Executive Summary
Versatile, technical professional with more than ten years of robotic and automation expertise in design build and management experience. Keen ability to analyze needs, goals and understand the strategies of clients and customers on operational, technical and strategic levels. Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams (over 120 at Presstran) and demonstrated professional, flexible, creative and service oriented interpersonal and communication skills from the plant floor to the president. Experienced in maintaining and growing both low and high volume accounts as well as hunting and developing new accounts. Outstanding hands-on professional who enjoys the
robotics and automation field, having worked in the automotive sector providing consistent results well beyond expectations. Organized self-motivator who’s earned promotions through a proven record of achievement. A strategic problem-solver with ability to work across all levels of an organization and uncover ways to cut company costs and produce new sources of revenue.
Qualifications
10+ years experience in a senior management or project role. Integrating a strong continuing educational background with a record of industry achievements. Visionary, translating the possibilities of the future into the success of today. Recognized by peers for taking a project and making it a reality. Broad range of expertise includes:
Strategic Thinking
Lean Manufacturing – ERP
Developing Multi-functional, Muli-dimensional Teams
Cost Management
Maximizing Performance - Motivation
Improving Quality
Leading Positive Change
Conflict Resolution
Planning and Organizing
Customer Service
Additionally Artistically and Intrinsically Artesian oriented.
Selected Accomplishments:
Achieved Level of Master Trainer and Mentor in Faux Finishing at Studio van Gogh. Master Trainer for van Gogh Paintology for all of Eastern North America.
While at Westburne Ruddy Electric, maintained and expanded customer base. Increased sales by 10% in a period when most in this industry were seeing a decrease in market share. This was done by maintaining the highest levels of service to the client working as a problem solver and fitting my company's product to the best use of the customer.
At Presstran, was selected by AGM to develop controls / automation technician group in maintenance department. Improved response time for teams. Exceeded response, quality and bottom line objectives by 20% in first year, and 155 and 18% in the second and third years.
At Presstran, developed and built cross-functional Kaizen group to build new equipment and also refurbish existing equipment for new programs. Fulfilled corporate productivity, quality and cost objectives.
Dramatically increased the sales volume of a small market lumber yard. By identifying an pursing account business and working in the assigned area, achieved a sales volume increase from $500,000 from the previous year to $2,500,000 in 1st year to $3,500,000 in the second year. This was done during a recessionary period of time.
Collaborated with the Canadian Department of Agriculture, building contractors, and building supply companies in forming the first chapter of the Canadian Farm Builders Association. The first Canadian Farm Builders Association was established in 1990 in London.
Designed, directed the building and troubleshooting of the GM305 project through to plant commissioning in Oklahoma City, and the project was completed within the original time schedule.
Collaborated in the design and directed skilled trades in tryouts, installation and commissioning of body shop changes for the General Motors – GM805 project in Silao, Mexico. Installation was completed within an 18 month period, being on time and on budget and pilot vehicles were built on schedule.
Designed software, and supervised the troubleshooting of 10 engineers and technologists for a new body shop for GM/SGM, which was a joint venture in Shanghai, China. The equipment and materials were complete for shipment to Shanghai in the set schedule.
Designed software, and supervised the troubleshooting of 15 engineers and technologists for the transmission and engine assembly plants, GM/SGM, which was a joint venture in Shanghai, China. Supervised installation of equipment in Shanghai.
Automotive / Process Projects worked on:
GM Oshawa, GM Oklahoma, GM Pontiac, GM Pontiac-Plant 25, City of Windsor – Caron Ave Pumping Station, GM Kansas City, Tower Automotive -Chicago, GM Mansfield, Chrysler - Warren Truck, Chrysler - Detroit , GM Ramos Arizpe – Saltillo, Mexico, GM Pontiac, GM Silao, Mexico, Chrysler – Newark, Delaware, Ford Windsor LVL, GM Doraville, Ford – Cleveland, Ford – Chicago, GM/SGM China, Cummins, Columbus, Indiana, Mercedes, Alabama /Bremen, Germany.
Competencies
Innovation; Resourceful, Develops innovative ideas, concepts and methodology; Ideas presented in clear, concise manner and in a way that the ideas are seen as advancing organizational goals. (While in the Canadian Forces developed and implemented changes to the fire control system for the CF101 Voodoo.)
Planning & Organizing; Time used effectively and with efficiency to take advantage of opportunities; Sets goals and objectives and develops action plans; Plans and prioritizes all activities. (In Silao Mexico was part of planning team which took the 'Avalanche' from concept and design to production in 18 months when industry average was 30 months)
Problem Solving; Works well in solving situations in group/team environments; Identifies and settles problems and issues in a timely manner; Looks for and develops alternative solutions; Remains objective in issues that where people are passionate and emotional. (In both work and volunteer commitments always involved with finding solutions. There is nothing that is really impossible, just have to talk to the right person or look in the right place to find solutions)
Oral Communication; Always participates in meetings; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative environment; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates good group presentation skills; (Participant & Leader of team at UWO which won the Dean's Case Competition in 1985).
Strategic Thinking; Understands the organizations strengths and weaknesses in relations to clients and with the company itself; Ability to analyze the market and competition; Adapts strategy to changing conditions; Develop strategies to achieve goals; Identify opportunities and roadblocks. (When at Beaver Lumber reorganized employee allocation and reduced labour and associated costs by over 30%)
Written Communication; Edits work for spelling and grammar; gives and shows data efficiently and effectively; clear and concise writing.
