Lead the operations team responsible for load planning, dispatch, in-house brokerage, carrier management, TMS support, and day-to-day execution of all North American freight. Oversee all aspects of transportation cross-functional engagement and strategy development.  - Manage contract negotiations and engagement of 3PL TL and LTL carriers and warehousing - Lead the development of analytical tools and key optimization projects for our North American network - Lead tactical and strategic planning, manage, maintain, and report KPIs to executive leadership  - Draft and implement budgets and report impact to corporate P&L - Represented Schwan’s on the MN Super Bowl 52 Host committee, transportation subcommittee

Leveraged broad competencies in lean logistics and transportation management while representing the corporate logistics and transportation team in an internal customer facing-role. Managed the daily transportation operations and developed stratagies for multiple production facilities, as well as lead, implement, and support projects for the division’s transportation team. Engaged in a continuous customer-centric focus to lead with knowledge and an open mind, through the suggestion, development, implementation, monitoring, and measuring of corrective actions, policies, and new procedures. Experience with SAP, JDA, Cognos, AS400, BobJ, TMS and WMS systems and extensive abilities in Microsoft tools including Excel, Word, Power Point, Access and Visio. -Built and sustained relationships with vendors, carriers and outside key partners, addressing sensitive issues and engaging in professional negotiations. -Continuously prioritized high-impact crisis management and mitigation, while simultaneously responding to the needs of multiple facilities and cross-functional teams. -Led the team’s expansion into the utilization of domestic intermodal transportation through the development of an outbound project that required alignment between and interpretation of US DOT, American Association of Railroads, and corporate safety guidelines. -Recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Sustainability as a result of a successful team effort to reduce the divisions carbon emissions, equivalent to the removal of 2500 automobiles from US highways. -Six Sigma Green Belt certification

Simultaneously responsible for AMCON Distributing's fleet, safety, and logistics as an executive-level manager reporting directly to the President and CFO. Eight years of broad knowledge in the food service distribution industry ranging from boots-on-the-ground delivery to an executive-level leadership position managing 800 employees and a fleet of 120 trucks. Directed all fleet, logistics, transportation, and safety operations for six facilities serving 26 states. Developed and leveraged relationships with all levels of employee, from front line workers to executives and stake holders. Successfully negotiated and led both union and non-union teams. Led federal and state DOT, OSHA, and FSMA regulatory compliance. Directly negotiated with equipment dealers, national leasing companies, and maintenance service providers and in charge of the procurement and disposal of fleet assets. Responsible for account auditing, budgeting, projections and contract development and execution. Assessed potential business and asset acquisitions and facilitated integration into the AMCON business model. Developed and instituted corporate logistics and safety strategies across the enterprise.-Established a company-wide safety initiative to partner with OSHA and local organizations in mitigating violations and creating a more robust safety program-Developed a corporate-wide safety manual and instituted a digital HazMat repository and training program-Strategically developed a fleet specification and disposal strategy for equipment procurement and executed over $2.1 million in equipment purchases-Collaborated with an outside vendor to design and develop the first food service distribution rolling warehouse (Demountable) fleet in the US.

For two years was part of the team that managed the largest hazardous materials inventory for a 5000-member organization. Worked in purchasing of supplies and materials to maintain inventories within the shop. Ensured efficient and proper use of over $3 million in US government equipment. As an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician, modified, manufactured, repaired, and inspected sheet metal, composites, fiberglass, plastic components and related hardware for aircraft and support equipment. Worked under strict government regulations. Inspected and evaluated corrosion damage and methods of correction and prevention. Honorably discharged March 2001. Held DOD secret clearance.