Edward Sobczak
Florissant,US
Summary
Dynamic Powder Coat Production Manager with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector. Specialized in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, consistently driving efficiency and productivity. Achieved significant reductions in downtime through effective inventory management and preventive maintenance strategies. Led teams in enhancing product quality while ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. Committed to leveraging expertise at potential employers to boost operational performance and team engagement.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Powder Coat Production Manager
C.R. Metal Products
Creve Coeur
06.2024 - 11.2025
- Aligning build schedules with available parts and materials, assigning work, and refining plans based on shortages to achieve daily targets and meet customer deadlines.
- Ensuring a steady flow of materials through the pre-treatment, coating, and curing stages while minimizing downtime.
- Monitoring machine gauges and equipment operation to identify defects, coordinating preventive maintenance, and resolving equipment issues (e.g., in spray guns, hoppers, wash booths, and ovens) to reduce production delays.
- Overseeing and managing inventory levels of powders, chemicals, and supplies, while liaising with purchasing to maintain adequate stock.
- Implementing continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to boost efficiency, minimize waste, and enhance productivity.
- Performing regular visual and physical inspections of finished products for quality, coating uniformity, adhesion, and thickness, ensuring compliance with customer specifications.
- Conducting routine chemical analyses (e.g., pH, conductivity) for pre-treatment systems and executing necessary adjustments to uphold coating performance.
- Serving as the primary technical resource for frontline issues and initiating corrective actions for nonconformance issues (NCRs).
- Establishing and enforcing safe work practices for all processes, ensuring team members receive proper training in safety protocols, and conducting regular safety audits.
- Guaranteeing compliance with environmental regulations such as OSHA and EPA standards, and maintaining documentation for all safety training and procedures.
- Ensuring thorough cleaning and maintenance of paint booths, associated components, and the overall work area to defined standards.
- Leading, managing, training, and coaching a team of powder coaters and operators, which includes conducting performance evaluations and managing schedules and time-off requests.
- Collaborating with cross-functional departments (maintenance, logistics, quality, and production planning) to guarantee smooth operations and effective shift transitions.
- Ensuring all production and operational data, such as timecards, quality records, and performance metrics (KPIs), are accurately completed and documented.
Facility Mechanical/Maintenance Technician Supervisor
C.R. Metal Products
Creve Coeur
05.2019 - 06.2024
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on machinery and equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues and applied effective solutions to minimize downtime.
- Executed regular inspections of equipment to identify potential problems and avert breakdowns.
- Collaborated with team members to develop preventive maintenance schedules for all machinery.
- Installed new equipment and machinery according to manufacturer specifications.
- Utilized technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics to troubleshoot complex mechanical systems.
- Maintained detailed records of maintenance activities, including repairs, replacements, and inspections.
- Calibrated machines and made adjustments as necessary for optimal performance.
- Coordinated the ordering of necessary parts and supplies in a timely manner to support maintenance operations.
- Implemented safety protocols in accordance with industry standards to foster a safe working environment for all employees.
- Responded promptly to emergency repair requests, mitigating production delays.
- Trained new technicians on proper maintenance procedures and safety guidelines.
- Collaborated with engineers on the design of new equipment installations or modifications.
- Assisted in the formulation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for maintenance tasks.
- Repaired hydraulic systems by replacing faulty components such as pumps or valves.
- Lubricated moving parts of machinery regularly to minimize friction and prevent wear.
- Maintained inventory levels of spare parts to ensure availability when needed.
- Operated power tools such as drills, grinders, or saws safely, adhering to established guidelines.
- Inspected safety devices on machines regularly to guarantee compliance with regulations.
- Disassembled defective machines or equipment for repair purposes, then reassembled them correctly.
- Scheduled periodic cleanings of machinery components such as filters or belts.
MIG Welder/Fabricator - Powder Coat Painter/Assembly
National Cart
Saint Charles
07.2018 - 05.2019
- Executed MIG welding tasks primarily while also assisting in the assembly and powder coat departments as required.
TIG Welder/Fabricator
Metalflex Sales Inc
Berkeley
02.2006 - 06.2017
- Fabricated flex connectors for pipefitters designed for expansion and contraction (seismic movement).
- Responsibilities included a diverse range of preparatory work (cutting, grinding fittings), comprehensive measurements of specific flex connectors (stainless, steel, and copper), and fabricating, testing, and packing the final products.
- Primarily engaged in the fabrication of braided corrugated metal hoses and attached fittings through TIG welding or copper sweating processes.
- Managed welding tasks either using a turntable or maneuvering around the flex connector or pipe during welding or brazing procedures.
- Performed TIG welding on various metal materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel.
- Fabricated and assembled metal components in accordance with blueprints and specifications.
- Ensured superior weld quality through thorough visual inspections and utilization of measuring tools such as calipers and gauges.
- Operated welding equipment, including TIG torches, power sources, grinders, and plasma cutters, effectively and safely.
- Maintained a pristine and organized work area to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Interpreted technical drawings, schematics, and diagrams to ascertain project requirements accurately.
- Utilized hand tools like hammers, clamps, jigs, and fixtures for proper alignment during the fabrication process.
- Adhered to established safety protocols while managing hazardous materials, complying with OSHA guidelines.
