He is an established expert in paper stock preparation processes, including headbox screening, centrifugal cleaning, refining, thick stock and broke screening. He is knowledgeable in recycled fiber processing, including direct entry fibers, deinking and industrial grade fiber recycling. He also specializes in unit operations include repulsing, cleaning, screening, fractionation, flotation deinking, wash deinking, dispersion, thickening and backwater system design. Proficient at introducing new ideas and technologies based on technical and economic benefits, he has authored multiple papers and delivered many presentations at industry association technical meetings. He has an extensive background in technical sales and marketing throughout the NAFTA region, applying a strong global knowledge base acquired through affiliation with European and Asian based work teams.
Academic Background
• Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, Master of Business Administration
• Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Paper)
Professional Experience
RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Paper Production Expert, (2017 to present)
Executive Director, private organization 2011 – Present
• Responsible for daily operations and strategic direction of a foundation at University in Oxford, OH.
• The foundation has approximately $3.5 million in endowments which is now self-managed. The proceeds are spent on scholarships for engineering students who are studying the paper technology curriculum. Recruiting new students to the Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering Department is a major focus. Enrollment has grown to nearly 100 students in the program as a result of successful new initiatives. Corporate memberships, as well as individual memberships, are increasing as a result of the emphasis and personal relationships that have been established over the span of my career in the field. Alums are becoming more engaged in the business and success of the Foundation. Key strategies include focusing on income and effective communication of the mission.
Senior Consultant, Private company (2011 – Present)
• Provide technical support for corporate clients that subscribe to the private business intelligence tool, including training in the software as well as assistance in strategic business analysis and data based decision making.
• Contribute to the improvement and integrity of the data included in the tool, regularly evaluating new dataset releases.
• Establish and maintain customer relationships with assigned clients, providing customer service functions that increase the likelihood of clients’ contract renewals.
Director, Sales & Technology, Andritz Inc. (2000 – 2010)
• Directly responsible for $3-5 million in annual equipment and systems sales of paper machine approach flow and recycled fiber processes. Significantly grew new customer base using technical advantages and value based proposals.
• Built market presence for Andritz’s entry into brown fiber recycling systems within North America; global team member supporting expansion into rapidly expanding Asian market.
• Leading growth of market penetration for new Andritz technologies (e.g., cylindrical refiners). Technical support for deinking technology team leader.
Service Account Manager, Andritz Inc. (2010)
• Direct sales responsibility for $1.5-2 million in annual sales to five state territory
• Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan (lower peninsula), and Kentucky.
• Product lines include engineered wear products, automation systems, machine rebuilds and replacement parts.
• Significantly increased year-over-year same account revenues by concentrating on excellence in customer service and attention to details surrounding unique value opportunities.
Director, Marketing, Black Clawson Co., Shartle Div. (1991 – 2000)
• Responsible for business planning, led executive team through the process, including successfully transitioning from cost based forecasting to profit centered forecasting.
• Developed high performance work team of integrated technical experts.
• Led global technical sales support for $60 million enterprise in recycled fiber processing systems sales.
• Rebranded and modernized established market leader after corporate acquisition, developing a unique marketing message and print appearance that reinforced a unique value proposition.
District Sales Manager, Bird Escher WYSS (1989 – 1991)
• Direct sales responsibility for central Midwest region (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York) which produced approximately $3 million in annual bookings.
• Self-directed work required extensive scheduling skills and time management discipline.
• Team member with internal market management group focused on industrial grade recycling systems.
Marketing Manager, American Maize-Products Co. (1988 – 1989)
• Designed and implemented marketing efforts for all industrial corn starch products for paper, oil drilling, adhesive and textile markets, significantly growing gross margins while rationalizing a large family of products.
• Introduced disciplined approach to product margin optimization (spreadsheet analysis) to justify difficult decisions.
Product Group Leader, C-E Bauer (1982 – 1988)
• Successfully organized, staffed and managed product management team responsible for system and process design, machine sizing, instrumentation and controls logic for a broad range of stock preparation equipment.
Research & Development Technician, Plainwell Paper Co. (1981 – 1982)
• Designed and executed coating and pulp evaluation trials as part of grade development team.
• Participated in machine efficiency study and implemented fiber loss control system aimed at cost reduction.