Thomas Burkard

Thomas Burkard Email and Phone Number

Faculty - Director of Consulting @ University of Wisconsin-Madison
Milwaukee, WI, US
Thomas Burkard's Location
Greater Milwaukee, United States, United States
Thomas Burkard's Contact Details
About Thomas Burkard

My maternal Grandfather was a worker and supervisor in the local gypsum mine. He had a larger-than-life personality and gave what little he and my Grandmother had to people who needed it. He died on my very first birthday and left a big impression on all the family. Soon after, I contracted bacterial spinal meningitis and was completely paralyzed. By the grace of God, I was saved as a result of getting an early dose of penicillin and having my spine tapped to release the pressure swelling in my head and spine. My dad started in the gypsum mine as well but got an Associate’s degree in Engineering at night. The National Gypsum Company needed an engineer at the R&D center, and my father was recruited. He worked as an Engineer by day and a Barber at nights/weekends. My mom raised 5 awesome kids with the last one being the best (that’s me!). We had a huge garden with a tractor, plow, rake, etc. We were not wealthy, but we were rich beyond measure, always taking care of each other. We worked hard and went to church every weekend. Most importantly, my Mom taught us about love, empathy, and respect for all people and backgrounds.A the age of 14, I started by working at a local nursery. I did that for 3 years into high-school and then worked concrete construction for another 3 years. One summer I sold sneakers at a sporting goods store for a second job. So, yes, I was a shoe salesman. My earnings were put to paying for my college education.The learnings from my Mom translated into me always wanting to help people of all backgrounds. I have always prided myself in being as comfortable on the plant floor as in the C-suite. People work with me, not for me.I made my way to one of the top MBA schools in the world. This spring-boarded my career into management consulting where I honed decision making methodologies at a very fast pace. But my passion was to work on products and commercialize them. Mercury Marine from Fond du Lac, WI came calling to help them with product development.It hurt to leave Mercury, but I accepted the challenge to lead a much larger team at Briggs. Eventually I got promoted to VP by the age of 40. After building a great team and strong results, we took over another division, combining two teams.My leadership style is to energetically engage, motivate, lead individuals, and teams, with the philosophy of ‘don’t ask someone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself.’ Many of results we achieved come from implementing strong decision-making fundamentals for companies leading to streamlined portfolios of projects.

