Lou Auletta is CEO and principal owner of Bauer, a global leader in aircraft component test equipment. As the company’s visionary, he drives overall strategy, business development and key industry partnerships.
Under his leadership, Bauer has expanded its international presence and earned recognition for innovation and customer support. Auletta brings decades of experience in aerospace manufacturing and is deeply committed to advancing test technology and delivering exceptional value to customers worldwide.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year?
I’m especially proud of leading the creation and adoption of Bauer’s new purpose: Inspiring Customer Love, which now guides our culture and strategy. I was honored to be named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year, recognizing our global reach and impact.
Bauer also achieved double-digit sales growth, reflecting strong execution and customer demand. To support continued growth, I led a senior leadership reorganization, establishing the roles of vice president and general manager and chief people officer to strengthen our foundation, elevate our people and position the company for long-term success.
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In what ways are you involved in the community?
I actively serve as chairman of the board of Bristol Hospital and hold board positions with the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture; Tunxis Foundation; and CCSU’s Department of Engineering, supporting health care, education and workforce development in the community.
On The Job
Guiding business principle: Take care of our customers.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Continuous learning and fostering a high-performance culture.
Best business decision: Buying the company back 10 years after my dad sold it.
Worst business decision: Involving a partner when I acquired the business, but then I bought him out.
Biggest missed opportunity: Taking longer than I should have to raise our business growth and performance expectations to take the company to the next level.
Goal yet to be achieved: Achieving $100 million revenue/20%+ EBITDA.
Personal touch in your office: Large format photo of Nantucket harbor.
Personal Side
Residence: Farmington
Favorite way to relax: Nantucket outdoors
Hobbies: Cooking, golf, reading and learning
Last vacation: Mallorca and Bordeaux
Favorite movie: “Caddyshack”
The car you drive: Defender
Currently reading: “Yeager,” an autobiography of legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager
Favorite cause: Nantucket community organizations
Second choice career: Architect