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 Expert  721757 
Expert in Management, New Product Development, and Plant Relocation and Startup

Available for your Consulting and Expert Witness Needs

Minnesota (MN)
 USA
Expertise Education Work History Career Accomplishments Consulting Services Expert Witness Market Research
Summary of Expertise:
Primary Expertise Areas:

(links show more experts in each area)

Expertise Description:

business management expert

business strategy expert

 
As part of top management's efforts to maximize revenue, growth and profitability, Expert has applied over 35 years of business, engineering and manufacturing expertise to provide cost effective solutions across a wide-range of industries. Expert maintains that it all starts with information, because "You can't manage what you don't know." In order to meet the challenge of today's business environments, Expert developed three business core programs: (1) Business Analysis featuring the "Strategic Development Program" to investigate, identify and implement change within the organization; (2) Business Development featuring the 9-Step Strategic Change Model providing a systematic path to business success; and (3) Project Management Services featuring the 5-Step Project Management System providing cost effective, rapid response management tools to achieve goals/objectives on-time and within budget.

business system design expert

 
A business organization is a system, therefore the output of the system is greater than the sum of its individual functional outputs. Expert designed the "Business Development Program" to ensure all levels of a company perform to customer's expectations. The Business Development Program begins with the "Direction Statement," which provides the basis for creating a company's vision, mission and strategic plan.

corporate strategic planning expert

 
Expert knows that you cannot analyze your way into a strategy. "Strategic Planning" is analysis, while "Strategic Thinking" is synthesis, which involves intuition and creativity. The most successful strategy is a vision, not a plan. This thinking led him to develop the "9-Step Strategic Change Model" to provide the foundation for future development. The program helps companies make the decision to start the process after considering all necessary elements, allocate resources, perform a "situation analysis," develop a "direction statement," formulate the actual strategy, provide an implementation structure via the "5-Step Project Management System," and, finally, develop a rolling "5-year Strategic Plan."

operations management expert

 
"Operations," the generic term referring to those functions producing the goods and services of any organization, is an area Expert has spent much of his professional life. Over the course of his career, he has had responsibility for, and successfully managed, sales and marketing, quality assurance, human resources, design engineering, job-shop operations, contract and prototype machining facilities, and plastic extrusion facilities with continually increased levels of responsibility. The levels of responsibility have included machinist, tool and die maker, model maker, product development manager, technology planning engineer, operations manager, general manager and owner.

Expert developed "CEO BusinessPro" to track financial, service, and manufacturing performance. Utilizing these reports, one client increased production over 240% in six weeks. He also developed "CEO SalesPro" to track customers and increase sales opportunities. By controlling costs, increasing efficiency, and delivering on a timely basis, one client increased profitability over 135%, while securing a $1.2 million backlog.

plant management expert

plant operations management expert

 
Expert was responsible for the initial concept and design/build, the selection and purchase of manufacturing and laboratory equipment, and the staffing and startup of a three-shift, plastic extrusion facility. The project was completed within one week of its 18-month projection.

project management expert

project planning expert

 
Expert developed the "5-Step Project Management System," which is comprised of three levels:

· Level 1 is Project Planning & Development. This includes Step 1 - Project Feasibility as Soon as Possible; Step 2 - Project Approval; and Step 3 - Project Planning.

· Level 2 is Project Schedule. This includes Step 4 - Project Start through Completion and Step 5 - Evaluation.

· Level 3 is TurnKey Project Management. It covers Step 1 through Step 5.

