Army veteran and IPS VP recognized for military service and continued community leadership at Glass City Center
ROSSFORD, Ohio — Nate Wishard doesn’t talk much about his military service. That’s true of many veterans — they put in the work, they do what needs to be done, and they move on to the next mission. The Glass City Wranglers made sure someone said it out loud. At a recent Hometown Hero Night at the Glass City Center in downtown Toledo, the Wranglers honored Wishard — IPS’s Vice President of Strategy and Market Development — for more than two decades of military service, including two combat deployments and a record of leadership that stretches from Army bases across the country to boardrooms here in Northwest Ohio.
From Fort Jackson to Kandahar
Wishard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003, completing basic training at Fort Jackson and advanced individual training at Fort Eustis, where he specialized in Apache helicopter armament, electrical, and avionics systems — work that demands precision, accountability, and a steady hand under pressure. It’s not a coincidence those are also the qualities that define how he operates today.
He went on to serve with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Attack Reconnaissance Battalion — the Wolfpack — where he served as a Paratrooper completing deployments in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his active service, he led large teams across training, operations, and talent development in multiple states before joining IPS.
“Nate brought the same thing to IPS that he brought to his unit — a commitment to the people around him and a standard that doesn’t move.”
— Jeremiah Johnson, Chief Revenue Officer, IPS
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Wishard’s military decorations reflect a career defined by sustained excellence and service above self:
★ Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster)
★ Army Achievement Medal (17th Award)
★ Good Conduct Medal (3rd Knot)
★ Army Commendation Medal (5th Award)
★ Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
★ Soldier of the Year
The Meritorious Service Medal — earned four times over — recognizes outstanding non-combat achievement at a level that directly impacts unit readiness and mission success. The 17th Army Achievement Medal is not a typo. Seventeen. Over the course of a military career, that kind of recognition accumulates only when a person consistently performs at a level above what is expected, across every assignment, every tour, every unit.
What He Brings to IPS — and Northwest Ohio
At IPS, Wishard leads strategy and market development — helping position a 40-year-old company for its next chapter. His understanding of complex operations, large-scale team leadership, and mission-first thinking translates directly into how IPS approaches its clients and its growth.
He also serves on the Oregon Economic Development Foundation Executive Board, continuing to put his energy into the region’s long-term health. And he’s a father of two — which, by most accounts, is the job he takes most seriously of all.
“This recognition belongs to every person who served alongside me. I was part of great units with great people. I’m proud of what we did together.”
— Nate Wishard, VP of Strategy and Market Development, IPS
About the Glass City Wranglers
The Glass City Wranglers are Toledo’s professional basketball team and a member of the Basketball Super League, now playing home games at the Glass City Center in downtown Toledo. The organization has built a reputation for community connection, affordable family entertainment, and developing local talent — values that align well with what IPS tries to do in this region every day. Learn more at glasscitywranglers.com.
About IPS
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Rossford, Ohio, IPS — Industrial Power Systems — is an industrial, general, and specialty contractor delivering projects from concept to completion across the country. IPS self-performs mechanical, electrical, general trades, fabrication, sheet metal, 24/7 HVAC service, and virtual design & construction work, handling any size project with the same standard of Integrity, Performance, and Safety. Click here to check out our full menu of services.
