Eric Karns
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Results-driven maintenance professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving across diverse environments. Proven track record as a Maintenance Reliability Planner Supervisor at Kellanova, complemented by hands-on expertise in maintenance at Mr. Car Wash and ownership of Elk Brewing. Proficient in SAP, project planning, and scheduling, with a strong ability to lead maintenance teams to achieve operational excellence. Comprehensive knowledge of fabrication techniques enhances the ability to ensure efficiency and reliability in all maintenance activities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Maintenance Reliability Planner Supervisor
Kellanova Company
10.2022 - Current
- Lead a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, ensuring efficiency in operations, maintenance, safety, and quality.
- Leading technical teams
- Planning and scheduling maintenance for maximum equipment uptime.
- Developing and implementing reliability-focused maintenance strategies
- Managing maintenance staff and resources effectively
- Contributed to success of RM COE at the Grand Rapids Plant, to phase progress on our KWS journey to Phase 1
Maintenance Technician
Mister Car Wash
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Mechanical aptitude
- Troubleshooting skills
- Established and led the CIPO COE at the Grand Rapids Plant, enabling the site to phase progress on our KWS journey from Phase 1 to Phase 2.
Owner/Maintenance Technician
Elk Brewing LLC
05.2012 - 01.2020
- Managed 50+ employees
- Leading and managing staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Handling day-to-day operational challenges
- Managing brewery finances, setting pricing, and ensuring profitability to support the business's growth.
- Developing comprehensive business plans, securing funding, and navigating the complex process of licensing and permits.
- Overseeing day-to-day brewery operations, including brewing, packaging, distribution and quality control.
Education
B.S. - Psychology
Western Michigan University
12.2012
Military Active Duty Army
12.2004
Skills
- Systems, Applications and Products (SAP)
- Continuous improvement (KWS)
- Autonomous Maintenance (AM, KWS)
- Risk mitigation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Breakdown Elimination (BDE)
- Cross-functional teamwork and building
- Working with suppliers
- Training and development
- Cost control
Certification
- Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue | Crucial Learning, July 2024
- AM College Level 2 | Kellogg Company, June 2022
- Lean Six Sigma | LinkedIn Learning, June 2022
- Operational Excellence | LinkedIn Learning, June 2022
- Project Management Foundations (Requirements & Teams) | LinkedIn Learning, April 2021
- Basic HACCP | Alchemy Academy, December 2020
- Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) | Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, July 2019
- Meat and Poultry Product Labeling Course | The Ohio State University, October 2018
- Seafood HACCP | Association of Food and Drug Officials, December 2016
- SQF Practitioner | SQF Institute, November 2016
HONORS & AWARDS
2020 RVA W.K. Kellogg Values Winner, Kellogg Company | May 2021, Recognized for the big first launch of cereal in the snacking space, and our first true omni-channel launch for cereal. Delivered exceptionally strong business results, including 4.4 out of 5 stars rating by consumers, over $24 million in Gross Sales Value, and a .36% increase in cereal share | Value demonstrated: Passion
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Languages: Spanish & English - Full Proficiency
- Willingness to travel for global projects and initiatives.
Timeline
Maintenance Reliability Planner Supervisor
Kellanova Company
10.2022 - Current
Maintenance Technician
Mister Car Wash
01.2020 - 12.2022
Owner/Maintenance Technician
Elk Brewing LLC
05.2012 - 01.2020
B.S. - Psychology
Western Michigan University
Military Active Duty Army