Gregory Krantz Email & Phone Number

Howell, Mi

• Spearheaded the launch of a new enterprise to manufacture plastic specialty brushes and cleaning equipment for the commercial food service industry from conception through execution. • Led a multifaceted operation and demonstrated executive leadership across research and development (R&D), vendor management, engineering, production, and marketing to successfully upscale the company.• Facilitated talent acquisition and management involving hiring and onboarding top-performing design engineers to finalize conceptual designs for form and functional on specific brushes. • Designed and manufactured specialty slitting machine for bulk processing and built tooling and custom manufacturing components for assembly operations to ensure functional and efficient production.• Drove continuous improvement (CI) including using 3D printers and manufacturing prototypes to perform key testing and standardized design to leverage compatible parts, ultimately reducing inventory.• Managed the application process with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), securing patents to protect intellectual property (IP) and mitigate competitive overtures. • Directed the hiring process for mold designers and fabricators with focus on injection molds for products, in addition to evaluating, qualifying, and approving outsourcing of injection mold product manufacturing.• Leveraged manufacturing insights and strategic acumen to analyze market trends and attended tradeshows to uphold knowledge of industry evolutions and cultivate relationships with business leaders.

Webberville, Mi

• Operated as an independent consultant and liaised with Applegate corporate headquarters regarding five US-based manufacturing plants to establish a distribution network for big box and DIY companies. • Designed a national marketing plan, utilizing the Weatherization Assistance Program and identifying key stakeholder nation-wide to create distribution partnerships with qualified Community Action Agencies.• Established turnkey vendor equipment programs fully equipped with trailer and truck for systems for agencies and independent enterprises to unlock new revenue streams and drive organizational growth.

Lake Geneva, Wi

• Oversaw daily operations involving 19 direct reports and 150 union employees to drive satisfaction and retention for key customer accounts of industry leaders including Toyota, Nissan, Crown, John Deere, Caterpillar, Holland and BLS, and Disney.• Created an advanced wheel and tire research laboratory, hiring subject matter experts and reengineering industry technology to develop six new products and secure four patents and nine trademarks.• Designed and executed strategic sales and marketing initiatives while overseeing engineering and new product development to optimize competitive positioning and enhance profit margins.• Employed business acumen and leveraged technology innovations to negotiate with Tier-1 companies and secure multimillion-dollar contracts with progressive volume contingencies to bolster market share. • Seamlessly implemented transition integration for parent corporation standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standards to ensure compliance and produce a unified business approach. • Championed continuous improvement (CI) and workplace safety by implementing 6S, Toyota Production System, and ISO14001 to maintain regulatory and internal compliance. • Routinely interfaced with international partners across Mexico, China, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Sweden, to maintain mission alignment and safeguard positive business relations.

Durand, Mi

• Managed the largest RCP plant in the world comprising a Heavy Manufacturing Division and a Logistics Trucking Division, overseeing a direct sales team of six individuals and 180 non-union employees to drive performance improvements and significantly enhance manufacturing capacity.• Independently owned P&L statements including conducting monthly assessments on financial performance, sales, safety, and quality to ensure a high-impact operation. • Oversaw 45 trucks at four depots and three fleet and plant maintenance garages supporting 200 pieces of rolling stock, in addition to creating all IRR and ROI capital expenditures and production budgets.