Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
CEO with experience leading manufacturing turnarounds. I am a servant leader and work to grow EBITDA by developing a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, strategy development/deployment, accountability and transparency. Experienced with lean manufacturing, new product development, process capability improvement, new business development and building high performance teams. Three successful manufacturing turnarounds in automotive components, furniture and metals recycling businesses. Multiple international assignments. Skilled communicator and strategic thought partner to the Executive Staff and Board and able to view the company from end-to-end. Career Highlights: • As VP of Engineering for Gopher Resource, implemented process capability improvements to turnaround a new battery recycling plant and increased EBITDA by 3x, leading to a successful sale of the business • As VP of Operations for Baker Furniture, delivered a 12 point margin improvement in a 7-factory residential furniture company • Helped generate $500M in sales through high performance window new product launches, including $60M through a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass window • As General Manager of RIO Bravo VII, a Juarez, Mexico wiring harness factory, gained 6 points in profitability through improved new product launches • Developed $40M in new business with Automotive OEM’s while stationed in Tokyo, Japan • Led the Corporate Lean Office at Pella and Kohler • International assignments in Tokyo, Japan, Singapore and Juarez, Mexico • Global sourcing and supply chain leader in the furniture, automotive and building products industries • Led QS9001 certification as Plant General Manager in Juarez, Mexico • Developed and deployed a Corporate Quality System for Pella • Implemented Stage-Gate as a core business process at Gopher Resource, Associated Materials and Kohler • Led capital project planning for Gopher Resource, Associated Materials, Pella and Kohler “There’s a better way to do it – find it“ - Thomas Edison • Let’s chat to see if we can help each other: ✉ [email protected] , ✆330-217-0971
https://vexilar.com/ https://kdrillauger.com/
Helping Ronin Equity build their portfolio through the identification of acquisition opportunities to build multiple-company verticals. Participate in strategy development, identifying target companies, due diligence, acquisitions and transitions.
Helping small to midsize companies improve their operational capability, go-to-market strategies and new product development. I partner with owners and operators to create accelerated growth and eliminate gaps in manufacturing performance. Our areas of expertise include the following: New Business Development Production Planning/S&OP New Product Launch Supply Chain Optimization Design for Manufacturability Process Capability Improvement De-Bottlenecking ERP/Manufacturing Information Systems Quality Systems and ISO Certification Talent Identification and Development
Reporting to new owners and responsible for driving top and bottom line growth for this manufacturer of HVAC systems for off-road vehicles and no-idle HVAC systems for semi-truck sleeper cabs. Turnaround environment with declining revenues and the impact of the pandemic. Delivered 20% revenue growth and reduced COGS by 15 - 20% through resourcing and value engineering. Successfully sold the business to one of the minority partners and exited the business.
Increased EBITDA by 3x by improving the metal output at our new Tampa factory 60%. Built an internal R&D staff to bring a higher technical capability to the business. Installed stage-gate to bring structure and transparency to our project management. Participated in successfully transitioning the business from family to PE ownership in 2018. Exited the business in 2019 after the PE firm took control.