Progressive Pipeline Management names Ethan Montero head of sales

Progressive Pipeline Management has hired Ethan Montero to lead sales across its gas distribution, facilities, utility and channel partner businesses. The move signals a push to expand the trenchless pipeline rehabilitation company into new markets as it approaches a 25-year milestone.

Why it matters: - Progressive Pipeline Management is adding a dedicated sales leader as it tries to grow beyond its current footprint in regulated utility markets. - The hire is aimed at supporting a scaling organization with stronger sales systems, new market development and deeper channel relationships. - The appointment comes as PPM prepares to mark 25 years in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation.

What happened: - Progressive Pipeline Management named Ethan Montero head of sales. - Montero will report to Andrew Gonnella, president of PPM. - Montero will oversee sales across gas distribution and facilities, utility and channel partner development, and the sales systems and processes that support the business. - PPM announced the hire on Aug. 31, 2026.

The details: - Montero previously spent five years as head of sales at Urban Umbrella, a construction safety and sidewalk scaffolding company. - At Urban Umbrella, Montero closed more than 245 projects worth more than $45 million in contract value. - Montero built the sales function by hiring and managing the direct sales team. - Montero also added independent representatives, implemented CRM and sales processes, supported expansion into London and created an outbound program. - Dave Wickersham, founder and CEO of PPM, said the appointment supports the company’s vision to expand into new markets. - PPM describes itself as a national provider of trenchless rehabilitation solutions for gas, water, sewer, facility infrastructure, and rapid emergency and disaster site services. - PPM says it serves utilities, municipalities and building owners across the U.S. with patented technologies and field services. - More information is available on PPM’s website or on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - PPM is signaling that sales infrastructure is now a growth lever, not just an administrative function. - Montero’s background in regulation-driven and complex sales suggests PPM wants experience selling specialized infrastructure services into long-cycle, compliance-heavy markets. - The company is pairing technical capability with commercial expansion as it looks for new customers and geographies.

What's next: - Montero will focus on expanding PPM’s reach and strengthening partnerships across the utility sector. - PPM is likely to use the new sales leadership to open additional markets and support its next phase of growth. - The company will continue positioning its trenchless rehabilitation services as an alternative to traditional utility maintenance and replacement.