Robert Schultz Email & Phone Number

Kansas City, Ks, Us

Kansas City, Ks, Us

Progressed from Director of Operations (2018–2021), then served as General Manager in Chicago (2021–May 2022) and Chicago & Kansas City (May 2022–August 2022) followed by VP of Operations for the Midwest region of 4 plants (August 2022–October 2023), and currently VP Operational Excellence, Global Services, overseeing Quality, Safety & Health, Continual Improvement, and Operational Excellence. In this period, I spearhead initiatives to enhance revenue, production, and operational efficiencies. As the VP of Operations, I directed my teams overseeing operations in Chicago, Austin, Madison, and Kansas City. Developed and implemented strategies that drove revenue execution of $52.7MM, resulting in $8.1MM in EBITDA. Committed to community outreach, I actively contribute to food pantries, support college students, and participate in impactful GoFundMe projects. Notably, I humbly lead the Chicago team to six consecutive profitable quarters as Director of Operations.Directed and executed sales functions in collaboration with Regional Sales Manager, overseeing a team of 11 Regional Sales Executives and an Account Manager across 18 states, driving revenue growth and market expansion initiatives, resulting in generating over $60MMNotable Accomplishments:Revitalized operational strategy for the Chicago division, doubling monthly revenue from $425K to $1MM+ within a year, through innovative facility restructuring, overseeing a $70K Press Room expansion, and implementing $3MM+ in cutting-edge technologies, achieving peak monthly revenues exceeding $2.4MM and sustaining profit margins averaging $282K to $494K+.Expanded Chicago division to pinnacle status as the global leader in sales, revenue, and profitability leadership, achieving a consistent EBITDA range of 21% to 24% monthly, and driving annual revenue growth from $9.2MM+ in 2019 to nearly $21MM in 2021, marking a remarkable 226% increase over a three-year span.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, I led the day-to-day operations and facilities. My focus involved fostering a culture of continuous improvement, leading to significant boosts in sales and revenue. I successfully reduced Make-To-Stock and Assemble-To-Order Inventories by 43%, effectively doubling our shipping capacity by creating more streamlined space. Additionally, I spearheaded the addition of new work centers to implement Point-of-Use inventory strategies, resulting in remarkable improvements in material flow, cycle times, and throughput. Key Contributions:Streamlined manufacturing processes, slashing throughput, and lead times, instrumental in driving revenue growth by $2MM+.Spearheaded transformations across all operational areas, leading to a reduction in headcount (18), while substantially improving performance in multiple aspects, including a 30% rise in productivity metrics for Sewing/Upholstery, 75% for Welding, 50% for Diner Seats, and 50% for Assembly.Achieved a reduction in Customer Make-To-Order lead times from 6 to 4 weeks and Assemble-To-Order lead times from 2-3 days to the same day.Leveraged 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles to optimize plant space usage, freeing up 6,800 sq. ft. for additional production use.

Yorkville, Illinois, United States

With fourteen years of accomplished experience in Operations Management leading and developing high-performing teams for multimillion-dollar organizations, I transitioned to harness my entrepreneurial spirit, launching a high-end custom residential remodeling business. My expertise spans the spectrum of project management, from conception to completion, involving client consultations, field measurements, design conceptualization, cost estimation, material selections, permits, county inspections, work orders, and take-offs.As a business owner, I successfully propelled sales to over $1.5 million and strategically expanded the business territory from two cities to fifteen. My leadership extended to the management of a dynamic team, comprising 9 full-time employees and 5 part-time employees. To complement our capabilities, I effectively engaged and coordinated with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC sub-contractors to ensure seamless project execution.Through these experiences, I have honed my skills in multitasking, client communication, and the intricacies of the construction industry. My commitment to excellence, paired with a track record of delivering successful projects, positions me as a valuable asset to any team or organization seeking a leader with a proven ability to navigate the complexities of the construction and Architectural Millwork Industry.

