Harrell Ward

Dynamic leader with proven success in transforming businesses especially

those with international supply chains while improving both the top and

bottom line. Experienced in business growth and expansion with major

emphasis in new product design and instituting Lean Management principles

in either a domestic or internationally setting. A career of success in

developing and implementing innovative approaches to grow top on the

average 20% and bottom lines 15%, while improving business productivity,

developing employees, and company performance in both union and nonunion

environments.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2012 to Present: Light Sport America Inc. (Aircraft Manufacturer) and

Arrow Management of Tennessee (Business Management

Consultant)

Position: Chief Operation Officer and Executive Vice President &

Business Management Consultant

Provided operational leadership in the purchase and startup planning

of Light Sport America, Inc.'s brownfield opportunity business in

Bartow, Florida. The company is in the final stages of acquiring the

assets of Storm Aircraft, a thirty year old business located in Italy

and Tunisia.

Provided guidance to principal investors during the due diligence

process for venture capital investments. Performed operations,

management, and financial audits while making improvement

recommendations for businesses seeking investments. Managed

transition of ownership and implementation of needed improvements.

. Analyzed parts needed for aircraft production to define make

versus buy and established both organizational needs to enter

market with a product 10 % below present market.

. Established qualified supply chain to purchase materials and

quality system to meet FAA Part 23 standards.

. Worked with community and state agencies to obtain potentially

$250,000 in grants and funding for employee training, both

reemployment and on the job.

. Lead due diligence team in the analysis of manufacturing

businesses to improve the investment cash return by 15% by

reducing inventory and increasing turns for a venture capital

group.

. Worked with incumbent management teams to implement changes in

operations and business systems in improve production 16%.

2003 to 2012: MECO Corporation (Folding Furniture and Outdoor Grills)

Greeneville, Tennessee

Position: President

Provided the vision and leadership to turnaround a 50 year old company

supplying the mass retailers to an international company growing

revenues from $40 million to $90 million while increasing profits.

The strategic objectives were to increase top line sales with new

products, while increasing market share in core offerings, implement

lean principles throughout the organization, and develop best cost

partnership with customers and suppliers on worldwide bases.

. Built and open an additional manufacturing facility in Saltillo,

Mexico transferring products from our China manufacturing

operation.

. 15%. CAGR in Revenue moving the company to black in 3 years.

. Implement rapid product development process to increase new

products to market measured by percentage of sales from products

less than 3 years old. Current percentage is 41% of sales are

products less than 3 years old.

. Set up manufacturing and suppliers in China, England, Italy, and

Vietnam and joint ventures with a U.S. manufacturer and

retailer.

. Redefined core business to improve product margins and customer

base.

. Developed and launched three new business emphases under the

MECO Corporation umbrella, including the acquisition of

Greeneville Stone.

1999 to 2003 The HON Company (Metal Office Furniture)

Muscatine, Iowa

Position: Vice President and General Manager

Managed and provided leadership for the transformation of all

activities at HON's Metal Case goods manufacturing facility in

Muscatine, Iowa improving inventory turns from 3 to 10, with a double

digit productivity improvement. Full P & L responsibility for a $180

million facility employing 650 non-union members in multiple

facilities with five product centered focus factories that were

committed to customer and manufacturing excellence. Three time Silver

winner of Iowa Quality Excellence Award, and site visit finalist for

Shingo Award for Manufacturing Excellence.

1988 to 1999 Danaher Corporation (Tire Changers, Wheel Balancers and

Wheel Weights)

Hennessy Industries

LaVergne, Tennessee

Position: Manager of Plant Operations

Position: Manager of BADA Division

1985 to 1988 General Electric Company (Refrigeration)

Columbia, Tennessee

Position: Manager, Automated Machining (1986 - 1988)

1982 to 1985 Webb Equipment Company (Distribution Storage System)

Jacksonville, Florida

1977 - 1982 General Electric Company

PATENTS

Two Patents Granted

One Patent Pending

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration - 2012

Bryan College

Graduate - 1980 Bachelor of Science - 1977

Manufacturing Management Program Middle Tennessee State

University

General Electric Corporation

PROFESSIONAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (1974-Present) Visual Research Foundation

(2013-Present)

CEO Peer Group (2007 - Present) Shingo Prize Trained Auditor

Board of Directors (2009 - 2012) Guest

lecturer - Professional Groups

Better Business Bureau of Greater East Tennessee (Productivity, ASQE,

Iowa Manufacturers)

Certified Credit Counselor (2005-Present) Guest lecturer -

Colleges and Universities

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (Western Kentucky, Iowa

State, Tusculum)

Member AME Member SME

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