Rival Holdings, an Indiana-based investment and holding company, has announced the addition of Eric Johnsonson as Production Manager at Rival Lab and Josh Arnold as Assistant Controller at Rival Commercial. These strategic hires strengthen Rival’s operational and financial capabilities as the company continues to scale innovation across the built ecosystem.

In his role as Production Manager, Eric Johnson will lead manufacturing operations at Rival Lab, focusing on scaling production and advancing efficiencies in cold-formed steel framing and robotics. He brings more than 15 years of hands-on manufacturing leadership experience, with a strong background in startup environments and operational turnarounds.

Johnson previously led multi-shift teams at Brightmark Energy, where he optimized production, safety, and efficiency in an advanced recycling process. He has also held key roles in RV manufacturing and coatings at Creative Liquid Coatings, building a diverse foundation in industrial operations.

“Eric’s experience in scaling operations and leading high-performing teams makes him an ideal fit for Rival Lab as we ramp up production,” said Brad Crawford, president of Rival Holdings. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving innovation and execution.”

A lifelong New Haven resident, Johnson is deeply rooted in the local community, having served for 15 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He is excited to contribute to Rival’s mission while continuing to serve the region he calls home.

Josh Arnold joins Rival Commercial as Assistant Controller, where he will support financial reporting, analysis, and strategic initiatives across the organization. He brings over 15 years of accounting and finance experience, primarily within manufacturing organizations in the surrounding area.

Most recently, Arnold expanded his expertise beyond traditional finance roles by working with data systems and developing financial reporting packages for a local e-commerce company. His work included defining key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure marketing effectiveness and product launches, as well as building financial models to support business decisions.

“Josh brings a unique blend of financial expertise and data-driven insight that will strengthen our financial operations,” said Crawford. “His ability to connect financial strategy with performance metrics will add tremendous value to our team.”

Outside of work, Arnold stays busy supporting his children’s sports activities and enjoys tackling home renovation projects. He also spends time refining his cooking skills by recreating chef-inspired recipes.

About Rival Holdings

Rival invests in organizations in the built ecosystem with the collective goal of catalyzing innovations that will actively transform the industry. We rival the status quo by empowering visionary companies to pursue disruptive technologies and techniques that will reshape how the built world operates. Our highly skilled team believes the return on these strategic investments will transform lives, communities, and the world for the better.