Teamwork; Looks for, gives and welcome feedback; Sets priorities and harmonizes team and individual responsibilities; Open and objective to others views; builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's effort to succeed; Committed to building positive team spirit; (At Presstan industries build controls team under above principles. Team exceeded all metrics and was used as a reference for further teams)
Initiative; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
Professionalism; Thrives under pressure; Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. (In working at Presstran was one of the few maintenance supervisors who know all the production employees, in addition to the maintenance and support personnel.)
Adaptability; Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. (Through different projects worked on, met challenges and changing parameters of each situation.)
Judgement; Displays sound and accurate judgement; Capable and willing to make decisions; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Customer Service; Demonstrates ability to develop key customer and supplier relationship; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests fro service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Cost Consciousness; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
Business Acumen; Able to develop and execute account based sales and business plans; Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
Interpersonal Skills; Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Ethics; Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically.
Technical Skills; Accesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Organizational Support ; Follows policies and procedures; Supports organizations's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Motivation; Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Professional Experience:
Sales Representative – Royal LePage Triland – St. Thomas ON Sept 2009 – Present
Real Estate Agent in Port Stanley, St. Thomas, and London
Account Manager (Contract) – Westburne Ruddy Electric- London, ON Mar 2008 – Sept 2009
Responsible for customer service and sales to commercial and industrial accounts. Maintain and grow customer base.
Supervisor/Maintenance – Presstran Industries Ltd., St.Thomas ,ON Mar 2004 – Sept 2008
Supervised Multidisciplinary maintenance group in daily operations of assembly and stamping operations. (120+) Developed controls technician group. Managed Kaizen group for rebuild of machinery for new programs and also new equipment for assembly operations. Developed training programs to cross train millwrights, toolmakers and electricians in controls field.
Owner/CEO - Stan Portleys - Timeless & Unique, Port Stanley (2003 - 2014), London (2011 - Present) - Retail and Wholesale Store. Home Décor, Painted Furniture, Reproduction Hardware, Faux Finish, Art & Craft Workshops. Graduate School of Van Gogh Art School, Private study with Faux Master Artist Barry Affleck, Retail sales of Fusion Mineral Paint, van Gogh Fossil Paint and Cottage Furniture Refinishing Paint and art enhancement products. Also IOD Design Retailer. Purveyor of Art, Artisans in Steam Punk style and Pen and Ink studies, Assemblage Artistry and Handcrafted Art. Cast Iron and finishing hardware extraordinaire.
Field Service – Project Manager Con-Syst-Int Engineering, Windsor,ON Mar 1997 – Mar 2004
Supervised build, try-out & debug of machine tool, assembly, conveyor, welding, fluid fill and process systems for automotive and other manufacturing and process industries. Electrical (hardware and software) design of above systems.
Yard Manager – Beaver Lumber: St. Thomas, ON Mar 1994 – Aug 1995
Supervision of staff and scheduling of delivery vehicles. Responsible for customer service, inventory and security control.
Owner/Contractor Living Spaces Design – Build: Port Stanley, ON Aug 1992 – Mar 1994
Custom design and installation of additions, decks, bathrooms, for commercial and residential customers.
Store Manager / Outside Sales Apr 1989 – Aug 1992
Moffatt and Powell Building Centres – Watford/London, ON
Responsible for problem solving decision making at the branch level. Set and follow-up of goals and objectives. Budget preparation, purchasing of material, inventory control, supervision of staff. Advise contractor clients on building code requirements and building practices. Estimate and price requirements for customer supplied blueprints.
Service Manager – Pioneer Family Pools – London, ON Jan 1988 – Apr 1989
Responsible for customer service, budget preparation and job scheduling. Motivated, interviewed, hired, trained and supervised staff.
Maintenance Superintendent May 1981 – Aug 1984
Sifton Properties Ltd. – Shopping Centre Division – London, ON
Responsible for budget preparation, initiate service contracts and orders. Motivated, hired, trained and supervised staff.
Pollution Control Plant Operator/Maintenance Mechanic Oct 1976 – May 1981
City of London – Engineers Department – London, ON
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of pollution control plant.
Integral Systems – Avionics Technician Jun 1972 – Oct 1976
Canadian Armed Forces
Responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of all airborne electronic and electrical systems.
Education:
School of van Gogh Art School - Vancouver BC. Mar .2003 - Mar. 2010.
Fanshawe College – Robotics and Process Control Sept 1995 – Dec 1996
University of Western Ontario – Sociology Sept 1984 – Dec 1987
Professional Associations:
OACETT: Associate Member 1997 – Present
CREA – Canadian Real Estate Association: 2009 – Present
RECO – Real Estate Council of Ontario: 2009 - Present
Recommendations:
From Derek Hill, Director GM North American Operations – Stamping,
“John is one of the top 5 people in his field in North America. On the Silao, Mexico project, John supervised and expert team of engineers, technicians and execution specialists. The project came in on time and within budget.”
From Richard Bukowsky, Director GM North American Operations – Controls, Robotics and Welding.
“John brought innovative, and effective direction to the planning and execution to the Oklahoma Project. His leadership brought together a diverse and multi-functional team to high levels of achievement. His skills and experience puts him in the top of his field.”