Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Goodyear 2024 Best Practice Award
Priorworkhistory
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Kody Fuqua

Cache,OK

Summary

Experienced Quality Specialist with over 13 years of expertise in the manufacturing industry, specifically with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Skilled in data analysis and leading cross-functional teams to improve processes, reduce costs, and ensure product and process quality. Strong background in project management, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. Committed to maintaining a safe work environment and driving continuous improvement. Professional leader with a proven ability to guide teams towards achieving objectives and enhancing productivity. Reliable and adaptable, fostering a collaborative environment. Known for strategic planning skills and effective conflict resolution.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality Specialist-Plant Focused Improvement Team Leader

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
04.2011 - Current
  • Lead cross-functional Focused Improvement teams to optimize processes and reduce waste/cost
  • Use data analysis to determine top losses and key performance indicators
  • Consult with leadership on appropriate technology applications and developed new technologies to improve existing processes
  • Present technical ideas effectively across teams and drove innovative product concepts, processes, and technologies
  • Improve project management tools and standards, executing projects from initiation to completion
  • Deliver project objectives through detailed planning and risk management
  • Utilize DMAIC problem-solving to assist in process improvement and resolving systemic issues
  • Teach the DMAIC problem-solving methodology throughout the plant to process owners
  • Work with other manufacturing facilities to implement best practices for similar issues from other plants
  • Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
  • Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
  • Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
  • Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
  • Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development.
  • Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
  • Coordinated resources effectively to meet project deadlines and achieve desired results.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental meetings to streamline project execution, fostering collaborative work environment.
  • Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
  • Facilitated culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and innovative solutions from all team members.

Business Center Quality Specialist

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Identify gaps in quality reporting and identification, build quality systems to assist in problem-solving strategies
  • Collaborate with internal and external resources using data-driven analysis for effective decision-making
  • Perform and implement quality assurance audits to identify root problems
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word)
  • Address unfamiliar problems creatively and effectively
  • Regularly analyzed daily waste costs and led process improvement and troubleshooting initiatives
  • Conduct cured tire analysis and inspection on non-conforming products
  • Provide performance reviews and maintained communication with leadership on quality issues
  • Quality presence and support for downstream stakeholders
  • Quality representation for quality related issues coming out of the business center
  • Managed pay and scheduling for business center quality technicians using AS400/Gold Colors

Balance Machine Setup Technician

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Maintained and set up balance machines for proper tire imbalance checks
  • Ensured the continuous operation of the conveyor process
  • Achieved faster changeovers by effectively managing tools, fixtures, and materials required for machine setup processes.
  • Developed expertise in multiple machines within the facility, enhancing versatility as a technician and fostering greater collaboration among team members.
  • Maintained accurate records of machine setups, adjustments, and maintenance activities to facilitate data-driven decision making.
  • Reduced downtime with swift identification and resolution of technical issues in machinery setup.
  • Improved machine efficiency by conducting thorough preventive maintenance and routine inspections.
  • Updated job knowledge through continuous learning opportunities such as industry events, seminars, webinars, or online courses.
  • Trained new employees on proper multi-machine operation.

Cured Tire Classifier

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Disposition tires according to standards, ensuring customer requirements were met
  • Performed quality assurance checks and communicated issues with other departments
  • Improved communication between departments, fostering a collaborative work atmosphere that boosted overall performance.
  • Communicated with coworkers and management to report challenges.

Area Manager

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2014 - 01.2020
  • Managed safety, quality, and production in final finish testing and inspection, overseeing 50+ employees
  • Managed labor costs and ensured accurate daily payroll for associates
  • Conducted associate performance reviews and encouraged involvement in safety, quality, and production processes
  • Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Conducted training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
  • Assessed reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements, and implement changes.
  • Continuously improved operational procedures through ongoing evaluation of existing practices, incorporating feedback from team members and adopting industry best practices.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining detailed records and documentation as required.
  • Optimized staffing levels by closely monitoring workload demands and adjusting schedules accordingly.

Enhancer/Inspector/Reliever

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2011 - 01.2020
  • Enhanced and inspected tires for defects, meeting customer requirements
  • Reset balance machines and operated forklifts/powered vehicles
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations through meticulous attention to detail during inspections.
  • Upheld codes and regulations governing materials, processes, and procedures.
  • Improved quality assurance procedures to minimize errors and increase effectiveness of inspections.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Human Resource Management

Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA
05.2021

Skills

  • MS Office Suite
  • One Drive
  • Outlook
  • Google Docs
  • Windows OS
  • Mac OS
  • Cross functional team management
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Data collection
  • Data analysis
  • Adaptability
  • Organization and prioritization
  • People management
  • Public speaking
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Trouble shooting
  • Root cause analysis
  • Decision making
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem solving
  • Investigation
  • Quality systems management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Team motivation
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Project management
  • Excellent communication
  • Process analysis
  • Quality assurance
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Reliability
  • Team leadership
  • Effective communication

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of six staff members as project team leader.
  • Led in the development of a new plant wide Upstream Defect Alert System.
  • Achieved $300,000 in savings by leading a cross functional team into completing a 90 day focused improvement waste reduction project with accuracy and efficiency.

Certification

  • Akron DMAIC Training - Gordon Brown
  • JIT (Job Information Trainer) Certification
  • EMT Basic Training - Great Plains Technology Center
  • Area Manager Training
  • On-the-Job Safety Training
  • OSHA Free for 14 Years

Goodyear 2024 Best Practice Award

Led a cross functional focused improvement team into reducing process waste by 62%. A savings of over $300,000. 

Priorworkhistory

2007-2009, Restaurant management, Granite countertop fabrication management

Interests

  • Tech enthusiast, passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations
  • I have a passion for photography and editing photos
  • Adventure Travel
  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination

Timeline

Business Center Quality Specialist

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2020 - 01.2023

Balance Machine Setup Technician

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2018 - 01.2020

Cured Tire Classifier

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2017 - 01.2020

Area Manager

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2014 - 01.2020

Quality Specialist-Plant Focused Improvement Team Leader

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
04.2011 - Current

Enhancer/Inspector/Reliever

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
01.2011 - 01.2020
  • Akron DMAIC Training - Gordon Brown
  • JIT (Job Information Trainer) Certification
  • EMT Basic Training - Great Plains Technology Center
  • Area Manager Training
  • On-the-Job Safety Training
  • OSHA Free for 14 Years

Bachelor of Science - Human Resource Management

Upper Iowa University
Kody Fuqua