— My Background —

My Background

Real-World Experience

You have choices about who to use as an advisor to your business, so let's get straight to the points of my background that may influence your thought process:

Real-world experience: I've been in manufacturing for 35 years, with 20 of those in executive positions. As one client said, I've "been there, done that."
Transformational experience: I've lead organizations through tremendous growth as well as severe economic downturns. I can help you navigate the challenges that accompany large-scale changes.
Leadership experience: I understand that no change happens unless your team makes the change with you. I'll support you in your role as a leader.
Broad experience: I've worked for large and small companies in a variety of industries. I'll bring a diverse toolkit to your unique situation. I am not a hammer in search of a nail.
Coaching Experience: As a business leader I've coached many people. Recently, I took things to another level by becoming certified as an executive coach by the Center for Executive Coaching. Click here to learn more about my coaching practice.
Academic experience: I have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, and I’m a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. I'm an avid reader and learner.

Testimonials

Core Values

Book: How to Fix a Factory

Testimonials

"Rob was a tremendous help to our leadership team. He was able to quickly identify some of our underlying challenges, and he helped us fill those gaps with some practical management tools. We saw immediate results, and those improvements have stuck with us to this day."

Charlie Westling

CEO, Computype

"Rob's in-depth knowledge of operations and approach to profitability management has helped my company improve our results. He merges his practical operational expertise with a great understanding of effective leadership. This is a powerful combination to help any company to excel."

Joan Schatz

Co-President, Park Industries

"We may have had the answers, but we don’t always ask the right questions. I feel that’s a big part of what Rob does for us – he asks the right questions to get us thinking in a way that leads us to the right answers. Rob forces us out of our comfort zone, pushes us to face the hard decisions, pokes holes in our tried and true, leads us through listening, and teaches not tells."

Sarah Elder

President, Kalisher

"Rob had a tremendous impact on helping us turn around one of our factories in just four months. On-time delivery improved, output increased, and our processes were stabilized. That also helped to boost employee morale and engagement. Bringing in Rob was one of the best decisions that we made this year."

Dave Huml

Senior VP EMEA, APAC, Marketing & Operations - Tennant Corporation

Core Values

Doing the right thing. It's easy to say, but not always easy to do. I was fortunate to have great role models growing up that taught me to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

Valuing and respecting every person. Each of us brings unique talents and value to the world. I strive to demonstrate profound respect for every person.

Being a source of energy. There are people in this world that give energy, and there are those that sap energy. I am committed to providing energy, enthusiasm and goodwill.

Positive intentions. I come to the table with the assumption that people have positive intentions. I believe that this sets the stage for healthy discussion and debate, which leads to better outcomes.

How to Fix a Factory