Through this special Darlington Connects blog series, we are proud to showcase the stories, connections, and lasting impact of a community that continues to embody Darlington’s mission and values long after graduation. Today, we hear from Chuck Boyles (’80), vice president of Factory Automation Systems in Atlanta, Ga.
When you walk through Factory Automation Systems, you’re surrounded by clever problem-solving in action. Engineers test designs, teams huddle over projects, and robots move with precise coordination. One moment you’ll watch a system lifting five-gallon water jugs, the next a robotic arm gently picking strawberries. Every project is driven by efficiency and creative thinking, finding smarter ways to tackle real-world manufacturing challenges.
Based in Atlanta, FAS has delivered thousands of automation solutions for manufacturers across the United States for over three decades. Their systems are engineered to improve productivity, safety, and quality for customers across a wide range of industries. Today, the company is led by a team of four owners, including Chuck Boyles ('80), who continue to uphold the strong culture and commitment to excellence established by founder Ross Pryor.
Chuck’s Darlington story began in 1973 when he joined the first coeducational sixth-grade class at Thornwood’s Lower School campus. His mother taught at West Rome High School, and his father was an electrical engineer and manager at the GE plant in Rome. Valuing a high-quality education, his parents believed Darlington would challenge Chuck academically and help him reach his full potential.
He recalls learning from long-time faculty members during his time by the Lakeside. “Many of the names you see now on buildings and houses across campus like Worth Moser, Jack Summerbell, Doc Regester, Jim Van Es, Charlie Davidson, Rob Hammond, Bob Rogers and David Rhodes, were our teachers and coaches,” Chuck said. “The faculty and staff maintained the foundation of Darlington’s academic standards and culture.”
Chuck made the most of his time at Darlington, playing football, basketball and baseball while also serving on Student Council and as Honor Council president.
He went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He also pursued baseball, walking onto the Varsity team his freshman year and playing during Tech’s first year in the ACC. The following season, a coaching change created what Chuck describes as an “opportunity to pursue other interests.” He spent the remainder of his college years on Georgia Tech’s water ski team, competing against many SEC schools.
Upon graduating in 1984, Chuck accepted a position with Allen-Bradley Company, now Rockwell Automation, and moved to Milwaukee for a 10-month technical sales training program. He was later assigned to Baton Rouge and then New Orleans before moving back to Atlanta with Rockwell in 1987.
On his very first day in a new role, Chuck’s boss took him to meet a systems integrator called PC Design. The first person he met there was Ross Pryor, and a year later, Chuck joined PC Design as a sales manager. In 1996, Chuck started his own systems integration business, Tech Center, which grew to 40 employees and provided information systems for manufacturing companies. After 11 years, he sold the business and remained with the company for an additional three years.
Fast forward to 2014. While visiting Rome, Chuck noticed the FAS logo on a Berry College 10K race T-shirt. Knowing that Ross Pryor had founded the company in 1992, he decided to reconnect. That call ultimately led Chuck to join FAS, where he has worked ever since. When Ross retired in 2022, Chuck and three other senior managers purchased the company.
Just as Darlington connections run deep, so do those in engineering. Today, Chuck is one of three Darlington people at FAS. His colleague Clay Edwards, vice president of sales and co-owner, is a parent to Darlington alumni Emily (’18) and David (’24). Emily Edwards (’18) also joined the FAS team after earning her bachelor’s degree from Emory and a master’s in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Florida. She now serves as a technical writer and sales support, with plans to attend law school this fall to pursue a career in patent law.
If you’re ever near the FAS facility, we highly recommend connecting with these three for a tour! To learn more about FAS, visit their website here: https://www.factoryautomation.com/
Chuck and his wife Jan are currently relocating from Marietta to Madison, Ga. They have five adult children and six grandchildren.
