Brian Wargula

Transformation Protein, a health and wellness brand, manufactures dairy-free protein, greens, and collagen through co-manufacturing partnerships. As COO, owned operations and P&L while building the systems, teams, and supplier relationships that grew the business to multi-million revenue in a competitive market.

• Scaled to upper 7-figure revenue run rate within 3 years by building a best-in-class subscription supply chain model.
• Reduced COGS by 12% through supplier negotiations and close collaboration with contract manufacturers to optimize production efficiency.
• Implemented end-to-end production and fulfillment systems that lowered inventory levels by 20% while improving on-time delivery to 99%+.
• Ensured regulatory compliance and quality by implementing FDA 21 CFR 111/117 and SQF standards, achieving consistent audit success.

Fortress Nutrition, a contract manufacturer of supplements and beverages, and Christopher Morgan Fulfillment, a national 3PL provider, operated as sister companies co-located in the same facility. As President, held full P&L responsibility and led integrated manufacturing and fulfillment operations—scaling production, improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and developing high-performing teams.

• Directed dual-company operations (Fortress Nutrition & Christopher Morgan Fulfillment) with full P&L accountability, scaling a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
• Improved production efficiency and throughput by 25%+ through process redesign, enhanced scheduling, and capacity planning.
• Delivered top-tier audit performance (BRC AA+ rating, top 2% SQF) by strengthening quality programs and staff training.
• Implemented a new MRP system (Sage X3) and automated workflows, cutting inventory levels by 20% while improving order lead times by 15%.
• Built and coached leadership teams, creating succession plans to ensure sustainable growth and operational discipline.

Recruited to strengthen operations and scale fulfillment during rapid growth. Focused on building leadership depth, aligning teams, and installing systems and processes to improve client outcomes and sustain growth.

• Implemented a new WMS and automated workflows, cutting fulfillment costs by 20% while sustaining 98%+ order accuracy.
• Launched a $10M trucking brokerage division, expanding service capabilities and diversifying revenue streams.
• Renegotiated FedEx small package contracts, reducing direct-to-consumer shipping costs by 15%.
• Led continuous improvement initiatives, including warehouse layout redesign and process standardization.
• Partnered with ownership on strategic planning, financial forecasting, and major client consolidation.

The LANG Companies is a leading consumer products business specializing in seasonal, gift, and specialty goods. As Vice President of Operations, led global supply chain strategy, systems modernization, and operational execution to drive efficiency, profitability, and growth.

• Directed global supply chain operations for a large consumer products enterprise, overseeing sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment across multiple international partners.
• Drove supply chain transformation and SKU rationalization that increased gross margins, positioning the company for a successful sale.
• Spearheaded ERP migration (JD Edwards → Epicor 9.05), improving data accuracy, forecast-to-buy processes, and executive-level decision visibility.
• Negotiated and launched external 3PL fulfillment/logistics partnership, delivering ~$1M in cost savings while improving scalability.
• Built global operations team (U.S. and Asia) with clear accountability and cross-functional alignment.

Sellars manufactures shop towels, disposable wipers, tissues, and absorbents from recycled fibers. Held progressive roles spanning supply chain, plant management, and cost management with increasing responsibility.

• Increased plant throughput by 30% by implementing lean manufacturing practices and workforce realignment.
• Improved inventory accuracy to 98%+ while lowering working capital tied up in stock by 15%.

Plant Manager – Converting and Distribution Division

• Directed daily operations for a new paper converting plant with 6 production lines, ensuring production quality, workforce efficiency, and scalable capacity growth.
• Implemented safety and quality initiatives that improved compliance, and reduced downtime.

Cost Manager

• Partnered with ownership to model financials for a new production line, securing $25M in capital investment to fund expansion.
• Managed cost analysis and budgeting to support financial planning.

Business Manager / Emmpak Foods - Milwaukee, WI

Cost Accounting Manager / Hormel Foods - Austin, MN