The People Behind Reade

Charles has dedicated his career to advancing the family business, Reade Advanced Materials. Starting on the manufacturing floor, he worked with magnesium and aluminum powders. He then moved up to become Sales Manager and later served 17 years as President. Today, as Chairman, he strategically guides the export of raw materials and shares his deep knowledge with the sales team. Charles’s achievements extend beyond the company. He graduated from Army ROTC, attended Harvard Business School, and served as a decorated Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran. In 1999, he received NASA’s Commitment to Excellence Award. An industry journal recognized him in 2001 as a pivotal figure, noting, “metals and metal powders are his heritage.” Reflecting on his early experiences, Charles says, “I’ve been in love with powders since I was 7 years old,” recalling the days he spent at the plant with his father, Charles F. Reade Sr. Outside of work, Charles is an active Mason and veteran, has volunteered as a Eucharistic minister and interfaith chaplain, and is a long-time member of the New York Yacht Club. He deeply values time with his four grandchildren, enjoying every moment together.

As President of Reade Advanced Materials, Emily plays a key role in analyzing and improving operations across the company. Her focus ranges from pricing and payments to shipping, personnel, and office workflows. She is committed to mentoring staff, helping them develop their talents and advance their careers. Emily also leads the expansion of the company’s export sales through Reade International Ltd. S.A. in Panama City, enhancing her Spanish skills in the process. “Watching our team’s confidence and capabilities grow through coaching is incredibly rewarding,” she says. Before becoming President, Emily was Vice President at Reade and a Senior Relationship Manager at Citibank North America’s Private Banking Group. She is a cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, where she earned a degree in history. In 2020, Providence Business News recognized her with the Leaders and Achievers Award. Away from work, Emily’s passions include gardening, cooking, and spending precious time with her four grandchildren.

As Vice President at Reade, Bethany is responsible for product selection, ensuring the chemical and physical properties of the products we source meet our customers’ material requirements. In her 35+ years at Reade, Bethany has watched numerous research projects go from the start-up phase to commercial production. In each case, her knowledge and experience have been instrumental in defining the right raw materials for the job. Bethany holds a bachelor of science degree from Western Michigan University. “Away from Reade, I find joy working with my children on their school projects, especially helping my son memorize the periodic table,” she says. Like mother, like son.

Amanda is the fifth generation of the Reade family to work in this business — which, depending on who you ask, started when she was selling paperclips from the supply closet to the employees and eating popcorn under her mother’s desk. Before joining Reade, Amanda built her career in the wine industry — where she developed a deep appreciation for quality sourcing, supplier relationships, and the kind of precision that comes from working with products where provenance matters. She brought all of that back to Reade, where she now oversees operations, strategy, and the day-to-day work of keeping a 250-year-old company moving forward. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She holds a certificate from the Metal Powder Industries Federation and is a co-founder of the Rhode Island Chapter of Women in Manufacturing, where she actively works to bring more women into the field. “What I love most at Reade is the continual learning — from discovering new applications for materials to collaborating with vendors and exploring sustainable innovations, there’s always something inspiring on the horizon.” Outside of work, Amanda is can be found on either the slopes or the water with her family – or in her garden which she tends with care.

As the Director of Sales at Reade, David focuses on empowering both customers and colleagues to achieve their goals. He believes that open communication is the key to deepening knowledge and enhancing customer service. David remarks, “Open communication channels are invaluable for learning about the diverse applications of materials in industries around the globe.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas and a professional certification in Powder Metallurgy from MPIF. Outside of work, David is passionate about outdoor activities including distance running, hiking, camping, and sailing.

As an Account Manager at Reade, Kevin uses his years of experience in customer service and as former small business owner to help our clients and customers in finding the right products and to get the materials they need. “I know this is going to sound cliché but one of the best things about working at Reade is that it is a family owned and operated business, and it truly treats not only me, but our customers like a part of their family.” As a former restaurant and bar owner, Kevin can also relate to the pressures and challenges our small business clients and vendors face.  Kevin has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston. When not at work, Kevin is passionate about indoor activities including reading about history and science, building Lego with his son and working on arts and crafts.

Meet Aaron Flores, a dynamic and detail-oriented Account Manager at Reade Advanced Materials. Since joining the team, Aaron has demonstrated his expertise in sales, client relations, and project management, quickly establishing himself as a key contributor. His dedication to customer success and problem-solving earned him a promotion in recognition of his outstanding early performance and commitment to excellence. With a background that includes managing client relationships and driving sales growth in the industrial materials sector, Aaron understands the unique needs of Reade’s diverse clientele. He’s adept at navigating complex client inquiries and delivering tailored solutions that enhance client satisfaction and trust. In his role, Aaron also supports Reade’s ISO 9001:2015 certified processes, ensuring quality and consistency in every project he undertakes. Outside the office, Aaron’s passions include beach volleyball, enjoying piña coladas, and long walks on the beach, where he finds inspiration and balance. His upbeat energy and dedication make him a pleasure to work with, whether he’s coordinating with clients or championing Reade’s high standards.