Matthew D. Larson2975 Waterchase Way SW apt. 205 (906)-202-0814 Wyoming, MI 49519 matthew.larson@cornerstone.edu

OBJECTIVE

Desires the opportunity to apply knowledge, EQ, CQ, and education along with manufacturing operations management experience to improve the overall profitability and efficiency of an organization. Motivated to continuously improve upon plant metrics with an immediate focus upon safety, schedule completion, quality, takt compliance, and 5-S compliance. Continuously work with teams and new hires to improve their skill sets, cross-training, and , skills versatility to impact overall plant/department performance. To apply my proven track record in cost reduction projects, Flow-pull value streaming, and team building skills in a new arena. Experience leading wood manufacturing personnel and leadership with expertise in CNC, BAZ, BMG, Heesman sanders, and finished goods, With specific expertise in vertical panel architecture, custom conference tables, work surfaces, and complete office layouts from raw material to finished goods and distribution.

SKILLS

13 years combined management experience in 4 distinct industries (Restaurant, Casino Gaming, Skilled Trades, & Manufacturing) with current operations management experience in the production of high end wood furniture and LEAN Six Sigma Project Management.

Strong customer focus and customer service experience. Bidding, securing contracts, conflict resolution etc. Thrives in high stress environments and multi-tasking while maintaining morale of a workforce Lean Six Sigma White Belt, with current enrollment in Six Sigma Green Belt accreditation from Villanova University Imaginative and possessing a will and ability to tackle problems with a novel approach. Team building, Operations Leadership, and Target Selection Interviewing experience for level 3 employees and management

personnel. Fluent in navigating SAP software to track product and research quality related occurrences. Capable of scheduling shifts, training, and supervising with foresight, flexibility, and efficiency Confident in oral and written communication as well as Microsoft Office suite software Highly professional in collaborating concerns, ideas, and important information, between supervisors, co-workers, and

departments using Steelcase LEAN Management System and problem mitigation and improvement methodology . (Kaizen, kata, A3, 8-step, etc.)

Adept at interview, data collection, data cleaning, and interpretation

Sound public speaking skills and articulation along with speech writing

Project Management experience (cost reduction, Work cell format/structure, value stream mapping and facilitation of future state mapping and project coordination, Kaizen and Standard Work event leadership and coordination)

Skilled negotiator, with excellent interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION

Cornerstone University:MBA in Business Administration with a focus upon LEAN Manufacturing and Project Management Grand Rapids MichiganTentative Graduation date: 01/16

Grand Valley State University: Bachelors of Science in Anthropology w/ minor in PhilosophyWith specific focus upon environmental sustainability and social responsibilityAllendale Michigan

LEAN Six Sigma White Belt

Avenda Instutute

LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt Certification: (currently enrolled with tentative accreditation date in June 2015)

Villinova University

RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE

Steelcase LEAN Management System Project Manager, Steelcase Inc.03/18/2015-Present, Caledonia MI

Multi tasked 5 concurrent LEAN Six Sigma projects related to trim cell schedule completion for KD pack operations and Laminate division achieving 12% increase in completion rates within 90 days through kaizen, standard work events, and PFMEA and DMAIC data collection and implementation methodology.

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Designed and implemented new custom product cell layout, machine purchase, and standard work for overall plant production capacity increase for case goods product lines.

Reduced rework turnaround time from 24 hours to 90 minutes by utilizing focus and visual manufacturing methodology.

Manufacturing Operations Management 2nd Shift Operations Leader Steelcase Wood, Inc. 09/26/2014-03/18/2015, Caledonia, MI

Manages 13 Zone Leaders (floor supervisors) and 140 employees nightly to outperform plant goals and metrics (safety, schedule completion, DPPM, SPPM, etc.)

Oversees manufacturing processes and operations of CMS, CNC, BAZ, BMG, Homaq, Morbidelli, edgebanders, Routers, Tenoners from raw material, to finished goods, and distribution.

Manages manpower and temp staff according to schedule demands and respective output expectations Responsible for coaching Zone Leaders nightly and tracking individual zone metrics Facilitates and leads nightly schedule completion, Manpower, Machine, and Method meetings Leads weekly Gemba walks with supervisors and quality personnel Selective interviewing experience utilizing Target Selection and STAR methodology to hire Level 3 operations and Zone

Leader positions. Leads informative presentations and training seminars to plant leadership Project Management experience in cost reduction, value stream mapping, and work-cell configuration and development. Interplant Negotiation (distribution schedules, interplant coordination of materials and manpower) Conflict resolution and Steelcase Employee Performance System coaching experience Leads Nightly Manpower, Material, Machine, Method, meeting with supervisors. Kaizen Facilitator Improved overall Grand Rapids Wood facility to 97% schedule completion average from 91% within six months overseeing

2nd shift operations.

