Danny R Tolson
Monticello,In
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional seeking a challenging position with a progressive company, leveraging extensive hands-on mechanical and management expertise. Proficient in design, complete machine rebuilds, and manual and CNC machine tool operations, with a strong background in pumps, gearboxes, motors, hydraulics, and electrical systems. Demonstrated success in inventory management using various MRP systems, along with years of experience in estimating, quality assurance, and customer service. A solid foundation in the food industry enhances the ability to deliver innovative solutions and drive operational excellence.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Installer Service Specialist
Innoserv / GFS
06.2025 - Current
- Responsible for dispatched calls to the Indianapolis / Lafayette Metro Area
- Achieve high levels of productivity by optimizing workload management methods and prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
- Display strong Mechanical and Electrical troubleshooting Skills to repair equipment in a timely manner.
- Provide outstanding customer service, addressing questions and concerns throughout the installation / repair process.
- Increased productivity by maintaining a clean and organized work environment during each job.
- Coordinate with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Electronically document all parts used to assure Van stock is properly replenished.
- Perform site surveys prior to installations, assuring all plumbing and electrical requirements are satisfied.
- Electronically document all information required per service call.
- Continuously refine technical skills by attending relevant training sessions, workshops, and industry conferences to stay current on best practices in the field.
Lead Quality Technician
Talbert Manufacturing Inc.
02.2025 - 06.2025
- Created, Maintained Tool and Gage calibration system that satisfies ISO Standards.
- Perform extensive Quality Audits on every completed Commercial Division unit.
- Audited areas consisting of Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electrical, Mechanical and Paint.
- Complete all required documents for Customer and Accounting for final shipping.
- Work closely with all Departments to correct and prevent future defects.
- Responsible for final inspection and sign off for every Military Division unit.
- Complete Military audits consisting of required accessories, photographs, securing storage areas.
- Insure all Military Job Travelers are complete and Shipping Docs are in order.
- Perform Paint Adhesion, Water Break and Sandblast Profile Tests for Military Units.
Owner/Operator
Lake Shafer Boathouse
08.2022 - 11.2024
- Responsible for day-to-day operations of High-Volume Bar and Restaurant.
- Hire, Train and Coach employees in both FOH & BOH areas.
- Develop partnerships with Food Vendors based on Performance, Quality and Cost.
- Perform Weekly Inventory Management for all items to satisfy Sales Projections.
- Reconcile Invoices with Products delivered and correct any discrepancies.
- Implemented and Performed PMS to ensure proper operation of all Equipment.
- Assured that Weekly Profitability Metrics were met.
- Responsible for all Capital Justifications.
Quality Manager
ProAxis Group / Viper Manufacturing
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Responsible for Creation and Implementation of all systems for The ProAxis Total Quality System
- Created and maintained a Return Authorization and Non-Conformance system that produces weekly Total Cost of Quality reports.
- Implemented a First Article of Inspection Procedure for all parts produced to help eliminate number of Non-Conforming Issues.
- Created a Tool and Gage Calibration Procedure to assure all necessary Tools meet specifications set by the Manufacturer and ProAxis standards.
- Responsible for providing Monthly Training Classes to all Team Members consisting of Basic to Advanced Print Reading. GD&T skills are also included in this training.
- Currently involved in a Focus Team for the successful completion of a quality audit for a Major agriculture manufacturer.
- Proficient in E2 MRP Software
Area Manager Mechanical Systems
JW Hicks
08.2019 - 03.2021
- Responsible for assembly of Slide Gate Systems as well as other Mechanical Systems that house Specialized Refractories.
- Ensure all Quality Criteria is satisfied and documented to ISO Standards.
- Schedule Fabrication Area to supply various Departments with assemblies needed for weekly production.
- Inspect, repair and test Hydraulic Cylinders to OEM Specifications.
- Submit RFQ's for all outsourced Machined Parts as well as Purchased items.
- Generate Relocation and Shipping Documents to move materials to appropriate destination.
- Accountable for perpetual inventory of all Mechanical Systems Parts.
- Proficient in ABAS ERP System.
Lead Fabricator
Plymouth Tube Company
03.2008 - 08.2019
- Produce new and refurbished machinery for all Plymouth Tube locations nationwide.
- When needed perform repairs at other Plymouth Tube Co. locations.
- Review all engineered drawings for tolerance checks and potential cost saving opportunities.
- Design and build jigs and fixtures when needed to ensure cost targets and ship dates are met.
- Determine raw material and purchased component requirements to ensure timely delivery.
