Walter Webster Email and Phone Number

Provide expert consultancy services to Green Thumb Industries, specializing in operations optimization and process improvement strategies.

• Spearheaded strategic initiatives to optimize operational performance across Florida and Muti-State facilities, resulting in a 168% revenue increase in 2020, a 104% increase in 2021 and a 68% increase in 2023.• Implemented Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and overall performance.• Cultivated a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement, fostering innovation and maximizing returns on investments while ensuring regulatory compliance.• Oversaw the implementation and utilization of management systems and tools, ensuring high data integrity and operational readiness.• Monitored financial progress, collaborated with executive leadership to maintain profit plan expectations, and focused on key performance indicators such as costs, margins, EBITA, and cash flow.• Provided leadership and mentorship to the manufacturing leadership team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability.• Championed a safety-first culture, resulting in zero incidents, and ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Merger with Verano

• Developed and implemented comprehensive programs, policies, procedures, and work instructions to ensure adherence to quality and food safety standards, including HACCP protocols, in alignment with company, customer, and government regulations.• Made strategic recommendations and decisions on food safety and quality issues, leading to significant cost savings exceeding seven digits for both corporate and plant operations through process improvements.• Acted as a key technical resource within the plant, serving as a liaison between corporate Research & Development, Technical Services, and plant operations to facilitate seamless communication and implementation of best practices.• Successfully resolved non-conformance issues and quality problems across plant facilities, warehouses, and the market, collaborating closely with plant management to develop and execute corrective action plans. Communicated plans effectively to Quality Assurance management, sales, marketing, and customers as necessary.• Designed and delivered orientation and training programs covering quality, food safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for plant personnel. Provided hands-on training and instruction on recommended quality assurance testing, general housekeeping practices, and equipment sanitation, ensuring adherence to established procedures.• Generated monthly summary reports outlining key quality benchmarks, including gap analysis of issues and progress, to inform strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Developed and implemented processes to ensure compliance with both company and regulatory standards, focusing on food safety, quality assurance, and HACCP protocols.• Designed and implemented management tools for the Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) and Research & Development (R&D) departments, facilitating accurate timelines and resource allocation for testing schedules.• Led the design, creation, and execution of new product development and manufacturing initiatives for an international grocery chain, resulting in a successful market launch in the US retail sector.

• Collaborated with fellow educators to devise and execute continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing program effectiveness.• Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate organizational strengths and weaknesses, employing gap analysis methodologies to identify areas for improvement.• Developed and implemented robust lesson plans tailored to cultivate analytical reasoning skills among students.• Formulated project strategies and established clear, measurable timelines to track progress and achieve predetermined benchmarks.• Delivered pertinent, real-world content to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills for collegiate-level studies.

• Developed and implemented comprehensive standards and specifications across various operational facets, including product design, research, procurement, inventory management, and packaging. Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements and quality standards throughout the production process.• Enhanced supply chain quality for multiple food processing and warehouse facilities through the implementation of advanced training programs and the introduction of data-driven systems. Utilized data analysis to identify areas for improvement and optimize supplier services, resulting in increased efficiency and reliability.• Implemented ERP computer systems to streamline data collection, program design, and system management, facilitating more efficient and accurate operational processes.• Improved communication channels by introducing regular reporting activities, compiling departmental reports encompassing various operational metrics such as customer service, production yields, and regulatory compliance. Utilized data insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives and address deviations from target projections.• Organized and executed vendor quality assurance certification programs, emphasizing continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across US and international operations. Achieved significant cost reductions while enhancing quality, reliability, and safety standards.• Monitored and facilitated staff development initiatives aligned with key performance indicators, offering professional development opportunities and incentives for further education, certifications, and career advancement. Implemented wage increase programs to reward both hourly and salaried employees for their contributions.• Implemented a standardized sanitation program, resulting in notable cost savings and fewer sanitation deficiencies observed during internal and external audits. Maintained rigorous sanitation standards to uphold product quality and regulatory compliance.

• Developed and implemented comprehensive standards and specifications across various operational facets, including product design, research, procurement, inventory management, and packaging. Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements and quality standards throughout the production process.• Enhanced supply chain quality for multiple food processing and warehouse facilities through the implementation of advanced training programs and the introduction of data-driven systems. Utilized data analysis to identify areas for improvement and optimize supplier services, resulting in increased efficiency and reliability.• Implemented ERP computer systems to streamline data collection, program design, and system management, facilitating more efficient and accurate operational processes.• Improved communication channels by introducing regular reporting activities, compiling departmental reports encompassing various operational metrics such as customer service, production yields, and regulatory compliance. Utilized data insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives and address deviations from target projections.• Organized and executed vendor quality assurance certification programs, emphasizing continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across US and international operations. Achieved significant cost reductions while enhancing quality, reliability, and safety standards.• Monitored and facilitated staff development initiatives aligned with key performance indicators, offering professional development opportunities and incentives for further education, certifications, and career advancement. Implemented wage increase programs to reward both hourly and salaried employees for their contributions.• Implemented a standardized sanitation program, resulting in notable cost savings and fewer sanitation deficiencies observed during internal and external audits. Maintained rigorous sanitation standards to uphold product quality and regulatory compliance.

• Directed, designed, and executed comprehensive quality assurance programs for global US Military food supply operations, overseeing a team of eight personnel.• Acted as the designated Technical Expert for commissaries and distribution centers across all branches of the military and served civilian government personnel at US embassies, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards and regulations.