Guests

Ben is a Certified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma with expertise in supply chain management and process optimization. Recognized by top companies like Coca-Cola and Sam’s Club, he drives measurable results through data-driven strategies, continuous improvement, and strong cross-functional collaboration to solve complex challenges and elevate operational performance.

Bez is a strategic consultant with an engineering background and deep expertise in market research, product development, and energy-sector innovation. He advises private and public entities on technology commercialization, ESG, AI adoption, and clean-tech strategy.

Bob is a supply chain expert with 35+ years of experience driving global operational improvements. Specializing in Lean Six Sigma, inventory reduction, and process optimization, he has helped Fortune 500 clients boost efficiency and profitability. As a master instructor and consultant, Bob has trained thousands in supply chain best practices.

Bryan brings over 20 years of expertise in shaping supply chain and operational strategies, driving transformative initiatives, and enhancing global manufacturing operations. His leadership ensures heightened performance, quality, safety, and cost efficiency, aligning with long-term organizational objectives.

Dennis Schneider is a seasoned global industrial executive with decades of senior leadership experience across nearly every sector and continent. Having managed up to 30 facilities worldwide, Dennis brings a rare perspective on international trade, tariffs, and supply chain disruption. His expertise lies in navigating complex global operations and adapting swiftly to change.

Greg is a seasoned supply chain consultant with over 25 years of experience supporting consumer packaged goods, life sciences, and pharmaceutical companies. He specializes in global sourcing strategy, with deep insight into the challenges of international reliance for raw materials and finished products. Greg brings practical solutions to complex global supply chain issues.

Henning Schwinum is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of vendux. He has expertise in Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and General Management across corporate and entrepreneurial settings. He is skilled in building international partnerships, and held leadership roles at Bayer, Innovadex, and UL.

Jeoff Burris is a recognized industry leader with over 30 years of experience in global procurement, cost management, and supply chain strategy. A former Chief Procurement Officer and General Manager with success at Ford, Metaldyne, and Magna, Jeoff founded Advanced Purchasing Dynamics (APD) in 2004 to help manufacturers reduce costs and build competitive advantage. Under his leadership, APD has delivered 8–18% savings for clients through data-driven sourcing, predictive pricing, and buyer training.

As an International Thought Leader, Jim de Vries has over 35 years of experience providing executive-level consulting in Strategy, New Product Development & Commercialization, Sourcing, Supply Chain (SC), SC Risk & Resiliency, Lean Six Sigma and Change Management.  Jim has developed extensive experience working domestically and internationally as a leader, trainer, coach, project practitioner, consultant, and engagement director with many high-performing organizations.  His leadership and employee teaming efforts have created high-growth and profitable businesses across industries, including Customer/Product Development, Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Processes.

Jim is a strategy, operations and supply chain subject matter expert in manufacturing and distribution. He has been an Executive Chairman, Board Member, CEO, COO and had other assignments in business development, marketing, sales, and operations.  He has hands-on experience working in over a dozen different industries, with over 200 clients. He has led 11 operational and financial restructurings during his career. He and his team have delivered over $300M in annual savings to his clients’ bottom line.  

John is an experienced executive leader with over 30 years' expertise driving small business growth. He managed organizations from 100 to 450 employees, specializing in financial policy, HR, and technology. He is a results-driven decision-maker adept at managing significant financial commitments, human resources, technology implementations, and professional relationships.

Mary Abbott, President of The IM Group (formerly Incentives Management Group Inc.), founded this leading negotiated incentives advisory firm for corporations 27 years ago, leveraging her expertise to benefit numerous clients.

Neal is a seasoned supply chain leader with extensive global experience across manufacturing, planning, and strategic operations. He has successfully managed teams and facilities in the U.S., Mexico, UK, Germany, Poland, Malaysia, and China. With expertise in S&OP, inventory management, and global planning, Neal excels at bridging strategy and execution across cross-functional teams.

Philip W. Winkler, an expert in government R&D funding and clean energy, founded Government Contracting Specialists, LLC, securing $1 billion in R&D funding. With a 50-year career, he now shares his expertise as a volunteer with Mid-Florida SCORE.

Stephen is an accomplished Operations Executive with 30 years of experience across aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial sectors. Over the past decade, he has served as the President of FarStar S.A.C. Consulting Inc., offering consulting and interim management services in various industries.