Paul M. Bauer
Appleton
Summary
Skilled executive leader with comprehensive experience in strategic planning, business development, and financial management. Strong focus on driving organizational success through effective team collaboration and adaptable problem-solving. Proven abilities in leadership, communication, and decision-making to achieve impactful results in dynamic environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Office / General Manager
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Subsidiaries
09.2008 - 01.2025
- Since taking the CEO position in 2008, the goal has been to transition the century old cooperative from a commodity dairy company to a value-added manufacturer of dairy products sold worldwide.
- During that time three locations were added by acquisition and green field construction, giving Ellsworth a more dynamic offering to provide long-term value to the members’ milk.
- The company continues to expand its product lines to over 500 SKUs and has grown from 55 to 380 employees, with milk receipts growing by 300% since 2008.
- A mix of technology, consumer focus, and a team approach has allowed the creamery to reinvent itself for domestic and international markets.
- The steady success of the creamery was accomplished by being a servant leader, using positive negotiations for all parties, and aligning and improving the skills of all employees.
Controller / Administrative Manager
Burnett Dairy Cooperative
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Assisted the cooperative in adding more tools to cost and market specialty cheese through USDA producer grants, technology additions, and asset allocation.
Executive Vice President
Antigo Cheese and Blackfoot Cheese
01.1993 - 01.2006
- Provided leadership of this ESOP Company from the company’s formation to its sale to Sartori Foods. Led the purchase of two existing Kraft Parmesan Plants using modern financing tools to leverage employee stock ownership to fund and grow a startup company.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Business, Farm Management
University of Wisconsin, River Falls
River Falls, WisconsinHigh School Graduate - undefined
Wausau West High School
Wausau, WisconsinSkills
- Strategic expansion
- Visionary leadership
- Process optimization
- Flexibility in changing environments
- Analytical decision making
- Ethics and integrity
- Customer focus
- Talent development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
- Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies.Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 23%.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Wisconsin Cheese Makers Board Member
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board Member
- American Dairy Product Institute (Industry Trade Group), Board Member
- Task Force Member on Federal Milk Marketing Order Reform for National Milk Producers Fed.
- Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, Current President
- Cheese Curd Fest of Ellsworth, Committee Co-Chair
- Chippewa Valley Technical College, Past Board of Trustee Member/ Chair
- Chair of the Library Building Committee for Ellsworth
- Foundation of Chippewa Valley Technical College, Board Member
- Momentum West (Regional Economic Development Group), Board Member
- Federal Reserve Minneapolis District, Advisory Panel Member
Timeline
Chief Executive Office / General Manager
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Subsidiaries
09.2008 - 01.2025
Controller / Administrative Manager
Burnett Dairy Cooperative
01.2007 - 01.2008
Executive Vice President
Antigo Cheese and Blackfoot Cheese
01.1993 - 01.2006
High School Graduate - undefined
Wausau West High School
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Business, Farm Management
University of Wisconsin, River Falls
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