- Troubleshot welding equipment issues proactively to reduce downtime through preventive maintenance practices.
- Accomplished a significant percentage of assigned projects ahead of schedule without compromising quality or safety standards.
- Contributed to the training of new welders in proper TIG welding techniques and best practices.
- Maintained accurate records of completed work orders, including materials used, hours worked, and project specifics.
- Actively participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity levels.
- Collaborated closely with supervisors to prioritize tasks based on project deadlines.
- Demonstrated mastery in reading complex blueprints accurately to ensure precise fabrication measurements.
- Monitored inventory levels of consumables such as filler rods, gas cylinders, and tungsten electrodes to secure an uninterrupted workflow.
- Cooperated with the quality control team to perform weld inspections and address any non-conformities identified.
- Implemented safety measures, including effective ventilation systems and personal protective equipment (PPE), to mitigate health risks associated with welding operations.
- Contributed to cost-saving initiatives by identifying alternative materials or methods for fabrication without sacrificing quality.
Collection Representative
May Co./Macy's
Earth City
01.2001 - 05.2005
- Managed collection files/accounts that were 30 to 180 days past due, making outgoing calls and receiving incoming calls regarding delinquent credit card accounts.
- Negotiated current and future payment arrangements with clients while processing credit card payments over the phone.
- Documented all communications and actions taken on each individual account accurately.
- Oversaw a portfolio of customer accounts, consistently achieving or exceeding monthly collection targets.
- Implemented an automated reminder system to notify customers of impending payment due dates, leading to a reduction in late payments by a notable percentage.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with clients to expedite prompt resolution of billing inquiries and disputes.
- Employed skip tracing techniques to locate and contact customers with outstanding debts.
- Analyzed credit reports and financial statements to evaluate customers' capacity to repay debts.
- Provided regular updates on account statuses and collection efforts to management and other stakeholders.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints regarding billing discrepancies or payment issues efficiently and effectively.
- Conducted thorough investigations into disputed charges or fraudulent activities related to customer accounts.
- Maintained meticulous records of all customer communications, including phone calls, emails, and letters sent.
- Developed tailored repayment plans based on individual customer circumstances while adhering strictly to company policies.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing debt collection practices.
- Collaborated with external agencies, such as credit bureaus and collection attorneys, to facilitate successful debt recovery efforts.
Sales Associate/Assistant Manager
St Louis Tan Co
Maryland Heights
03.1998 - 01.2001
- Welcomed new and existing clients, educating them on safe tanning practices in an enclosed environment while building and maintaining client relationships.
- Sales activities included discussing suitable tanning memberships/packages, lotions, and aftercare products tailored to each individual client's needs.
- Managed cash bank deposits every evening and faxed daily totals/sales to the corporate office.
- Delivered exemplary customer service to clients, ensuring a personalized and positive experience.
- Demonstrated extensive product knowledge regarding tanning services and packages to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions.
- Achieved marked increases in sales through the active promotion and upselling of tanning lotions, moisturizers, and accessories.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients via effective communication and follow-up, resulting in a high rate of repeat business.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the tanning salon to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
- Educated clients on safe tanning practices and recommended appropriate exposure times based on individual skin types.
- Collaborated with colleagues to reach monthly sales targets through effective teamwork and support.
- Handled cash register transactions accurately while adhering to company policies concerning payment processing procedures.
- Engaged in ongoing product training sessions to stay updated on the latest trends, features, and benefits of tanning products.
- Contributed innovative ideas for enhancing sales techniques, promotional events, or customer engagement initiatives during team meetings.
Education
Associates - Massage Therapy, Physiology & Anatomy of Applied Science
Allied/Anthem
Earth City01.2007
High School Diploma or GED - undefined
McCluer Senior High School
Florissant, United States06.1998
Skills
Hydraulics
Mechanical knowledge
Mechanical engineering
Mechanic experience
Facilities Maintenance
Welder Fabricator
Manufacturing management
Sheet metal
Data Entry
Mig welding
Painting
ERP systems
Manufacturing
Hand tools
Welding
Tooling
Forklift
Maintenance
Power tools
Manufacturing company experience
TIG welding
Assembly
Powder coating
Quality Control
Process Improvement
Inventory Management
Production Scheduling
Equipment Maintenance
Safety and Compliance
Guest services
Customer Service/Sales
Supervising experience
Customer support
Communication skills
Team Leadership
Problem Solving
Certification
Forklift Certification
Languages
Spanish Intermediate
Timeline
Powder Coat Production Manager
C.R. Metal Products
06.2024 - 11.2025
Facility Mechanical/Maintenance Technician Supervisor
C.R. Metal Products
05.2019 - 06.2024
MIG Welder/Fabricator - Powder Coat Painter/Assembly
National Cart
07.2018 - 05.2019
TIG Welder/Fabricator
Metalflex Sales Inc
02.2006 - 06.2017
Collection Representative
May Co./Macy's
01.2001 - 05.2005
Sales Associate/Assistant Manager
St Louis Tan Co
03.1998 - 01.2001
Associates - Massage Therapy, Physiology & Anatomy of Applied Science
Allied/Anthem
High School Diploma or GED - undefined
McCluer Senior High School