Andy Black
Durango,CO
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, driving a 10% increase in efficiency through strategic planning and process improvement. Skilled in budget management and effective communication, I excel in optimizing supply chain performance and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Diorite LLC
Durango, CO
03.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations, including staff management, sales, inventory, and accounting.
- Monitored weekly financial performance to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Developed comprehensive business plan and budget to maximize profitability.
- Created targeted marketing strategies to boost revenue and enhance brand visibility.
- Established competitive pricing models aligned with profitability objectives.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to define long-term vision and direction.
- Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in all business operations.
- Provided expert general home repair services through Diorite Solutions.
Vice President of Supply Chain
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Durango, CO
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Directed all aspects of supply chain management, optimizing processes for maximum efficiency.
- Developed and implemented strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
- Conducted long-term planning and forecasting to enhance operational competitiveness.
- Oversaw supply chain teams in procurement, inventory management, logistics, and distribution.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality sourcing.
- Negotiated contracts and managed supplier performance to maintain reliability.
- Collaborated across departments to ensure alignment in organizational goals.
- Utilized data analytics to monitor supply chain performance and inform decision-making.
Director of Warehouse and Distribution
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Durango, CO
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Led Transportation Department in optimizing logistical operations, reducing fleet size by 50%.
- Strengthened supplier relationships to secure favorable terms and ensure product quality.
- Directed warehouse and distribution activities for national retailer and confectionery manufacturer across multiple locations.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
- Optimized inbound and outbound supply chain performance to enhance efficiency.
- Mentored cross-functional team to execute logistics strategies and meet annual company goals.
- Established 3PL partnership to improve eCommerce fulfillment processes.
- Managed relationships with 3PL providers and final mile carriers for seamless operations.
Director of Operations
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Durango, CO
01.2013 - 01.2024
- Managed annual capital asset expenditure of $1.5MM while optimizing resource allocation.
- Trained and mentored a diverse team to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Achieved 10% increase in operational efficiency, resulting in annual savings exceeding $300,000.
- Directed comprehensive plant operations including supply chain, procurement, production, and quality control.
- Provided strategic leadership across production and fulfillment, overseeing teams of up to 200 during peak periods.
- Ensured compliance with OSHA, FDA, and local regulations to maintain food safety and operational standards.
- Collaborated with department heads to align on customer requirements and enhance manufacturing processes.
Logistics Manager, Development Manager and Scheduler, Production and Inventory Analyst
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Durango, CO
06.2000 - 01.2013
- Managed day-to-day operations related to receiving, storing, packing, shipping merchandise.
- Developed and managed logistics strategies to improve the efficiency of operations.
- Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries of goods.
- Implemented cost-saving measures such as route optimization for shipments.
- Identified potential vendors and evaluated them according to price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability and sustainability.
- Monitored supplier performance in terms of quality, delivery and responsiveness to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
- Performed regular cycle counts to maintain accuracy of inventory records.
- Reviewed inventory stocking levels and helped coordinated return or transfer of excess inventory.
- Created reports on inventory levels, trends, costs, deliveries. for upper management review.
- Identified discrepancies between physical counts and computer records; investigated causes and took corrective action as needed.
- Led team of inventory employees to receive and record new stock.
- Analyzed current processes and identified areas of improvement for better efficiency in the inventory management process.
- Developed and maintained scheduling systems to ensure efficient workflow.
- Implemented strategies to improve efficiency in the scheduling process.
- Evaluated current scheduling processes for opportunities for improvement.
- Maintained the cost accounting system by recording, classifying, allocating, summarizing and evaluating cost data.
- Prepared monthly, quarterly and year-end closing statements and associated reports.
- Assisted in budget preparation process by providing historical trends analysis and forecasting future expenses based on past performance.
- Analyzed product margins at customer level by calculating landed costs associated with each sale transaction.
Guest Speaker
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
- Presented on various topics including operational management, entrepreneurship, and financial management at Katz School of Business.
- Shared insights with students and faculty during guest lectures to enhance understanding of RMCF business operations.
- Provided real-world examples from personal experience to enhance learning outcomes.
- Mentored students interested in pursuing careers in business and management fields.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration, Finance
Fort Lewis College
Durango, COSkills
- Servant leadership
- Operational efficiency
- Process improvement
- Inventory management
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Budget development
- Multitasking and organization
- Accounting operations
- Financial planning
- Business strategy
- Staffing
- Product development
- Talent recruitment
- Financial management
- Project management
- Business principles
- Decision making
- Cost control
- Financial forecasting
- Vendor management
- Data analysis
- Supply chain oversight
- Demand planning
- Budget management
- Financial analysis
- Personnel oversight
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Regulatory compliance
- Adaptability
- Supply chain management
- Inventory optimization
Volunteer Experience
- Guest Speaker, Fort Lewis College Katz School of Business.
- Presented on various topics including operational management, entrepreneurship, and financial management at Katz School of Business.
- Shared insights with students and faculty during guest lectures to enhance understanding of RMCF business operations.
- Provided real-world examples from personal experience to enhance learning outcomes.
- Mentored students interested in pursuing careers in business and management fields.
Activities
- Skiing
- Mountain Biking
- Youth Soccer Coach
- Youth Soccer Team Manager
- Youth Soccer Referee
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Coffee Roasting
- Fly Fishing
- Durango Adult Hockey League
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Diorite LLC
03.2025 - Current
Vice President of Supply Chain
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
05.2024 - 12.2024
Director of Warehouse and Distribution
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
01.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Operations
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
01.2013 - 01.2024
Logistics Manager, Development Manager and Scheduler, Production and Inventory Analyst
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
06.2000 - 01.2013
Guest Speaker
Fort Lewis College
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration, Finance
Fort Lewis College