By utilizing the "5-Step Project Management System,” Expert redesigned an existing manufacturing facility and relocated an entire manufacturing facility and business staff with a minimum of downtime and disruption to customers, while saving over $250,000 in moving expenses.

flexible manufacturing system expert

 
As part of a $1.2M Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) capital equipment investigation, justification and implementation project, Expert lead the team in indentifying current products which could be manufactured with significant savings as the result automation. After reviewing several hundred products it was determined that two horizontal milling machines equipped with the maximum tools in preset storage, integrated with a robotic pallet stacker could run 24/7 virtually unattended. It exceeded projected savings of $850K in less than one year.

new product development expert

 
Under strict 'confidentiality agreements,' Expert desgned, developed and prototyped a variety of products ranging from telecommuncations and medical equipment to lasers, telescopes, computer hardware, agricultural and snowmobile equipment. These opportunities afforded Expert to work with representatives from sales and marketing, engineering, manufacturing, top management, and customers. Many cost saving, rapid prototyping techniques were implemented saving customers the expense of hard tooling, time delays and the added expense of potential reengineering.

pilot plant operations management expert

 
Expert has 'rearranged the furniture' a number of times. The key is understnading the specific goal and objective of the project. Expert has lead projects in group technology, cell applications, plant-within-plant, plant expansions, plant relocations and actual plant startups. Plant startups included site selection, design/build, construction project management, capital equipment, staffing and plant startup.

rapid product development expert

 
Before 'Rapid Prototyping' became a known commodity and the technology available and affordable, Expert developed many special tooling applications saving the customer the permanent expense of hard tooling, molds, etc. Utilizing a variety of materials (wood, steel, aluminum, plastics, glass, storyboard), unique bonding methods, form cutters and specially designed fixturing, Expert generated functional prototypes for a fraction of the expense. These prototypes were tested, demonstrated at trade shows and in some cases had the capability of being reinvented.

new product planning expert

plant relocation expert

facility expansion expert

business location expert

 
Show Secondary and Basic Areas of Expertise
Localities:
Expert may consult nationally and internationally, and is also local to the following cities:  Minneapolis, Minnesota;  Saint Paul, Minnesota;  Rochester, Minnesota;  Burnsville, Minnesota;  Saint Cloud, Minnesota;  Eden Prairie, Minnesota;  Minnetonka, Minnesota;  and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Education:
Year   Degree   Subject   Institution  
1998   Executive M.B.A.   Entrepreneurship   University of St. Thomas  
1989   Executive M.B.A.   Manufacturing Systems   University of St. Thomas  
1983   B.S.   Industrial Engineering   University of Minnesota  
1969   B.S.   Business Administration   Loyola University  

Work History:
Years   Employer   Department   Title   Responsibilities
1999 to   (Undisclosed)   Administration   CEO   Expert is responsible for the development and delivery of solution- based products and services to small and mid-size manufacturers.
1994 to 1999   Minnesota Technology, Inc.   Field Staff   Manufacturing Specialist   He provided problem-solving analysis, business and technical resources, and strategic solutions to manufacturers throughout the state of Minnesota.
1989 to 1994   Uponor   Administration   General Manager   Expert designed, built, started-up, and directed a $13.5 million North American manufacturing facility.
1988 to 1989   J. Olson Machine Company   Administration   Operations Manager   He was responsible for sales, marketing, quality assurance, engineering and production for a $3.5 million contract machining facility.
1984 to 1988   Graco, Inc.   Industrial Engineering   Manufacturing Technology Planning Engineer   Expert's responsibilities included the investigation, cost justification, and installation of multi-million dollar capital equipment projects.
1977 to 1984   Minnesota Prototypes, Inc.   Engineering   Product Development Manager   He directed the R&D for the special tooling, fixturing, and machining of a $1.2 million, precision prototype, CNC machining facility.
1965 to 1977   Peterson-Ridge Floral   Administration   President   Expert ran the business, which included retail, wholesale, and landscaping.

Career Accomplishments:
Associations/Societies

Expert belongs to the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS); the American Management Association (AMA); the Project Management Institute (PMI); Sales and Marketing Executives (SME); the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA); the North Metro Chamber of Commerce; the American Institute of Plant Engineers; and the Society of Plastic Engineers. He is a Senior Member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Expert was named in Marquis Who's Who in Finance and Industry. He is a Junior Achievement Advisor and Recruiter and a member of Toastmaster International. He is the founder of the International Management Services Group and a co-founder of the Graco Technical Society.

