financial leadership experience and have worked closely with Brophy to advance Cardinal Group’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and long-term growth initiatives.
Reflecting on his career, Brophy said, “I’m proud of who Cardinal Group has become—both as a successful corporation operating in multiple states throughout the U.S., and as a contributing member of our community. I look forward to supporting Brandon and Brian as they lead the company forward.”
Cardinal Group extends its sincere appreciation to Ray Brophy for his decades of service and leadership and wishes him continued success in his retirement.