BRANDON HOOPER
Toledo, Ohio 43617
April 2, 2010
Dear Human Resources Manager:
I am interested in the Senior Quality Engineering position listed on the
internet. I wish to remain in the Toledo area and find few positions
available in the quality field. I am a team player and am willing to work
in a non management position with growth potential in the future.
My experience is within all areas of a manufacturing firm and I have in
depth "hands-on" experience in the use of six sigma (taught to me at
Motorola, inventor of the process), statistical process control
techniques, advanced quality planning/control plan, audits of ISO 9000
quality systems (base for AS9100), use/application of gauging and
maintenance through gage calibration systems, and problem solving using
Kaizen, 8D, and Kepner Tregoe. Benchmarking, brainstorming, cause-effect
diagrams, check sheets, 5S, dynamic control planning, process flow charts,
poka-yoke, PDSA, pareto analysis, scatter diagrams, and other techniques
are all within my "hands-on" experience. My diverse experience includes
plastics, various metal processes, high volume assembly, electronics and
electro mechanical assemblies, and leadership in quality management
systems in world class companies including a Malcolm Baldridge winner. My
expertise, in depth experience, and a measurable track record all indicate
I could have an immediate positive impact on your business vision and
goals.
A review of my credentials indicates the following:
. Education: BS in Math/Science (I have the skills and experience
managing all engineering ((product, manufacturing, reliability,
tooling)) company wide in Fortune 500 companies.)
. 15+ years Leadership in tier one OEM suppliers (10+ years Plant
Quality Management) Experience with medical, military, automotive,
and industrial customers.
. Expertise in Quality Systems (I have registered several plants to
ISO 9000:2000/TS16949 and QS 90000), Six Sigma, and formal problem
solving (8D, Kepner Tregoe)
. Solid Six Sigma experience (learned at Motorola, inventor of six
sigma) and have initiated a six sigma pilot program in multi plant
environment. Expertise in SPC and "hands on" application experience
in all areas
. Expertise in Lean Manufacturing (Toyota Production System) "hands on"
deployment
. Effective problem solving skills and program development experience
. Strong business acumen with P&L responsibility and turn around
experience
My diverse employment experience and extensive skills have allowed me the
demonstrated ability to positively impact each of my past employers in a
relatively short time period. Each of these qualities, along with my
"hands-on' experience, can be used successfully within project management
as a quality engineer. I would like the opportunity to use these skills
and experience to benefit your plant. Please call me at your convenience.
Sincerely
Brandon Hooper
Brandon C. Hooper
BRANDON C. HOOPER
2540 Wimbledon Park Blvd. Telephone
Toledo, Ohio 43617
*******@***.***
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Quality Professional with proven experience creating company-wide
cultural change. Skilled in organizational and system upgrading and
achieving significant measurable improvement in a multi-plant
environment. A team player with particular strength in Improving
Customer Satisfaction, development and leadership of Problem Solving
Teams, and providing solid cost reduction with increased ROI.
Comprehensive knowledge of quality systems and analytical tools.
Experienced in diverse industries and processes.
CAREER HISTORY:
STRATEGIES FOR EXCELLENCE
2003-present
Management Consultant
Assist diverse companies (primarily tier one automotive) with team
development, quality systems and applications, formal problem solving
methods, and Six Sigma application.
. Interpret data and assist in developing Chinese metal suppliers
process capability and stability
. Assist in implementation of quality systems (QS 9000, TS 16949)
. Lead formal problem solving team development and implementation to
cost improvement goal
LA-Z-BOY INC. Residential Division (Monroe, MI.)
2000-2003
Director Quality Management
Manufacturer of upholstered furniture with its own distribution
network. Responsible for multiple sites and support facilities for all
quality activities.
