Michael Thoreson Email & Phone Number

Valparaiso, Indiana, United States

Leading the company's efforts to improve productivity and efficiency with the ultimate goal of driving sales to the bottom line. Facilitating projects at over 80 retail sites and 18 gas fill plants in 20 states across the United States, focusing on cost reduction and avoidance, revenue generation, risk mitigation and increasing capacity with existing resources. Supporting senior leadership and field teams in all efforts to reduce operating expenses and increase operating income. Conducting productivity improvement projects and providing support to project owners covering all areas of the business, including safety, administrative, financial, operations and sales. Focusing on efforts to improve and grow the business in the industrial, bulk, specialty gas, medical and beverage sectors. Educating the workforce on productivity and fostering a continuous process improvement environment. Developing and managing metrics to measure improvement for both individual projects as well as the overall productivity effort for the company.

Valparaiso, Indiana

Director of Operations for AWG's Central Division, providing operational oversight of 15 locations in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. Guiding distribution of industrial, medical and specialty gases from three fill plants supporting over $30M in sales annually. Facilitating delivery of bulk gas, beverage CO2 and propane to plants, branches and customer sites. Ensuring safety is a priority in all aspects of the business. Developing opportunities for productivity improvements to increase efficiency and enhance operating income.

Wausau, Wisconsin

Managed company's Central Wisconsin hub, producing and distributing industrial and medical gases, welding supplies and food grade CO2 to satellite locations and customers across Wisconsin and upper Michigan. Oversaw sales force driving $6M in sales annually. Led a professional team to ensure customer requirements are satisfied in a timely manner through in-store sales, outside sales, warehouse and fill plant operations, deliveries and administrative staff management. Provided support to four satellite locations through gas and hardgood deliveries and administrative support when needed. Utilized LEAN and Six Sigma techniques to continually improve the facility and operations, streamlining efficiency for the workforce and reducing risk for the company.

Bluefield, Va

Managed distribution and sales of industrial and medical gases as well as related equipment to companies in the Western Virginia and Southern West Virginia region. Led a small team to provide support for the coal mining and mine support industries along with supplying life critical oxygen and associated products for the medical community. Ensured operations were conducted safely and in compliance with Department of Transportation, Food and Drug Administration, state regulatory agency regulations and company policies and procedures.

55Th Maintenance Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Ne

Oversaw the activities of 1200 military, civilian employees and contractors providing mechanical and avionics repair, logistics and supply chain management support for 35 command, control and intelligence aircraft worth $14B. Planned and scheduled maintenance and support actions to produce over 20K flying hours, 3K combat/training sorties and 44K repair events annually. Enabled training programs and created opportunities for personnel growth and development. Developed policy to standardize procedures in critical, hazardous environments. Managed $3.6M annual budget.

55Th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Ne

Managed 764 military and contractor personnel producing aircraft flights to support national command, control and intelligence objectives. Coordinated efforts to complete over 27K aircraft maintenance actions per year. Directed support and deployment activities to ensure capability to meet world-wide mission requirements on a moment’s notice. Enforced compliance standards and implemented practices for safe operations on the flight line. Developed training plans and qualified maintenance personnel to generate aircraft in a timely manner. Advised senior leaders on morale and welfare of personnel; enabled programs to maximize productivity.

38Th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Offutt Air Force Base, Ne

Lead 280 military personnel accomplishing 18K repair actions on 17 reconnaissance aircraft worth $3.2B while producing 11.2K flying hours on 1500 flights annually. Provided aircraft flights for five flying organizations to support combat and training operations around the world. Ensured availability of trained technicians to support production effort. Planned maintenance and flying schedules. Developed personnel for continued growth and career progression.

United States Air Forces In Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Managed 30 career fields consisting of 6800 personnel supporting 260 fighter, airlift, cargo, tanker and operational support aircraft worth over $6.5B. Oversaw manpower studies and monitored experience levels to ensure appropriate aircraft maintenance capability throughout locations in Europe. Established maintenance policy and guidance. Lead evaluation team to ensure compliance with aircraft maintenance directives at multiple locations.

Professional Manager Certificate

Bs, Professional Aeronautics (Cum Laude)

Minors in Business Administration and Aviation Safety

Aas, Avionics Technology

Education record

Over 600 hours of Air Force leadership, management and communication training at all levels of enlisted professional military education.