Meet Our Team

Each professional member of our outstanding team has direct hands-on experience implementing LEAN principles, as well as leading and training other organizations to incorporate LEAN systems and processes to improve workflow in a variety of industries throughout North America. Our knowledgable consulting and training team is ready to develop a plan that will most effectively meet the specific needs of your business.

Jay VanderZwaag

has over 25 years experience from a variety of leadership roles and responsibilities within manufacturing management. For 8 years Jay worked at Donnelly Corporation where he was intimately involved in and responsible for developing and implementing the Donnelly Production System (DPS). The DPS is a Lean philosophy modeled after the Toyota Production System. Jay was responsible for training lean systems and tools to hundreds of employees at Donnelly from the team members on the shop floor to the Vice Presidents of the organization. For the past six years Jay has been an Instructor for the University of Michigan’s Lean Certification program.

Jay’s primary focus is providing hands on Lean training, consulting services and shop floor implementation support to companies making the transition to lean principles. With his knowledge and understanding of the shop floor he emphasizes structure, alignment and accountability to aid in the development of lean leaders by utilizing the principles of lean to directly improve the bottom-line results of the organization.

Mike Meyers

has over 20 years of manufacturing experience, having filled a variety of leadership roles in Operations management. For 17 years Mike worked at Donnelly Corporation where he focused on learning and implementing the Donnelly Production System (DPS), a lean philosophy molded after the Toyota Production System. Mike used these techniques and his ability to work with teams to successfully turn around non-performing plants. While at Donnelly, the plant Mike managed was awarded the distinguished “Most Improved Supplier of the Year” award from Toyota for implementation of Lean Manufacturing Systems.

Mike’s primary focus is providing hands on and class room training in the area of Lean consulting services and shop floor support to companies making the transition to Lean principles. His knowledge and understanding of everything from the shop floor to senior manager gives him a unique range of experience to assist companies in ensuring successful implementation of a complete Lean system.

Deb Liefer

is a “hands on” implementer of Lean Manufacturing Systems. She has over seventeen year’s leadership experience in the automotive industry. During this time she also consulted in many diversified manufacturing facilities along with teaching at Ohio State University and the University of Michigan. Deb has a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, is a Shingo auditor and has expertise in numerous Lean tools. Today Deb is a full time consultant with clients throughout the United States, Mexico and Ireland. Positive team building and the ability to lead people are two strengths that are utilized for successful implementation and achievement of goals.

Jeff Kane

has spent 25 years designing, developing and executing lean principles on a global level. Jeff utilizes his broad knowledge base to lead other companies in their transition from traditional operating systems to World Class performance achieving significant profitability improvements. Jeff has a diverse background in business having worked as a Manager in different capacities ranging from production, materials (CPIM), manufacturing, operations and oversaw two divisions as plant manager. As an Executive Vice President of Operations for a tier 1 automotive supplier, he led the Lean transformation of their four manufacturing plants. He has been recognized by many companies and publications for his turnaround accomplishments. Jeff has also worked with Lean Enterprise Institute performing value stream mapping and as a key note speaker on becoming lean.

Beth Carrington

has over 25 years experience in leadership roles within the personal care, furniture and automotive industries. Positions included Quality Leadership, Operations Management and President of a Global tier-one automotive supplier – Acutex Div, SPX Corp.

Since 1999 Beth has utilized her experience by leading organizations in lean implementation. She has helped a diverse group of clients – small and large, repetitive and custom processors. Through organizational development clients have created systems of accountability and sustainable cultures of team-based continuous improvement.

Kaizen facilitation creates measurable and sustainable results utilizing 5S Plus Safety, SMED, TPM, Pull systems, Cellular Mfg, Standard Work and Value Stream and Process Mapping techniques. Information and material flows improve through waste identification and elimination. Clients benefit from the resulting quality, production and production-support system enhancements.

In Canada...

Although our Canadian team is responsible for much of our work with clients in Canada, other members of our team will be utilized if their specific experience or expertise appropriately fits the needs of our client. In turn, our Canadian team will also work with clients in the United States and other countries. Our goal is to coordinate team member experience and expertise with a clients' industry and needs whenever possible.

William Marquis

has over twenty years experience managing complex manufacturing operations. In addition to being a business owner himself, he has held senior management roles such as Director of Operations and Plant Manager. William has an established a track record of success implementing Lean systems, processes and tools.

William has developed a thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing through hands-on application of the systems from the shop floor to the board room. William is an experienced change agent, working with a wide variety of organizations utilizing his experience in Management by Planning and establishing an environment of accountability. His knowledge of lean systems in quality, maintenance, supply chain, and organizational management allow him to coach at all levels of management.

William's mission is to help small and large companies establish a culture of continuous improvement using lean tools and a strong leadership model.

Herbert Wang

has over 15 years of experience from his extensive background in engineering and operations management with variety of international manufacturing companies. He has worked in the automotive, marine, plastics and rubber, petrochemical, and electronics industries. Herbert has worked with both east and west countries, and implemented continuous improvement systems and strategies both internally and externally. This unique and well rounded experience allowed him to oversee different manufacturing landscapes and implement lean manufacturing with different cultures.

Herbert approaches issues from a broad perspective, thinks strategically, challenges the status quo and champions new initiatives, and stimulates others to change. He has become well known for his methodical use of data and information, his ability to drive teamwork and his involvement of people at all levels in the organization to affect positive and proactive change. One of his exceptional traits is his understanding and empathy for work done by the every-day factory worker.

Herbert's knowledge and experience covers everything from quality systems, production systems, lean manufacturing, 6 sigma, and supply chain management. Through his financial P&L and AVI responsibilities in several key rolls with different organizations, he has also gained a hands-on and solid understanding of accounting and financials.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information about our Lean Leader Group professional training and consulting team, please contact us.

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