New Lenox, Illinois, United States

I joined the company as a strategic partner to the President & CEO, driving the transformation of our vision to enhance revenue and market share. I took the lead on key initiatives, including optimizing plant floor usage, spearheading the development of new products, recruiting, and developing top talent, and strategizing improved sales approaches. As a result of strong growth, I successfully scaled the team from 16 to 25 members.Key Accomplishments:Spearheaded a $3MM boost in revenue within the first year, leveraging Lean Manufacturing principles to identify four value streams and restructuring operations to deliver best-in-class quality, on-time delivery rates, and exceptional customer experiences.Took command of a challenging $3MM+ project, assembling a new team to successfully realign the project, ensuring it was completed on schedule with no adverse impact on the overall project portfolio.Executed a plant optimization strategy, resulting in a 5,400 sq. ft. reduction in storage space to create new production areas.Pioneered new training programs for employees, fostering their knowledge in Lean Manufacturing principles, quality control, and operational/production best practices, among other critical areas.Established and nurtured strategic partnerships with select suppliers, securing favorable terms and prices, optimizing supply chain capabilities, and gaining a competitive edge over rivals.

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Caterpillar Inc., I was instrumental in optimizing production processes and driving efficiency within the globally renowned manufacturing giant. Achieving a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and immersing myself in the study of Lean principles, I honed my skills in process improvement and operational excellence. I contributed to the success of Caterpillar's manufacturing operations, ensuring precision, quality, and innovation in every aspect of the production line. My experience at a world-renowned company for Lean manufacturing equipped me with the knowledge and insights to contribute to the success of each future company I would lead. I'm passionate about driving continuous improvement and making a meaningful impact within the manufacturing industry.

Mokena, Illinois, United States

As a senior leader in the customer stair manufacturing industry, I rose swiftly to spearhead critical operational transformations, optimizing both facilities for the production of top-quality products at competitive prices. Managing an 8-department Fabrication Shop and CNC-equipped Mill Shop operating budgets of $5.1MM. Directed 4 Managers to increase performance of team by driving operational efficiency and performance improvements.My strategic approach extended to sourcing, negotiating, and closing favorable supplier agreements while collaborating with suppliers' product development teams to create specialized solutions that met market demands. Through comprehensive re-engineering of plant operations and streamlined production processes, I achieved a remarkable 42% reduction in costs within two years, resulting in a swift 20%+ increase in profits within four months, coupled with a significant 25% drop in labor costs.My initiatives extended to efficient inventory and purchasing systems, saving $25K annually to meet growing Just-in-Time production demand and delivery. Additionally, I identified opportunities to cut material costs by nearly 33% and reduced inventory cycle times from 12 weeks to two.Committed to workplace safety, I engaged with third-party safety consultants to design innovative Safety and Ergonomics programs, leading to a substantial decrease in Worker’s Compensation claims and a notable boost in employee morale. Notably, I achieved two consecutive years with zero lost-time workplace incidents, emphasizing my dedication to fostering a secure and productive work environment.

Hinckley, Illinois, United States

Embarking on my journey with this esteemed custom stair manufacturer as a trainee, I quickly earned recognition as a high-impact contributor. My trajectory evolved as I assumed the responsibility of overseeing the shop personnel and eventually advanced to spearhead fabrication management.In my role, I effectively coordinated production schedules across fabrication departments, a mill, and CNC routers. Not content with the status quo, I proactively delved into the study of lean manufacturing principles, strategically incorporating them into production processes. The tangible outcomes included a notable reduction in waste and a substantial increase in overall productivity.Beyond the shop floor, I fostered strategic alliances with suppliers, leveraging these partnerships to create a competitive advantage and drive efficiency improvements. My commitment to continuous improvement extended to designing and implementing new inventory and purchasing systems, contributing to seamless workflows from product planning to delivery.My journey at the intersection of hands-on experience and strategic application of lean manufacturing principles underscores my dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement, positioning me as a valuable asset to any team committed to efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

B.S Business Administration, Management

Urban Ministry

Courses: College Writing, Research Writing, Christianity & Western Culture I, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Bible.

Logistics, Materials, And Supply Chain Management

Courses: (APICS)Supply Chain Management, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution & Control of Operations, Master Planning.