- Identify, locate and purchase any special tooling required.
- Coordinate outside sources to complete secondary operations such Heat Treat, Sand Blasting and Painting.
- Establish quality criteria per each machine to ensure timely destination requirements.
- Perform preventive Maintenance to all Shop Equipment as well as repair when needed.
- Use E2 Shop ERP to create New Jobs, Purchase orders, and enter job times for existing orders.
Certified Heat Treat Technician
Alcoa Power & Propulsion (Howmet)
09.2006 - 08.2007
- Program, monitor and adjust Wonder Ware parameters for all vacuum furnaces to ensure Product Criteria requirements are met.
- Responsible for the loading and unloading of vacuum furnaces per AI and PC instructions for aerospace type castings.
- Provide detailed documentation of processed castings per criteria specified by vendors such as Pratt & Whitney, Fiat, GE and Rolls Royce.
- Perform Rockwell checks on specified castings and document per criteria specified.
Self-Employed Restaurant Owner Operator
DT Enterprises
04.2001 - 06.2007
- Owner Operator of 3 Area Restaurant / Bar Businesses.
- Managed payroll, daily deposits, and cost controls.
- Supervised daily activities of restaurant and 20 employees.
- Implemented effective inventory management systems to minimize waste and control food costs.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends for informed decision-making related to menu adjustments or operational changes.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Conducted preventative maintenance on equipment to reduce repair costs.
- Also ran a used restaurant equipment business selling to many area businesses.
Production Manager
ELF Machinery / EPAK Machinery
12.1988 - 06.2001
- Responsible for 50+ hourly employees in the following areas: Machine Shop, Sheet Metal, Welding and Polishing.
- Act as liaison between Engineering and Manufacturing departments to solve quality and manufacturing problems.
- Design workstation, cell and machine layouts to provide efficient material flow.
- Champion process improvements for Machining, Sheet Metal, Welding and Polishing areas.
- Created and implemented a employee certification program for each department to better define the responsibilities of each labor grade.
- Serve the role of Coach and Facilitator in our efforts to move towards self directed work teams.
- Created and implemented Kanban inventory system.
- Responsible for Budgets and all Capital Justifications.
Apprentice Tool & Die Maker
Mayer Tool & Die
01.1985 - 01.1988
- Completed 3000+ hours of accredited Apprenticeship schooling.
- Worked as Journeymen's helper building dies, jigs and fixtures. Machined various aerospace castings to specifications.
- Gained valuable experience machining very hard materials such as Inconel and Hastelloy.
- Performed preventative maintenance to all shop equipment.
Education
Solidworks Essentials Parts and Assemblies
CATI Buffalo Grove III
Project Management Level 1
University of Illinois BIS
Advanced Management Training -
ELF
La Porte, INRockhurst College
Chicago, Illinois Advanced Machining Speeds and Feeds
Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences
Cincinnati, OhioACME Apprenticeship School
South Bend, InMachine Tool Theory and Applications
Indiana Vocational Technical College
South Bend, InSkills
- Service excellence
- Inventory Management
- Property Maintenance
- Manufacturing Process Management
- Food Service Management
- Strong Mechanical Understanding
- Worksite organization
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- Hands-on Electrical Experience
- Proficient in MRP Systems
Timeline
Installer Service Specialist
Innoserv / GFS
06.2025 - Current
Lead Quality Technician
Talbert Manufacturing Inc.
02.2025 - 06.2025
Owner/Operator
Lake Shafer Boathouse
08.2022 - 11.2024
Quality Manager
ProAxis Group / Viper Manufacturing
07.2021 - 06.2023
Area Manager Mechanical Systems
JW Hicks
08.2019 - 03.2021
Lead Fabricator
Plymouth Tube Company
03.2008 - 08.2019
Certified Heat Treat Technician
Alcoa Power & Propulsion (Howmet)
09.2006 - 08.2007
Self-Employed Restaurant Owner Operator
DT Enterprises
04.2001 - 06.2007
Production Manager
ELF Machinery / EPAK Machinery
12.1988 - 06.2001
Apprentice Tool & Die Maker
Mayer Tool & Die
01.1985 - 01.1988
Solidworks Essentials Parts and Assemblies
CATI Buffalo Grove III
Project Management Level 1
University of Illinois BIS
Advanced Management Training -
ELF
Rockhurst College
Advanced Machining Speeds and Feeds
Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences
ACME Apprenticeship School
Machine Tool Theory and Applications
Indiana Vocational Technical College