Licenses/Certifications

Expert is a Nationally Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). He also has an Export Tools/Techniques Certification from the Minnesota Trade Office. He received the Advanced Project Management Certification from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and has his real estate certificate for the state of Minnesota.

Professional Appointments

He holds the following appointments: Board of Advisors at Anoka-Hennepin Technical College; Supervisory Management Committee, Anoka-Hennepin Technical College; Executive Emissary for the Manufacturers Alliance; Board of Directors, Manufacturers Alliance; and Member City of Andover Economic Development Authority.

Awards/Recognition

Expert has received many awards including the Junior Achievement "Regional Blue Chip" Award, two National Distinguished Safety Awards, and the Dale Carnegie "Human Relations Award.” He was a guest speaker at the ISO 9000 Conference, has received three "Recognition Awards" from the Manufacturers Alliance for outstanding contributions to business and industry, and was the captain of Industrial Engineering's "Quality Improvement Team."

Medical/Professional Internships

Expert completed an internship as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic.

Publications and Patents

He co-authored the "Capital Equipment Requisition Policy and Procedure Handbook."


Government Experience:
Years   Agency   Role   Description
1994 to 1999   Minnesota Technology, Inc.   Manufacturing Specialist   Expert interfaced with banks, economic developers, consultants, NIST, NTU, and colleges and universities to provide statewide business and technical resources. He created cost-effective strategies that yielded $3.6 million in cost savings.

Consulting Services:
Expert consulted with a manufacturer facing the problem of low profitability on an in-line stain application. His process analysis identified three major problems: organization, structure, and reporting. He set up corrective action teams to provide solutions and published the results. The results were a production increase of greater than 240% in eight weeks.
 
He has worked on business and manufacturing problems. A high-tech design/build automation manufacturer requested assistance in ERP software investigation and justification. Expert met with the principles to identify their needs and solicit and evaluate quotations. He then presented his findings, recommendations, and brokered pricing. The company purchased software and the project installation was implemented.
 
As the result of significant growth, a national manufacturer was experiencing a multitude of managerial and financial reporting problems. Expert determined current MIS System was sufficient, but lacked user friendly report writing capabilities. Expert suggested using CEO BusinessPro which "bridges the gap" between discontinuity and understanding of financial statements and management reports. (CEO BusinessPro is not a software program, but a unique series of 12-monthly Excecutive Management Reports designed to support, supplement and enhance the decision-making capabilities of the management team.) Service was initiated and problems were quickly resolved.
 
Expert consulted with a manufacturer who was experiencing growing pains. His sales analysis identified that over 90% of the customers accounted for only 15% of total sales. The client's production was unable to schedule profitably with the constant rush of orders. The client was also unable to schedule changes and general disorganization was a problem. Expert developed the "Tier One" customer strategy (Tier One customers are defined as the top 5% of total customer sales, which currently generate 85% of sales revenue). "Tier Two" customer's orders are now scheduled to compliment and maximize production capacity. The result was an increase in overall profitability of approximately 328% over the previous year.
 
He has also provided business consulting for a medical manufacturer. The client required business plan assistance for new financing. Expert reviewed and revised the client's existing rough draft. The end result produced a professional document encompassing all the elements of a sound strategic plan. This document delivered the blueprint for future growth and financing was secured.
 
As a member of the Intota consultant network, Expert is a specialist who provides technical consulting to corporate, legal and government clients.  Expert provides professional consulting as a Management Consultant, New Product Development Consultant, Consultant and Plant Relocation Consultant and Startup Consultant.  Expert may consult as an independent consultant or as a member of a consultancy, consulting company, or consulting firm.  Consultants service will be covered by a consulting contract.   Ask an expert initial screening questions and ask the experts services particulars, by simply submitting an expert request.

