America's Trusted Metal Fabrication Shop in Cleveland, Ohio Since 1988
Founded in 1988 by industry veterans Michael Gordon Sr. and Greg Tench, Tendon Manufacturing is a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration. The company's name, Tendon, was formed by combining the last names of its founders, reflecting their shared commitment to building a strong and enduring business. With a combined background in manufacturing and business, the duo established Tendon as a full-service metal fabrication company. Starting with a small team of six employees, Tendon has grown significantly over the years, now boasting a workforce of over 105 highly skilled professionals operating out of three state-of-the-art facilities totaling 150,000 square feet in Warrensville Heights, Ohio."
Mike Gordon Sr. | President
Mike Gordon Sr., or “Spike” as he’s affectionately known, is a proud alumnus of John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University. Mike co-founded Tendon in 1988 with Greg Tench, turning a shared vision into a thriving enterprise. With over four decades of marriage, Mike and his wife have built a strong family foundation, now enriched by 10 grandchildren. Rooted on Cleveland’s West Side, his passion for community shines through his active involvement in the Catholic organizations of Northeast Ohio. Outside the office, Spike is a Cleveland sports enthusiast and an avid fan of summer evenings spent at Guardians games or cruising Lake Erie. His mix of business acumen, community spirit, and down-to-earth charm embodies the heart and soul of Tendon Manufacturing.
Mike Gordon Jr. | Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Mike Gordon Jr., or “Junior” as he’s known around Tendon, joined the family business in 2016 after honing his skills at Cintas Corporation. A proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School and Xavier University, Mike brings a blend of strategic insight, a growth mindset and heartfelt dedication to his role in sales and marketing.
Mike and his wife call Cleveland’s Southside home, where they are raising their four children. Deeply committed to community service, Mike serves on the Kelleys Island Police Board, the Board of Trustees at Sts. Joseph & John School and the Career Technical Education Advisory Board for Parma City Schools. He has also played a key role in helping Ukrainian refugees relocate to Cleveland by securing housing and employment, reflecting his passion for meaningful impact.
Beyond Tendon, Mike and his wife are part owners of the All Cleveland Coffee Company, a business with a purpose—donating meals to The Cleveland Foodbank. From leading with innovation at Tendon to championing community causes, Mike embodies the spirit of service and leadership.
Adam Gordon | Vice President, Operations
Adam Gordon joined Tendon Manufacturing in 2019, bringing a fresh perspective after several years as an educator. His lifelong passion for the art of metalwork ultimately drew him into the family business, where he now leads operations with a focus on precision and innovation.
Adam, his wife, and their two sons reside on Cleveland’s West Side, where family and community are at the heart of their lives. He actively contributes to the region’s business landscape through his involvement with the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce. A thought leader in manufacturing, Adam has been featured on several industry podcasts, including Manufacturing Mavericks.
With a Master’s degree from Ohio University and the distinction of being a State Champion on the 2008 St. Ignatius Football team, Adam brings both academic expertise and a competitive spirit to everything he does. His commitment to excellence drives Tendon’s mission forward every day.
Tom Tench | Engineering Manager
With over 30 years of full-time experience at Tendon Manufacturing, Tom Tench is truly a cornerstone of the company. Having grown up in the business, Tom’s deep expertise and dedication to engineering excellence continue to shape Tendon’s success.
Outside of work, Tom, his wife, and their son are passionate about camping and exploring the great outdoors. A competitor at heart, he can often be found hitting the fairways of local golf courses or perfecting his game at the bowling alley—where he boasts the rare achievement of two perfect games.
Around the office, Tom’s legacy also includes a quirky claim to fame: holding the record for most three-pointers in Tendon’s parking lot basketball (though, admittedly, the competition wasn’t fierce). Tom’s blend of technical know-how, love of family, and lighthearted humor makes him an integral part of the Tendon team.
Eric Dedic | Fabrication Plant Manager
With over 25 years of experience at Tendon Manufacturing, Eric Dedic is a seasoned leader who ensures the fabrication plant operates seamlessly. Known for his dedication and strong work ethic, Eric has been a key figure in Tendon’s growth and success.
Eric and his two children live on Cleveland’s West Side, where he’s an active and passionate basketball coach, sharing his love for the game with young athletes. A die-hard fan of the Cavs and Browns, Eric’s enthusiasm for sports is rivaled only by his affection for his five cats—a devotion that’s earned him the nickname “Whiskers” around the office.
