TOM POFAHL
Albert Lea,MN
Summary
Manager with 27+ years overseeing production operations and driving lean, continuous improvement initiatives. Strengths include project management, data analysis, team building, and conflict resolution, applied to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and ensure on-time delivery of quality products. Proven leader who develops frontline talent, enforces safety and 5S standards, and seeks expanded operational responsibility to improve plant performance and profitability.
Experienced with managing production schedules and team performance to ensure timely and quality output. Utilizes strategic planning and problem-solving skills to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Track record of fostering collaborative work environment and navigating complex production challenges.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Zierke Built Manufacturing
10.2025 - 03.2026
- Managed daily operations of the production team achieving 100% on-time delivery of quality products for multiple client orders per week.
- Conducted performance appraisals, set expectations concerning productivity, quality, and attendance, resulting in improved efficiency.
- Analyzed production goals and assigned duties as required to meet quality and on-time delivery expectations for a team of ten employees.
- Improved working conditions while increasing skills and capabilities of employees and reducing workplace incidents by 80%.
- Coordinated with other departments to optimize workflows, supporting company profitability and achieving quarterly targets.
- Implemented and drove the LEAN mentality and vision, leading to a reduction in waste by 50%.
- Managed plant equipment, materials, and machinery, mitigating production delays while minimizing production downtime.
PRODUCTION LEAD
Geotek Inc
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Coordinated and supervised the daily production activities of assigned staff driving production metrics, goals, and aims efficiently.
- Monitored production performance, identified areas of improvement, and initiated corrective action as needed.
- Executed production goals by established industry safety & quality standards while maintaining an organized 5S environment.
- Trained, developed, and mentored production staff in the use of equipment and production processes.
- Developed and implemented production schedules, workflows, as well as employee attendance and performance.
PRODUCTION LEAD
Design Ready Controls
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Managed the Albert Lea plant’s daily and weekly production goals, consistently efficient and on time.
- Dynamic leader ready to aid other production lines mitigating bottlenecks and ending stoppages.
- Reported quality, processes, equipment, materials, and personnel concerns, affecting plant efficiency to direct manager.
- Developed, monitored, and adjusted employee training goals, ensuring company and industry requirements are followed.
- Led and supported continuous improvement efforts, including lean manufacturing and S5 activities.
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Harbor Freight Tools
06.2015 - 04.2021
- Assisted GM maximizing business financial output through solid operational execution and talent management.
- Managed the store’s planograms, pricing, store standards, replenishment, cycle counts, and defects processing.
- Managed daily activities of the Delivery, Freight Flow, Stocking/Receiving and Product Returns Department.
- Managed department training, certification, coaching, and mentoring staff on specialized equipment and sales.
- Administered departmental performance reviews and scheduling to ensure adequate staffing requirements.
DEPARTMENT MANAGER, GANDER MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Gander Mountain
10.2011 - 05.2015
- Drove operational management alongside and in the absence of the Store Manager and other departments.
- Implemented effective marketing strategies using corporate reporting tools and strategies, driving profits.
- Executed P&L operational management goals by mitigating unnecessary excesses while increasing standards.
- Developed expert staff through recruiting, training, evaluating, coaching, annual reviews, and development.
SUPERINTENDENT, COMBAT ARMS TRAINING
US Air Force
11.1999 - 09.2011
- Directed the installation’s firearms training, qualification, and maintenance program8K personnel annually.
- Implemented and coordinated all required training and maintenance activities, maximizing strategic goals.
- Managed training qualification strategies for eleven diverse agencies exceeding operational commitments.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans, performed annual curriculum and instructional design systems reviews.
- Directed installations of small arms, conventional munitions and specialized equipment accounts valued at $6.4M.
- Managed, trained, and coordinated forty-five specialized installation firearms operations and training accounts.
- Managed twenty small arms training instructors and eight arms room attendants: ensuring stringent standards.
Education
A.S. - CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Air University
Maxwell Air Force Base, AL01-2011
Skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Team Building
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Forklift, 2024-10-01, Present, Lackland AFB, TX
- Combat Arms Supervisors Course, 2006, Peterson AFB, CO
- Noncommissioned Officer Academy, 2004, Peterson AFB, CO
Timeline
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
Zierke Built Manufacturing
10.2025 - 03.2026
PRODUCTION LEAD
Geotek Inc
10.2024 - 10.2025
PRODUCTION LEAD
Design Ready Controls
05.2021 - 09.2024
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Harbor Freight Tools
06.2015 - 04.2021
DEPARTMENT MANAGER, GANDER MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Gander Mountain
10.2011 - 05.2015
SUPERINTENDENT, COMBAT ARMS TRAINING
US Air Force
11.1999 - 09.2011
A.S. - CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Air University