Meet the Executive Leadership Team

Michael J. Higgins | Chief Executive Officer

Mike is responsible for leading all aspects of the EPIC business.  He has over 25 years of general management, sales, marketing, and planning experience, covering industries as diverse as digital technology integration for food retailers, commercial refrigeration, perishable supply chain management, microbiological food safety, security/access control, office equipment, and professional services.  He has worked with retailers, manufacturers, educational institutions, and government agencies.  His experience crosses small start-up environments to large, multi-national organizations and has been focused on dynamically growing organizations and leading strategic change.

Mike received his BS from Indiana University and his MBA from the University of Connecticut.

James Owen | President & Chief Operating Officer

James is responsible for leading EPIC’s operations and providing strategy throughout the company to achieve both short and long-term goals. He has been with EPIC for 20+ years and has experience with managing EPIC’s business groups and various industrial engineering projects. Specifically, James has experience managing projects that include process design, electrical design, process control, machine control, PLC & HMI programming, cost estimating, and other aspects of engineering and design required to develop turnkey projects.

James received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Missouri Science and Technology

Kelly Springett | Corporate Controller

Kelly is responsible for managing all accounting-related activities, including high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and finance activities within EPIC. She manages the budget and expenditure reports to management. She also leads and develops teams of finance and administrative professionals. She supervises accounts payable and receivable, budgeting exercises, contracts administration, and budget reporting to top ownership and analyzes cash flow reports to understand company financial trends and guide leadership.

Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with an emphasis in Finance, from Webster University. Kelly also received a Graduate Certificate in Big Data and Analytics.

Ken Sipes | Director of Engineering – Process & Mechanical

Ken is responsible for managing EPIC’s chemical and mechanical engineering, project management, mechanical and piping design, and shop fabrication efforts. He has first-hand experience in process engineering, project management and construction management. Additionally, he has experience with process design, fabrication coordination, and cost estimating. Ken develops complete and strategic plans which minimize risk for client and EPIC in executing capital projects from concept to start-up.

Ken received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

Dan Nadolny | Director of Engineering – Machine Vision

Dan is responsible for managing EPIC’s machine vision engineering, programming, and fabrication efforts. He has 16+ years of experience of managing EPIC’s machine vision, automation, and integration solutions. Specifically, he has experience with machine vision system design, machine vision algorithm development, control system design, PLC & HMI programming, electrical design, mechanical design and system integration design. He also provides input and assistance to the machine vision group at various stages to help EPIC’s engineers get through tough obstacles.

Dan received his Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Sarah Margulis | Director of Human Resources & Contracts

Sarah is responsible for leading all matters related to EPIC’s Human Resources, Legal and Administrative departments. She began her professional career working in retail banking where she held various roles from customer service representative to assistant manager. She proceeded to work for local law firms where she gained a wealth of knowledge spanning from personal to business transactions. This experience has translated into operating a dynamic department at EPIC today.

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College and her Juris Doctor degree from St. Louis University.