Middleton received his B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1975 and joined Franklin Electric in 1976 as an inside sales representative. He has served the company in sales and sales management positions, most recently as national sales manager. Middleton was named Franklin's Salesman of Year in 1982, 1993 and 2002, and has received Franklin's annual Quota Achievement Award on 17 occasions. In his new position, Middleton will have responsibility for national sales and service.

Franklin Electric produces ground water and fuel pumping systems, including submersible motors, drives, controls and monitoring devices.