. Developed and implemented five year strategic plan and integrated
it within an annual operating plan
. Led four plants to ISO 9001:2000 registration with all plants to
be registered by 2005
. Identified, created, and monitored a tracking system for key
quality indicators within the division
. Identified and led continuous improvement activities focused on
key indicators (22% improvement in PPM, >$4,000,000 improvement
in Cost of Poor Quality this fiscal year)
. Developed concept and sponsored Quality Focus Group for warranty
and customer issues
. Trained and implemented Team based Eight Discipline Problem
Solving methodology
. Developed and led implementation of New Product Launch Process to
include APQP
. Implemented In plant testing to verify impact of processes on
design and to investigate warranty claims
. Implemented Six Sigma concepts and tools within La-Z-Boy
ITS TECHNICAL RESOURCES, INC. (Toledo, Ohio)
1997-2000
Contract Management Consultant
Assisted several tier one automotive companies in all aspect of quality
improvements to include quality systems, teambuilding, staff
development, and technical training.
. Acted as Management Representative for QS 9000 registrations for
two companies.
. Developed cohesive teams focused on identifying, writing, and
implementing quality procedures.
. Guided quality recovery activities regaining my clients' largest
customer's confidence and an additional 10% in sales
. Taught and implemented quality techniques and tools (spc charts,
gage R&R, statistical capabilities, etc.)
. Implemented Continuous Improvement Process company wide
. Trained personnel in effective Problem Solving, procedure writing,
and team development skills
ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA (ALCOA) (Toledo, Ohio)
1995-1997
Quality Assurance Manager - Automotive Structures
Part of leadership team responsible to start a Greenfield facility
focused on the Toyota Production System. Produced full frames,
structural components, bumper systems typically made from steel.
Processes included polyurethane molding, CNC machining, welding, and
automated assembly.
. Management Representative that led plant to QS 9000 registration
one year after production lines were completed. Integrated the
quality system with the Toyota Production System.
Implemented/integrated kanban, visual factory management, and
time study -work methods with quality systems.
. Integrated traditional quality responsibilities to include six
sigma techniques within production teams.
. Achieved 35-50% ROI on added quality capital equipment
. Reduced in-process inventory from 60+ days to 16 hours
. Reduced quality problems at customer to 0 and reduced internal PPM
by a factor of 10.
. Implemented use of APQP on all new product lines
. Implemented daily use of Gage R&R, capability studies, control
plans, work instructions, SPC, etc.
. Qualified all production line equipment to meet or exceed customer
component needs.
. Obtained PPAP approval on all new components/assemblies first time
submitted.
. Resolved quality problems on only transferred assembly (bumper
system) while maintaining production to customers' expectations.
ITT AUTOMOTIVE - Grand Rapids, MI
1993-1995
Quality Assurance Manager
Part of leadership team responsible to bring up a new wiper systems
assembly plant. Ultimately, after qualifying all production lines, the
equipment was located in a recent acquisition. The leadership team
switched focus and developed a power seat assembly plant in the Grand
Rapids facility. All production assemblies were transfer parts from
another facility that was having numerous quality issues.
. Developed automated production lines based on APQP information to
provide product and customer expectation information and met or
exceeded all customer requirements.
. Set up production line, repaired or refurbished equipment as we
went along, and resolved quality problems leading to sample
approval first time while maintaining delivery expectations.
. Reduced inventory by 93% and shipments were made twice daily.
. Developed test equipment to 100% test electronics on the power
seats and to give more immediate feedback to the production team
(achieved 50% ROI for this capital investment)
. Developed, led and managed integration of engineering, quality,
purchasing and manufacturing disciplines into plant-wide quality
system and obtained QS 9000 registration.
. Employed Eight Discipline Problem Solving methodology.
TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION - Buffalo
1990-1992
Corporate Manager Supplier Quality Assurance
A new position responsible for multiple plants supplying complete
wiper/washer systems and components for OEM and aftermarket customers.
It was the dominant US supplier servicing Ford, GM, Chrysler, and
transplant manufacturers and an international presence with
manufacturing facilities in the US, Europe, Mexico, Australia, and
England. Their manufacturing processes included metal stamping, spring
making, plastics molding, die-casting, machining operations, paint
lines, and assembly.
. Developed/implemented a Supply Base Strategy focused on TPC cost
and quality improvement. Long term contracts, sharing in cost
improvements, and full service supplier partnership were part of
the strategy.
. Developed/implemented internal team approach to interface with
suppliers
. Developed key procedures/processes for First Article Sample
Submission, Supplier Certification, and a Supplier Quality Systems
Evaluation Survey all consistent with production line needs.
