Nicholas Krause
Summary
Dynamic Continuous Improvement Specialist with experience in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, driving production efficiency and team engagement at Sapporo-Stone Brewing. Known for leading impactful initiatives and training programs to enhance operational performance. Proven track record in data analysis and strategic leadership to elevate equipment effectiveness, safety standards, and good manufacturing practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Continuous Improvement Specialist, Packaging
Sapporo-Stone Brewing
Richmond, VA
08.2024 - Current
- Enhanced production line efficiency through targeted Lean manufacturing strategies.
- Initiated and developed a comprehensive training program, reducing production downtime.
- Led cross-functional Kaizen groups, significantly improving equipment effectiveness.
- Established stringent cleaning standards, reducing contamination risks.
Senior Brewer I
Stone Brewing
Richmond, VA
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Led project utilizing DMAIC tools to analyze historical data and enhance beer filtering yields, exceeding 6% increase goal.
- Achieved $68K loss reduction in one quarter through targeted DMAIC process improvements.
- Implemented design changes to automation and equipment, eliminating high-risk beer spoilage contamination.
- Coordinated equipment installation efforts within department for plant's $30 million expansion project.
Brewer
Sapporo-Stone Brewing
Richmond, VA
06.2019 - 02.2023
- Standardized yeast cell counting method, allowing more predictable and healthier fermentation.
- Evaluated exhaust line foam reduction techniques, minimizing water usage during fermentation by thousands of gallons.
- Configured automated Clean-In-Place recipes to improve effectiveness of soil removal while preventing equipment wear.
Assistant Brewer
Chaos Mountain Brewing
Callaway, VA
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Enhanced brewhouse efficiencies by refining lautering and mash re-circulation techniques.
- Operated, maintained, and cleaned 7BBL and 30BBL brewhouses, alongside cellar vessels and packaging tools.
- Introduced innovative cleaning practices to eradicate organic residues, eliminating beer off-flavors.
- Analyzed and corrected calculation tool for determining product fermentation results, resulting in more accurate specification.
Engineering Project Manager
Coilcraft
Cary, IL
02.2006 - 04.2017
- Led engineering teams to achieve project objectives in product design and manufacturing enhancements.
- Coordinated with suppliers and machine engineers to forecast production costs and ROI.
- Mentored junior and senior engineers and provided guidance on best practices.
- Managed project timelines and resource allocation for optimal efficiency.
- Coordinated design reviews and ensured adherence to engineering standards.
Design Engineer
Coilcraft
Cary, Illinois
01.2007 - 02.2013
- Evaluated electrical component designs and production processes through FMEA, DOE, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Designed new inductor products compliant with UL, NEMA, and IEC safety standards.
- Utilized SolidWorks and electronic analyzers to optimize and verify inductor performance.
- Conducted independent research to develop a unique product line, securing first team leadership role.
Engineering Technician
Coilcraft
Cary,, IL
05.2006 - 01.2007
- Evaluated new materials and product concepts in collaboration with design engineers.
- Tested and analyzed prototype and legacy products for performance and reliability.
- Created and maintained comprehensive product design documentation to ensure accuracy.
Education
Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering Program -
American Brewers Guild
Middlebury, VT01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
DeVry University
Addison, IL01.2002
Skills
- Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
- Project management and leadership
- Technical drawing and 3D modeling
- Prototype design and development
- Equipment installation
- Safety conscious
- Process documentation
- Team training
Certification
ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt, 05/24
Timeline
Continuous Improvement Specialist, Packaging
Sapporo-Stone Brewing
08.2024 - Current
Senior Brewer I
Stone Brewing
02.2023 - 07.2024
Brewer
Sapporo-Stone Brewing
06.2019 - 02.2023
Assistant Brewer
Chaos Mountain Brewing
08.2017 - 06.2019
Design Engineer
Coilcraft
01.2007 - 02.2013
Engineering Technician
Coilcraft
05.2006 - 01.2007
Engineering Project Manager
Coilcraft
02.2006 - 04.2017
Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering Program -
American Brewers Guild
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
DeVry University
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