Thomas Burkard's Current Company Details
University of Wisconsin-Madison

University Of Wisconsin-Madison

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Faculty - Director of Consulting
Milwaukee, WI, US
Thomas Burkard Work Experience Details
  • University Of Wisconsin-Madison
    Faculty - Director Of Consulting
    University Of Wisconsin-Madison
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
  • University Of Wisconsin-Madison
    Faculty - Director Of Consulting
    University Of Wisconsin-Madison Jan 2023 - Present
    Madison, Wi, Us
    The Consulting Certificate is barely a year old and I'm so happy to announce that I will be the first Director of Consulting overseeing this program at the University of Wisconsin. This certficate crosses so many boundaries and is an exciting career path for all backgrounds. The University of Wisconsin has amazing, hardworking, driven students. Come check out what we have to offer! On, Wisconsin!
  • University Of Wisconsin-Madison
    Faculty Lecturer - Grainger School Of Business
    University Of Wisconsin-Madison Jun 2022 - Present
    Madison, Wi, Us
    So excited to be delivering value to the University and Students through my NPD thought leadership, global manufacturing experience, and C-Suite perspective. Hired as full-time faculty to develop and deliver Graduate and Undergraduate course work in the leadership of project management, product development, and process improvement. The Grainger School of Business is one of the top 10 public business schools in the country. GO BADGERS!
  • Stonebank Partners Llc
    Managing Partner
    Stonebank Partners Llc Apr 2023 - Present
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
    I co-founded Stonebank Partners to further my ability to interact with Industry and provide expertise in the following areas:* Implement decision making methods for execution of projects across a company that has limited resources (capital, human, and expense).* Improve pipeline throughput of product development and operations projects across a company. * Facilitate and develop future leaders and core teams with an emphasis on ownership of project results. * Coach executives and provide strategies to business to accelerate product launches.* Optimize P&L performance.
  • Erecta-Rack By Innovative Solutions Llc
    Co-Owner
    Erecta-Rack By Innovative Solutions Llc Aug 2016 - Present
    My wife Lesley and I bought this company in 2016 to scratch that entrepreneurial itch and passion for product development. When we saw this design for drying cabinet and entry doors, it was an "ah-ha" moment; we knew every painter would want one! Lesley is the President and runs the day-to-day operations, marketing, and sales. We have operations in New Holstein, WI where we assemble and ship all our products from. I, of course, oversee all the product development!Please visit our company at erecta-rack.com
  • Sellside Group, Llc
    Strategic Advisor
    Sellside Group, Llc Apr 2022 - Present
    Dallas, Texas, Us
    I am a Strategic Advisor to Sellside Group for M&A projects on both sell-side & buy-side due diligence and valuation. Sellside engages clients with a strong executive network providing a unique way for companies to proactively target acquisitions or support the strategic sale of their business.
  • Briggs & Stratton
    Vice President - Commercial & Residential Products Group Global
    Briggs & Stratton Mar 2017 - Apr 2022
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
    Built a great team of product management, designers, engineers to develop and commercialize a wide array of Outdoor power equipment. Personally led from start to finish a multi-billion dollar partnership with Stihl. Brands included Ferris, Simplicity, Snapper and Billy Goat brands within Briggs & Stratton.
  • Master Lock Company
    Vice President Of Engineering And Innovation
    Master Lock Company Feb 2014 - Feb 2016
    Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Us
    At Master Lock, I was responsible for the engineering, design, and validation of all products as well as General Manager for Field ID Software company based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I led a team of 75 engineers, designers, technicians, project management, and product support professionals.• We delivered first ever ‘connected’ padlock in November of 2015. • We implemented a new NPD process with decision-making, portfolio management, and execution structures.
  • Briggs & Stratton
    Vice President Of Engineering
    Briggs & Stratton Nov 2010 - Jan 2014
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
    As the VP of Engineering in Briggs & Strattons Products Group, I had responsibility for the engineering, design, and validation of generators, outdoor cleaning systems, snow throwers, tractors, zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, chore products and accessories.• I led a global team of over 100 engineers, designers, technicians, capital engineers, and product support professionals on three continents.• I was a key member of management team that within 18 months turned around a division with a significant operating loss.• We launched an innovative “hose-powering” system under new brand name of Amplifi at Lowes.
  • Briggs & Stratton
    Director Of Business Unit
    Briggs & Stratton Mar 2010 - Oct 2010
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
    My responsibilities included General Management for the cleaning systems and portable generator business producing $250 million in annual sales.
  • Briggs & Stratton
    Director Of Engineering
    Briggs & Stratton Mar 2008 - Feb 2010
    Milwaukee, Wi, Us
    I had the great pleasure of being responsible for the design, engineering and qualification of home standby generators, portable generators, and gas pressure washers.• We launched 3 new lines of gas pressure washers and 2 new lines of portable generators within 18 months.• We implemented a New Product Development Process for all of B&S containing a streamlined decision process for major projects.
  • Mercury Marine
    General Manager
    Mercury Marine 2002 - Feb 2008
    Fond Du Lac, Wi, Us
    At Mercury I got to work alongside some of the most passionate people in the Marine industry.Our Control & Riggings Systems team launched an unprecedented 22 new products from 2004 to 2007. • We grew the business from $29 million in 2004 to $50 million in 2007. • We won two major industry awards for a new product: SmartCraft Shadow Technology. • I lead the analysis and negotiation for the acquisition of steering technology which affectionately became the 'BIG Tiller.'I also got the pleasure to be the Program Director for the 4-CYLINDER VERADO engine program as well as the Director of Strategy & Business Development • We implemented a new product development process within Mercury that became the standard for Brunswick Corporation’s product development process known as HPPD (High Performance Product Development).
  • Prtm
    Manager, Management Consultant
    Prtm 1998 - 2002
    Mangagement Consultant to the Pharmaceutical Industry Specializing in Product Development and Development Operations
  • Praxair
    Applications Engineer
    Praxair 1992 - 1995
    Danbury, Ct, Us

Thomas Burkard Skills

Product Development Engineering Cross Functional Team Leadership Lean Manufacturing Management R&d Manufacturing Six Sigma Process Improvement Product Management P&l Management Business Strategy Program Management Product Design Product Marketing Process Engineering Design For Manufacturing Engineering Management Strategic Planning Organizational Leadership Research And Development Supply Chain Management Business Process Improvement Continuous Improvement Strategy Leadership Business Development P&l Responsibility Team Building Fmea Consulting Management Consulting

Thomas Burkard Education Details

  • The University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business
    The University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business
    Private Equity
  • Clarkson University
    Clarkson University
    Mechanical Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Burkard

What company does Thomas Burkard work for?

Thomas Burkard works for University Of Wisconsin-Madison

What is Thomas Burkard's role at the current company?

Thomas Burkard's current role is Faculty - Director of Consulting.

What is Thomas Burkard's email address?

Thomas Burkard's email address is bu****@****sco.com

What schools did Thomas Burkard attend?

Thomas Burkard attended The University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business, Clarkson University.

What are some of Thomas Burkard's interests?

Thomas Burkard has interest in Triathlons.

What skills is Thomas Burkard known for?

Thomas Burkard has skills like Product Development, Engineering, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Management, R&d, Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Improvement, Product Management, P&l Management, Business Strategy.

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