Eric’s blend of technical expertise, community involvement, and approachable personality makes him an invaluable part of the Tendon team.
Jerry Dent | Assembly Plant Manager
Jerry Dent has been a dedicated member of the Tendon Manufacturing team for nearly 20 years, overseeing the assembly plant with precision and care. His leadership and commitment have inspired multiple generations of his family to work alongside him at Tendon, making his impact truly multigenerational.
Once a powerhouse who could bench press over 500 pounds, Jerry’s strength is matched only by his work ethic. However, we reluctantly admit he’s a Steelers fan—a fact that sparks plenty of good-natured ribbing around the office.
Despite his questionable choice in football teams, Jerry’s expertise and dedication make him an essential part of Tendon’s success story.
Kathy Thomas | Controller
For over 25 years, Kathy Thomas—affectionately known as “Thomas” around Tendon—has been the steady hand managing the company’s finances. As Controller, her meticulous attention to detail and strategic insight have been pivotal to Tendon’s growth and stability.
When she’s not crunching numbers, Kathy enjoys traveling with her husband, discovering new destinations, and savoring well-crafted cocktails. A fierce competitor, she’s dominated Tendon’s Fantasy Football League with an impressive 10 championships to her name.
Kathy lives on Cleveland’s Southside with her two children, balancing her professional expertise with a vibrant personal life. Her mix of dedication, savvy, and a touch of competitive spirit make her an irreplaceable part of the Tendon team.
Bill Gazley | Human Resources & Facilities Maintenance
Known affectionately as “Wild Bill,” Bill Gazley brings a dynamic energy to his role in Human Resources and Facilities Maintenance at Tendon Manufacturing. A proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, John Carroll University, and Cleveland State College of Law, Bill’s diverse background includes years as an insurance broker specializing in risk management for businesses.
Since joining Tendon in 2024, Bill has become an essential part of the team, balancing his professional expertise with a commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment. Outside of work, Bill is a dedicated coach, spending his time on the sidelines of CYO football, baseball, and basketball, where he mentors young athletes, including his two sons.
With his wife by his side, Bill exemplifies leadership both at Tendon and in his community, bringing passion and purpose to everything he does.
Roy LeMar | Quality Supervisor
Roy LeMar has been a cornerstone of Tendon Manufacturing’s quality team for over 20 years. As Quality Supervisor, his meticulous attention to detail ensures that every product meets the highest standards. Alongside his twin brother, Robert, who also works at Tendon, Roy has formed an inseparable duo that’s become a beloved part of the team’s fabric.
Outside of work, Roy’s passion for sci-fi movies and interior decorating showcases his creative side. While we’d rather not dwell on the fact that he’s a Steelers fan, we can’t deny the dedication and expertise he brings to Tendon. Roy’s unwavering commitment to excellence makes him a vital contributor to the company’s success.
Joe Vlcek-Engineer
With nearly 20 years at Tendon Manufacturing, Joe Vlcek exemplifies dedication and growth. Starting as a welder, Joe worked his way up to Welding Supervisor before stepping into his current role as a full-time engineer, where he applies his hands-on expertise to drive innovation and quality.
A proud resident of Cleveland’s West Side, Joe enjoys life on and off the water with hobbies like boating, fishing, golfing, and perfecting his craft in smoking meats. His passion for Ohio sports runs deep as a devoted fan of Ohio State, the Browns, and the Guardians.
Locally known as “Joey Meats,” Joe can often be found enjoying the vibrant dining scene at Crocker Park, where his friendly, approachable nature shines. Joe’s journey, passion, and team spirit make him a vital part of Tendon’s success.
Lahni Moore | AP/AR
Known as “LaMoore” around Tendon, Lahni has been an indispensable part of the team for over 20 years, managing the accounts payable and receivable functions with precision and reliability. Her expertise in financial operations has helped ensure the smooth running of the business from day one.
Outside of work, Lahni is a proud mother to two daughters and calls Cleveland’s West Side home. Her commitment to her work, combined with her strong family values, makes her both a trusted professional and a beloved team member at Tendon.
Tendon Manufacturing is proud to be certified to ISO 9001:2015, a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. This certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you are passionate about metal fabrication and share our commitment to excellence, we encourage you to explore our career opportunities. Visit Employment Page