CHAD RUPERT

Full P&L responsibility for the North American Manufacturing operations of the Takigawa Corporation, a relatively new, wholly owned subsidiary of the Rengo Group, a publicly traded Japanese Corporation focused on the sale of high-quality, flexible packaging.

· Business strategy is focused on providing the best quality products backed by best in class service supplied by a world class, hygienic facility

Initial focus has been on putting in place missing policies, procedures, and SOPs, hiring and training skilled team members to assist in creating an efficient, effective team, and a positive, inclusive culture.

· Year over year sales growth rate of 40% while maintaining staffing levels.

· Achieved ISO 14001 and ISCC plus certifications.

Significant improvement in the safety culture that has resulted in a large reduction in recordable injuries.

Worked with multiple Companies focused on improving operational efficiency, business strategy, sales effectiveness, cultural transformation, and employee performance management.

Started the North and South American operations for the ELPLAST Group, a global supplier of high quality, press to close products and application equipment for flexible packaging.

· Business strategy focused on “disrupting” a stagnant market dominated by (2) players, providing high quality innovative products, at a fair price backed by world class service supplied by a facility featuring best in class hygiene.

· Created brand awareness for the EL-ZIP brand successfully earning the trust and business of many multi-national brand Companies.

· Designed and oversaw construction of a “state of the art” ISO 22000 and BRC AA rated production facility.

· Negotiated $750,000 in Federal, State, and Local incentives tied to the construction of the manufacturing facility.

· Recent growth rate exceeds 25% annually

· No recordable injuries.

Full P&L responsibility for this technology based, international organization focused on the sale of the Slide Rite patented closure system and proprietary attachment equipment.

· Extensive international experience including Europe and Asia.

· Experience with patent law and contract negotiations.

· Personal responsibility for sales and marketing activities outside of North America and Europe.

· Managed the business through a strategic change in the business model increasing the focus on technology licensing resulting in a significant increase in operating margins.

· Initiated an annual team-building event focusing on activities such as creating a unified strategic vision, establishing core competencies, and detailed plans to achieve short and long term objectives.

· The business impact from these and other actions during my tenure included:

~ Sales Volume growth over 100%.

~ Significant geographic expansion including emerging markets such as Russia, Taiwan, and India.

~ Significant margin percentage increase. Earnings increased 6 fold.

~ 40% reduction in working capital.

~ Established the organization as the industry leader.