Thomas Brehmer
Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC
Menomonee falls,WI
33
years of professional experience
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Work History
Safety Director
11 Years 8 Months- Reduced recurring safety incidents by 30% through implementing an enhanced incident investigation and root cause analysis process
- Developed and implemented an ergonomics and dynamic stretching initiative that reduced soft tissue injuries by 45%
- Designed and launched a comprehensive driver training program for 140 CDL drivers, reduced new driver collision rate
- Provided strategic leadership for Environmental, Health & Safety programs supporting large-scale food distribution operations, including transportation, warehouse, fleet, and construction activities
- Assisted and gave mentorship to a regional team of 28 Safety Directors and Managers during the Regional Safety Director's absence, demonstrating executive-level leadership and organizational influence
- Directed workers' compensation management to reduce lost-time injuries and enhance return-to-work outcomes
- Enhanced environmental awareness initiatives to reduce environmental risk and waste generation
- Established safety standards and contractor oversight protocols for an $80million facility expansion project, minimizing construction-related risk exposure
- Analyzed safety data trends to identify emerging risks and developed targeted prevention strategies in collaboration with operations teams
Command Sergeant Major (retired)
30 Years 8 Months- Served as the senior enlisted advisor responsible for organizational readiness, workforce development, operational execution, and leadership of geographically dispersed teams across multiple states.
- Led operational oversight for 2,200 personnel across 16 locations in six states
- Transformed an underperforming engineering company into the highest-performing unit in the Battalion, earning recognition as the Army Reserve's top Engineer Company.
- Increased recruitment of professional engineers by 25% through development and execution of a strategic talent acquisition initiative.
- Directed leadership development efforts for a 200-person workforce,significantly improving accountability and organizational performance.
- Managed more than $10 million in construction projects, consistently delivering projects on or ahead of schedule.
- Oversaw training and development of 100 Afghan National Army engineering personnel.
- Developed force protection and risk management plans supporting multiple military installations in Afghanistan.
- Reduced excess inventory by 50% and successfully coordinated the disposition of more than $10 million in assets through improved forecasting and operational planning.
- Instituted comprehensive mentorship programs that enhanced leadership capabilities across all enlisted ranks, resulting in improved unit cohesion and retention rates
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Environmental, Health & Safety Manager
3 Years 11 Months- Directed EHS strategy and compliance programs across multiple manufacturing operations while managing EHS staff, occupational health personnel, and a $500,000 capital budget.
- Reduced OSHA Recordable Incident Rate from 5.36 to 0.67 over three years,generating more than $1 million in cost avoidance.
- Influenced executive leadership to invest $150,000 in OSHA-compliant dust collection upgrades, improving air quality, production efficiency, and product quality.
- Implemented a machine coolant management program that reduced dermatitis cases, extended tool life, and generated $20,000 in annual savings.
- Established EHS performance metrics and annual KPI frameworks to drive continuous improvement.
- Led deployment of the DuPont STOP behavior-based safety program,strengthening accountability and employee engagement.
- Directed root cause analysis initiatives for high-risk incidents, reducing repeat occurrences by 30% through targeted corrective actions
Environmental, Health and Safety Supervisor
1 Year 6 Months- Provided EHS leadership for a 450-employee aluminum die-cast manufacturing facility.
Developed and implemented the organization's first comprehensive safety manual and employee training system. - Successfully resolved 14 OSHA citations inherited from prior inspections.
Negotiated compliance timelines with OSHA, enabling installation of$180,000 in corrective equipment upgrades. - Implemented a comprehensive Safety Management System that strengthened regulatory compliance and operational discipline.
- Introduced an employee-driven safety suggestion program that improved hazard recognition and workforce participation.
Environmental, Health & Safety Supervisor
2 Years 10 Months- Managed EHS operations across two manufacturing facilities while leading a five-member team and overseeing a $250,000 operating budget.
- Reduced accident rates by 50% through implementation of behavior-based safety initiatives, generating approximately $400,000 in savings.
- Achieved 18 months without a lost-time injury and 334 consecutive days without an OSHA recordable incident.
- Delivered the corporation's lowest waste-per-production-ton metric for three consecutive years, saving approximately $200,000 annually.
- Established a cross-functional safety committee that reduced recurring incidents by 30% and strengthened employee engagement.
Education
Master of Science in Management - Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Leadership
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Safety
Skills
Operations Management
Lean Management
Safety regulations
Continuous Improvement.
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
Performance Tracking
Team collaboration
Problem solving
Decision making
Timeline
Safety Director
Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC
12.2014 - CurrentRead More
Environmental, Health & Safety Manager
Rexnord LLC
01.2011 - 12.2014Read More
Environmental, Health and Safety Supervisor
Pace Industries
06.2010 - 12.2011Read More
Environmental, Health & Safety Supervisor
Grede Foundries
05.2006 - 03.2009Read More
Command Sergeant Major (retired)
U.S. Army Reserves
06.1993 - 02.2024Read More
Excelsior College
Master of Science in Management from Organizational Leadership
Read More
US Army Sergeants Major Academy
from Strategic Leadership
Read More
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Bachelor of Science from Occupational Safety
Read More