Open To Work
MICHAEL REIBER
Operations Executive
Verona,WI
Summary
Operations leader with a strong background in operational excellence and continuous improvement at Didion Milling, Inc. Expertise in Lean methodologies and KPI analytics, driving $2.24M in revenue growth. Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and enhance accountability, resulting in an 80% reduction in turnover.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Operations Consultant / Operations People Leader
Didion Milling, Inc.
Cambria, WI
06.2023 - 06.2025
- Increased bulk load-out (truck and rail) revenue by $2.24M through process optimization, capacity balancing, and throughput improvements.
- Delivered $750K in annualized ROI through targeted capital investments focused on safety, reliability, and performance improvement.
- Established KPI-driven management routines and accountability systems, fostering cultural shift toward continuous improvement and disciplined execution.
- Developed and mentored departmental leadership and succession pipelines, achieving 80% reduction in turnover and enhancing bench strength.
- Led enterprise-wide operational standardization across production, maintenance, logistics, and safety functions, aligning plant execution with corporate performance expectations.
Operations Consultant/ Director of Operations
Dancing Goat Distillery, LLC
Cambridge, WI
02.2017 - 05.2023
- Directed daily operations for Wisconsin's largest craft distillery, overseeing production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and logistics.
- Spearheaded design-build expansion projects, increasing operational capacity by over five times through organic growth and acquisitions.
- Executed capital investments exceeding $30M, delivering scalable infrastructure and enhanced production flow.
- Managed facility design, construction, commissioning, and start-up of award-winning production operations for national distribution.
- Developed resilient supply chain utilizing locally sourced materials to ensure quality consistency and cost control.
Director of Operations / Consultant / Board Member
Prefense LLC / Prefense Holdings LLC
Madison, WI
05.2014 - 02.2017
- Advised executive leadership and board on operational strategy, capital planning, and organizational design to align organizational goals with business objectives.
- Designed and implemented scalable, end-to-end supply chain and operating models, enhancing cost efficiency and service responsiveness.
- Repositioned operations post-acquisition by launching new consulting and product divisions, achieving operational stability and growth restoration.
Director of Supply Chain & Operations
Back to Nature Foods, Inc.
Naples, FL
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Expanded North American supply chain and contract manufacturing network from 5 to 11 partners, enhancing production capacity and flexibility.
- Consolidated nine distribution operations into a single centralized distribution center, improving service levels and reducing logistics cost.
- Implemented Lean planning and cross-functional S&OP processes, achieving $2.8M in annualized savings.
- Enhanced inventory turns, customer service, and demand responsiveness through disciplined planning and execution, supporting overall supply chain efficiency.
Director of Operations / Member & Investor
Death’s Door Spirits LLC
Madison, WI
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Directed design, build, and operational start-up of Wisconsin’s largest artisanal distillery from concept through full-scale production.
- Deployed $5M in capital assets to expand production capacity and streamline operational flow.
- Tripled agricultural yields through innovative farm-to-distillery supply partnerships, significantly boosting raw material supply.
- Directed spirits processing, bottling, case packing, and palletization operations for domestic and international distribution, enhancing product availability.
Vice President of Manufacturing
CJ Foods, Inc.
Bern, KS
08.2009 - 05.2011
- Managed capital expansion initiatives, resulting in 125% increase in manufacturing capacity across multiple states.
- Directed modernization of pet food manufacturing plants and greenfield construction, facilitating support for rapid growth.
- Reduced order-to-cash cycle time by 21% through technology deployment and process optimization.
- Contributed to achievement of Inc. 5000 recognition as a Fastest-Growing Private Company.
Plant Manager / Corporate Manufacturing Liaison / Supply Chain Manager
Hostess Brands / Interstate Brands Corp.
, KS
05.1999 - 08.2009
- Led flagship bakery operations with 720 union employees, achieving
- Delivered $3.4M in annualized savings through process optimization, labor productivity improvements, and strategic vendor alignment.
- Initiated multi-site Lean and continuous improvement initiatives and SAP ERP implementations, standardizing processes and enhancing data integrity.
- Directed corporate investigations into internal fraud, recovering over $350K and reinforcing operational and financial controls.
- Designed and launched succession development programs that developed multiple plant managers and vice presidents.
Education
Executive MBA -
Benedictine College
Atchison, KSBachelor of Science - Sociology
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KSSkills
- Plant management
- Operational excellence
- Lean and continuous improvement tools
- KPI dashboards and performance analytics
- Production scheduling
- Maintenance and reliability systems
- Supply chain and S&OP
- Warehouse management systems
- Regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- ERP platforms (SAP, Dynamics, JD Edwards)
Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction (2025)
• Forklift Certification (2025)
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) – Registrar (2025)
• Class A CDL with Tanker & HazMat Endorsements (2025)
• Rail Ground Operations & Safety (2025)
• HeartSafe First Aid, CPR & AED Certification (2024)
• Food Safety & Sanitation – Hydrite Chemical (2022)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – In Progress
• Forklift Certification (2025)
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) – Registrar (2025)
• Class A CDL with Tanker & HazMat Endorsements (2025)
• Rail Ground Operations & Safety (2025)
• HeartSafe First Aid, CPR & AED Certification (2024)
• Food Safety & Sanitation – Hydrite Chemical (2022)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – In Progress
Military Service
U.S. Army, Captain, Executive Officer – Ordnance Corps, 05/01/86, 02/01/99, Progressed from enlisted to commissioned officer; led maintenance, logistics, and operational planning teams in combat and peacetime missions., Decorated veteran; honorable discharge.
Accomplishments
Build Wisconsin AGC Unique Electrical Award (2021).
Varco Pruden "Best in Class" (2018)
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridSalary Range
$120000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Operations Consultant / Operations People Leader
Didion Milling, Inc.
06.2023 - 06.2025
Operations Consultant/ Director of Operations
Dancing Goat Distillery, LLC
02.2017 - 05.2023
Director of Operations / Consultant / Board Member
Prefense LLC / Prefense Holdings LLC
05.2014 - 02.2017
Director of Supply Chain & Operations
Back to Nature Foods, Inc.
01.2013 - 05.2014
Director of Operations / Member & Investor
Death’s Door Spirits LLC
06.2011 - 12.2012
Vice President of Manufacturing
CJ Foods, Inc.
08.2009 - 05.2011
Plant Manager / Corporate Manufacturing Liaison / Supply Chain Manager
Hostess Brands / Interstate Brands Corp.
05.1999 - 08.2009
Executive MBA -
Benedictine College
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Kansas State University