. Planned/held multi-national Supplier Conference to both unveil new
procedures/processes and address specific issues with key
suppliers
. Improved manufacturing Costs/Profitability through problem
resolution by $2,000,000
. Improved customer warranty costs by $1,000,000
. Reduced number of suppliers from 600 to 300.
MOTOROLA INC. (AEIG) - Arcade, NY
1986-1989
Manufacturer of electronic assemblies and components to the automotive
industry. Products included oxygen sensors, ignition systems,
regulators and alternators. Manufacturing processes included surface
mount technology, printed ink circuitry on ceramic substrate, Printed
Circuit Boards, through hole soldered boards, aluminum casting, wire
windings, and assemblies in a 500,000 sq. ft. facility. Winner of
Malcolm Baldridge Award during my tenure.
Supplier Quality Assurance Manager
Managed department with staff of eleven, including Supplier Quality
Engineers (SQE), and Incoming Inspection Inspectors and Technicians.
Responsible for developing a Supply Base consistent with the quality
needs of Plant Production Lines through problem solving efforts,
application of six sigma concepts/techniques, reduction of supply base
through Supplier Certification, and interacting with the overall Group
regarding Sourcing Strategies.
. Reorganized the Supplier Quality Assurance function providing
better team identification and closer communication with
production lines. Led, guided, and monitored each SQE in
developing specific plans in resolving each assigned supplier/part
number problem. Assured the 8 Discipline Problem Solving
methodologies were applied to find root cause resolution and
imbedded gage R&R, DOE, control plans, SPC, ANOVA, and other six
sigma tools as part of the process.
. Led development of report that tracked actual cost of Supplier Non-
conformance and cut annual production costs by $750,000 and
established new programs projecting $1,000,000 additional cost
savings.
. Developed consistent interpretation, approach, and application of
existing Motorola Supplier Certification and Survey Specifications
with AIEG:
. Planned and led two international Supplier Conferences
. Primary participant in development of the overall Group Materials
Strategy
. Increased effectiveness of Incoming Inspection and improved
product total cycle time by 10-30%.
Plant Quality Systems Manager
. Developed and implemented concept of Problem Solving Teams (PST)
of Production and Support staffs. PST was key to continuous
Quality/Productivity improvements throughout the facility.
. Resolved yield measurement/tracking issue causing stress between
plant and corporate management. Result was acceptance of
measurement criteria for the 100:1 Quality Improvement Progress
and established data for comparison against competition quality
benchmarks. Reduced internal PPM by 30% annually while maintaining
0 PPM at the customers. We were Q-1 Rated.
. Developed a quality systems manual (QSM) providing guidelines to
both businesses in the complex.
DIEMOLDING CORPORATION - Canastota, NY
1985-1986
Quality and Engineering Manager
Privately owned company and dominant producer of thermoset brake
pistons used by all OEM manufacturers. Processes include Injection
molding, compression molding, centerless grinding, and small
assemblies. Early 1985 found Diemolding last in its largest customer's
quality ratings and threatened with loss of all business. I developed
and led a Quality Recovery Program that changed the perspective of the
largest customer (Ford) by attaining number one supplier rating for the
specific commodity. Key to that process was developing, leading, and
managing integration of engineering, quality, purchasing and
manufacturing disciplines into company-wide quality system which met
quality systems requirements. Implementing a Total Quality Assurance
Program (vendor, APQP, SPC, First-In-process-Final Inspection), and
aggressive SPC program, and reorganization was critical to achieve this
turnaround.
ASSOCIATED SPRING, BARNES GROUP INC. - Syracuse, NY
1978-1985
Chief Product Engineer
Managed Engineering and Quality Assurance activities which included
Customer Interaction of New Product Development, capital budget
preparation, New Equipment installation, productivity improvement
programs, and SPC program and first Piece -in process-final inspection
functions. Achieved #1 ratings from all automotive customers and 35-
150% ROI for all capital deployed annually. Succession of positions
with increased responsibility: Estimator, Product Engineer Trainee,
Product Engineer, Plant Supervisor, Chief Product Engineer
EDUCATION:
BS - Math and Science Education State University of New York, College
at Oswego 1974
30 Graduate Hours toward Master Degree
A.A.S. - Onondaga Community College 1972