Manufacturing Management Zone Leader; Grand Rapids Laminate Division Steelcase, Inc. (03/18/2013-09/26/2014) Caledonia, MI

Achieved Top Talent status in first 12 months of employment. One of only 2 individuals in GRW facility. Led GRW facility in Kata Process improvements for 5 continuous quarters. Lead a plant consisting of 36 personnel in pressing, cutting, trimming, packaging, and shipping laminate work surfaces for

Grand Rapids Laminate Division of Steelcase, Inc. Utilize Skills Versatility to achieve established metrics, quarterly goals, and specific takt/cycle times. Utilize A3 and Kata Lean problem solving tools to facilitate a culture of continuous improvement and hit cost reduction goals Perform beginning and end of shift communications to dept. and Operations Manager Coach and Train temporary employees Monitor production and flow by the hour Select best product mix to allow for most fluid and efficient production Scheduling vacations and shifts Conduct Meetings and facilitate interviews with prospective new hires Saved $172,000 in first six months by improving flow of a single product line into a one piece flow operation with a one

employee standard work method, rather than 5. Improved Grand Rapids Laminate Divisions daily schedule completion average from 82% to 99% by collaborating

interdepartmentally with materials, IT, engineering, and plant leadership to change scheduling block sequence, and laminate cut optimization.

Gun Lake Casino (02/2012-03/18/2013) Wayland, MI (Gaming Supervisor)

Supervised up to 16 table games and 18 employees in designated area Maintain the integrity and flow of operations Coach and train gaming dealers both negatively and positively Handles player disputes and protects games while maintaining the highest level of customer service. Tracks player activity while maintaining assets on games Track assets and hands per hour to maximize productivity Uses Lean problem solving skills to reduce wasteful motion and increase dealer speed in hands per hour.

IWR Log Cabin Maintenance & Restoration (04/09- 12/11)Munising, MI (Log home restoration and maintenance project manager)

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Supervised a team of 6-10 maintenance personnel Performed maintenance on log cabins to preserve wooden surfaces on interior and exterior using Makita grinders and

Osborne brushes. Operated boom lifts, scissor lifts, bobcats, bucket trucks, and bread trucks. Replaced decaying log walls Recorded inventory and ensured needed materials were in stock Erected scaffolding and operated various forms of handheld grinders, saws, and hammers. Communicated with 6-10 crew members, specific observations and concerns Interacted directly with customers and carried out non-specific, non-compulsory, tasks to their preference; washed windows,

cleaned gutters, moved material to maintain customer loyalty Maintained customer satisfaction throughout the project, and managed for time constraints and cost effectiveness

Grand Valley State University Department of Anthropology (05/09-09/09)Allendale, MI (Research Assistant)

Travelled Western Lower Michigan conducting in home interviews with citizens regarding the effects of Radon gas to human health and educating them about mitigation and risk levels.

Built rapport between citizens and GVSU Conducted survey research Tested households for radon contamination

United Parcel Service (05/08 – 10/08) Wyoming, MI (Pre-loader)

Responsible for loading three to four delivery trucks with up to 300 packages each for the day’s delivery. Was capable of achieving this in under three hours with zero error Fast paced work environment with loud noise and intense heat in a warehouse setting I lead the safety team in daily updates and addressed concerns daily with supervisors and fellow pre-loaders.

ACTIVITIES, AWARDS, AND HONORS

Lean Six Sigma White Belt Currently earning Lean six Sigma Green Belt through Villanova University Led Steelcase Wood in Kata process Improvements for 6 quarters before earning a promotion Over $190,000 in cost savings for fiscal year 15 First Aid & Mental Health First Aid certified Eagle Scout of Boy Scouts of America Troop 332 (2004-Present) YMCA April Run 5K (2009, 10, 11, 12, 13) Organized and Operated Red Cross Blood Drive (2004) Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer (2000-03) Adopt a Highway Volunteer (2000-04) Co-founder GRecycling initiative Grand Rapids MI (2008-2010) Member of South Kent MI Ducks Unlimited committee Research assistant for Grand Valley State University’s Anthropology field school, providing Radon gas education and testing

to the public.

National Honor Society

Michigan Competitive Scholarship award 4 years

Excellence in Volunteerism awarded by Ducks Unlimited

REFERENCES

Andrew Luoma

Michigan State Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division

825 West Grand River Ave

East Lansing, MI 48823Phone: (906)-202-0367

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Maximiliano Quero-FloritManager of OperationsSteelcase Inc.(616)-514-9917

Jack PuricelliRetired Plant Manager Steelcase Inc.(616) 292-9694

Brian DevriesAssociate Champion Continuous ImprovementHaworthBrian.DeVries@haworth.com(269) 908-7046 (Mobile)