You’ll find our culture is casual yet effective. Don’t let our humbleness fool you; we bring a sense of confidence and understanding to all of our clients.

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Andrea Blanco

Quality and MFG Operations Consultant

Andrea is a highly experienced professional with over ten years of specialization in production & inventory management, operational quality, and continuous improvement applications within the CPG industry.

She has led teams and departments in applying operational improvement tools that align with Lean Six Sigma principles. Andrea’s expertise includes quality management development across the supply chain and process standardization through the creation of standard work, development of key performance indicators, root cause analysis, and problem-solving. She is a passionate and detail-oriented professional who provides coaching and support to her clients’ SMEs throughout the implementation process. Andrea is an Industrial Production Engineer with an MBA and certifications in Green Belt Lean Six Sigma, FSPCA, and PCQI.

Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Universidad Tecnológica del Centro (UNITEC) in Venezuela and a Master of Business Administration from Millennia Atlantic University.

Rachel Chase

Quality and MFG Operations Consultant

Rachel is an experienced Quality and Operational Excellence professional with ten (10) years of demonstrated results working in regulated manufacturing industries.

Rachel is skilled in Kaizen, lean process development, technical writing, structured problem solving and business process improvement. She effectively employs Lean Six Sigma principles to drive process standardization for clients. Rachel has deployed training in Strategy Development, Lean Layout / Flow, Standard Work, 5S Deployment, Visual Management, Problem Solving, Kaizen and Performance Management, while serving as coach and mentor to expand client resources’ subject matter expert skill-sets.

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biochemistry from Spring Arbor College, her Executive Certificate of Business in Life Sciences from Indiana University, is a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Green Belt.

Dan Dodd

Supply Chain and MFG Operations Consultant

Dan is a veteran of the supply chain industry with more than 30 years of experience.

He transitioned from the corporate world to focus on start-ups and small to mid-market supply chains. Dan’s expertise lies in inventory velocity, which has helped companies free up working capital and accelerate growth. His approach involves halving inventory levels to increase shareholder value. Dan challenges the high inventory models at most companies today by building lean supply chains capable of funding start-ups. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Dan focuses his extensive experience to deliver extraordinary results in supply chain continuity, demand management, order management, supply management, and inventory management.

Dan graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He holds dual degrees, an MBA and a Master’s in Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Tom Hughes

Consulting Director

Tom has over forty (40) years of industry and consulting experience leading performance improvement initiatives across Maintenance, Operations, Engineering and Supply Chain.

He has helped client teams design and implement solutions to address an array of business challenges in automotive, chemicals, construction, medical products, electronics, mining, food & beverage, pulp & paper, printing, oil & gas, telecom and pharmaceuticals. With an open demeanor, amazing experience and quick wit, Tom builds lasting relationships while effectively leading clients in the identification, scoping and delivery of high-value projects leveraging Lean Six Sigma and the Breakthrough strategy. In industry, Tom developed a good understanding of the operating challenges facing successful enterprises while developing innovative solutions to address those same challenges.

Tom served in the US Army Reserves as an infantry company first sergeant, earned an Engineering Degree from General Motors Institute and a Business Masters from Central Michigan University. Tom is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Sigma Breakthrough Technologies Inc. (SBTI)

Bill Ruth

Supply Chain and MFG Operations Consultant

Bill is a highly experienced leader with over 35 years of expertise in operations and engineering.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated excellence in delivering business improvements through lean manufacturing practices across various areas such as manufacturing, supply chain management, engineering, warehousing, and distribution. He has extensive domestic and international experience in industry and management consulting and has successfully led teams through operational due diligence initiatives and transformation programs. Bill is skilled in “building in” leadership practices through training, coaching, and data utilization to develop talent and standardize work methods. He is focused on identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in ambiguous environments and is committed to delivering positive results.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Salem State University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Joe Sierawski

Supply Chain and MFG Operations Consultant

Joe leverages his successful thirty-five-year career in manufacturing, specializing in purchasing, production management, and new product introduction.

He brings a proven track record from Tier 1 & Tier 2 Automotive companies like Toyota, Johnson Controls, Lear Seating, and Office Furniture (Haworth). In his most recent role as Purchasing – NPI Lead at Haworth, Joe was responsible for Program Management, launching several new and innovative seating solutions. Despite product complexity and challenging timelines, Joe successfully delivered on key milestones and launch objectives by planning effectively, managing projects, and engaging all members of his NPI project team. Joe is known for his positive energy, inspiring personality, and high integrity. His transparent and clear communication style consistently influences groups to “go the extra mile.”

Joe graduated from Grand Valley State University and received his TPS (Toyota Production System) practitioner certification from Toyota.

John Stewart

Principal Consultant

John has over twenty-five (25) years of industry experience specializing in supply chain process re-engineering and project management, where he has delivered double-digit improvement to clients across their Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes.

John has helped client teams design and implement SCM business processes in manufacturing, food, retail, publishing, distribution and third-party logistics for companies with domestic and international supply chains. John’s easy-going demeanor, passion for details and roll-up his sleeves attitude has provided him with broad SCM experience, including: Inventory Planning, Supply Chain Network Design, Cost and Service Analysis, Order Fulfillment, Logistics Planning and Execution, Distribution Center Design, Trade Compliance Assessment and Implementation of an Outsourced Dedicated Fleet Program.

John earned a master’s degree in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois.

Erich VanRavenswaay

Chief Experience Officer

Erich is an experienced banking and financial services professional with a proven track record of successfully leading organizations through the business development process.

He has worked with renowned companies such as US Bank’s Securities Services and Global Corporate Trust divisions, as well as Bank of America and LaSalle Bank, to determine their product and go-to-market strategies. Recently, he played a crucial role in transforming the Macatawa Bank Wealth Management division, serving as the Executive Leader and Chief Management Officer.

Erich holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hope College and an MBA from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University. Apart from his professional accomplishments, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity.

Mark Young

President and Managing Director

Mark has over twenty-five (25) years of experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Management Consulting for several of the world’s F500 companies across medical device, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, government, automotive, heavy equipment, consumer products, food and oil and gas.

Mark combines an energetic and personable style with strategic thinking, strong program management and facilitation skills to effectively lead companies through their Lean Transformation. Mark has developed training curriculum and facilitated workshops in Strategy Development, Organization Design, Lean Layout / Flow, Inventory Replenishment, Inventory Stores, Flexible Operations, Standard Work, Scheduling, 5S Deployment, Visual Management, Problem Solving, Kaizen and Performance Management in order to build client resources’ facilitation and subject matter skills. Mark is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt from the Six Sigma Academy and earned his Lean Certification from Johnson Controls.

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