Brian Rhoades
Operations Executive
Delivering substantial cost savings, efficiency enhancements, and process improvements have been key outcomes of a successful career in operations leadership. Known for providing effective solutions to operational challenges and generating a lasting impact on business growth and success. Passionate about creating winning company cultures with high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.
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Expertise in eliminating non-value-added waste. Exceptional record building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams. Recognized as a change agent and process champion in multi-plant operations, logistics, quality compliance, manufacturing processes, and program implementation in established and startup environments.
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Currently located in Knoxville, TN – Open to travel, remote, hybrid & on-site.
Experience
January 2018 | October 2023
Executive Vice President
Strategically guided production, distribution, quality, safety, and engineering for eight facilities across the United States, continually optimizing processes and systems to achieve maximum efficiency, quality, and productivity.
November 2007 | June 2018
Vice President of Operations
Oversaw nine production operations, including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, engineering, purchasing, quality, fulfillment center, and HR.
Results
Established and built the Durable Print Division, securing an $11MM contract with a large OEM in the United States and Mexico, and growing the sales funnel to over $40MM in the first year.
Optimized operations by establishing a shared services team to create standardized operations and best practices, reducing TRIR from 12.0 to 3.5, and increasing capital equipment installations from $2MM to $6MM.
Created a unified company culture to become a preferred manufacturing employer, reducing employee turnover from 65% to 20%, with a production increase of 15% year-over-year.
Expertise
Operations Management
Performance Improvement
Business Strategy
Capital Budgets
Best Practices
Leadership Development
Continuous Process
Multi-Site Operations
Strategic Planning
SWOT Analysis
Change Agent
KPI Development
Meet Brian
Education
Bachelor of Science
Organizational Management
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
It is in my blood.
My father owned a machine shop and I grew up on the plant floor running CNC machines from the age of 14.
Who is the one person who has done the most, to shape you into who you are today?
How was the person significant to you?
My wife, Pam, of 35 years. She always pushes me out of my comfort zone and believed in my abilities as a leader.
What has been the greatest accomplishment of your life so far?
Is there anything you wish to do even better?
Sacrificing so my wife could stay home to raise our two children, sending them through 12 years of Catholic education and college of their choice.
How would your peers and team members describe your responsiveness as a leader?
Deeply passionate about developing winning cultures and they would repeat my two main mantras – “Better Way Every Day” and “Hard on the process and easy on the people”
Testimonials
Earl Jewett, COO
“I had the privilege to work with Brian for 3+ years at WS Packaging. Brian exemplifies what a servant leader looks like. His genuine care for his peers and employees goes above and beyond your typical leader. Brian possess one of the best creative minds when it comes to problem solving. His working knowledge of lean principles is well above average. His ability to apply lean concepts to the office and shop floor is exceptional. His expertise to drive improvements does not stop at the manufacturing side of the business. Brian is a very customer focused leader and understands how to create effective business plans for growth. I would consider him one of the most well rounded Operations Leaders I have had the privilege to work with.”
Harold Chapman, CEO and Founder, Stabilem LLC
“I have had the pleasure of working with Brian for many years (> a decade). He is one of most employee-centric leaders that I have ever met. This has been evident in every role he has had over the time I have known him. He is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in operations management. His leadership style, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and organizational dynamics, makes him an invaluable asset to any company. I am confident that Brian will continue to excel in his future endeavors and I strongly recommend him for any leadership role in any industry”.
Kim Evans, CEO at Relations Research
“In a world dominated by managers, Brian is a true leader. He's undaunted by big challenges because he knows how to boldly articulate a vision, and then rally people around realizing it. Most impressive is the attention Brian invests to growing and developing people to unleash their full potential.”
Louann Childress, Executive Administrative Assistant
“Brian Rhoades is the most effective leader I have ever encountered. His emphasis on a culture driven environment is unlike anything I have ever seen. From employee of the month programs to victory celebrations for breaking records in a business- he always makes sure to give people the recognition they deserve for a job well done. His communication skills are top tier, and his attention to diversity and the needs of his employees unmatched. I have witnessed his capability to build teams and an environment people are proud and happy to work for firsthand, and it is truly impressive. His relentless drive for continuous improvement is a proven force that brings nothing but results.”
Interests & Hobbies