Expert Witness:
Intota experts can serve as expert witnesses or litigation consultants offering expert testimony, expert advice, litigation support, forensic services, and related expert witness services.  Expert can serve as an expert witness or litigation consultant in intellectual property (patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright), product liability, and insurance matters.  Expert may provide forensic expert witness testimony, litigation consulting services, forensic investigation, and forensic testing if appropriate in litigation areas as a Management Expert Witness, New Product Development Expert Witness, Expert Witness and Plant Relocation Expert Witness and Startup Expert Witness.   Intota provides attorneys and legal professionals the opportunity to ask an expert initial screening questions and ask the experts services particulars by submitting an expert request.

International Experience:
Years   Country / Region   Summary
1989 to 1994   Scandinavia, Western Europe   Expert provided project management consulting. He researched existing manufacturing facilities throughout Scandinavia and Western Europe to incorporate best manufacturing practices for a new North American manufacturing startup. The result was a successfully designed and built $6.5 million manufacturing plastic extrusion plant. All of the plant's equipment was purchased, installed, debugged, and staffed within one week of a projected 18-month project timeline.

Market Research:
He has increased national, regional, and international sales revenues by developing methodologies to rapidly prototype new products and reduce delivery times for existing products and services. These focused marketing efforts increased sales by 21% and secured a $2.2 million backlog in less than four months.

Expert serves as a resource to Intota Market Research Services for customized marketing research in industries or areas related to Management, New Product Development, and Plant Relocation and Startup.   Experts are an invaluable source of overall industry insight as well as insight into specific companies and firms for custom business to business (b2b) and industrial market research.  Intota uses analyst and consultant resources from Guideline whose Research Directors manage the research and analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data as well as report writing for the custom studies.  The methods and tools used by Intota market research combine the insights of technical experts and industry insiders with secondary research to provide the custom b2b and industrial market research you need.

Additional Skills and Services:
Training/Seminars

Expert developed the "Strategic Thinking Management Team Workshop" to confirm the direction of the enterprise and its management team. This workshop contains group problem-solving activities and team-building exercises, including Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning, Business Foundation, Cause and Effect, Definition of Success, Model for Success, and the balanced system.

Expert developed the "9-Step Strategic Change Model" to assist the owner and management team create results-oriented strategies. The 9-Step Strategic Change Model covers external analysis, internal and operational analysis, discussion, consensus and initial draft, direction statement, strategic planning, defining the levels of strategies, project management, and defining accountability.

He also developed the "5-Step Project Management System" which covers three levels of project management: project feasibility, project management, and, turnkey project management.

Supplier and Vendor Location and Selection

Expert developed the "Vendor Certification Program" to assist purchasing departments in securing quality products, but without incurring the additional expense of incoming inspection. These programs reduced costs and delivery time. He also developed the "Supplier Purchase Order Checklist" in conjunction with capital equipment purchases and installations to ensure compliance with supplier stated and negotiated specifications. As part of Expert's standard capital equipment purchase order, he designed and directed "Supplier Capability Studies" to ensure capital equipment met stated repeatability and reliability tolerances and performance objectives.

Other Skills and Services

During the course of a manufacturing start-up, Expert successfully developed, presented, and secured an additional $580,000 in project funding from international top management. As a project manager, he successfully re-engineered and completed a plant relocation project two weeks ahead of schedule, with minimal disruption to customers, while saving over $250,000 in lost sales. Expert performed manufacturing process analysis and subsequently reconfigured the existing plant to Just-In-Time Manufacturing. The project reduced inventory by over $1.0 million. Additionally, he reduced tooling and fixturing costs by over 37%. He designed interchangeable fixture plates, utilized multifaceted tombstones, and standardized preset tooling to save over $375,000 annually. He was personally asked by the Chairman of the Board to investigate and develop a turnaround strategy for a manufacturing plant located in Singapore.


 
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