Sales Quality Assurance

WILLIAM RUSSELL SUMERAU

**** ********* **** ( Rowlett, Texas 75089

972-***-**** ( *********@***.***

VP OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ( VP OF SALES or PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Visionary and highly accomplished executive with over 15 years of

experience leading companies to success through development of strategies

that respond to challenges and deliver new levels of profit and growth.

Instrumental in defining goals, then designing and implementing plans to

ensure achievement of both short and long-term objectives. Effectively

manages and restores troubled operations, with a history of creative yet

practical decision-making that preserves quality while optimizing costs and

efficiency. Recognized for keen ability to identify and seize opportunities

for innovative products that generate financial gains and respond to

customer needs.

Manufacturing/Operational Management ( Engineering Management ( Product

Development

Strategic Planning ( Organizational Development ( Executive Sales

Management ( P&L Management

Cost Management ( Marketing ( Product Pricing ( Capital Expenditures (

Facilities Management

Relationship Development ( Process Improvement ( Quality Assurance ( Change

Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DALLAS LIGHTHOUSE, Dallas, Texas ( 1999 -

Vertically integrated manufacturer/distributor of diverse products,

employing 180 individuals. Annual revenue, $11.5M.

Senior Vice President of Operations, Interim President

Recruited by company President to develop and lead 6 direct reports in

building a 175 employee workforce in manufacturing operations, as well as

sales and marketing, product pricing, and capital purchase activities.

Determined/approved capital purchases, and managed facilities upkeep and

security, with oversight of human resources, quality assurance, training,

and product development. Served as liaison with customers, and attended

trade shows and conferences.

Acted as Interim President from June to October 2008, overseeing

profitability and daily enterprise operations until appointment of new

President.

Financial Highlights

. Spearheaded turnaround and rescue of troubled manufacturing operation,

from near-collapse (with 438 orders past due) to position as a debt-free

corporation with a strong balance sheet.

. Boosted revenue nearly 150% over 5 years, growing size of company from

65 full/part-time staff to 186 full-time employees.

. Generated/replaced declining revenue from aging products through design

and development of 3 new product categories with 8 line extensions,

worth $4M annually.

Operational Accomplishments

. Ensured competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of operations through

strategic re-fitting with state-of-the-art equipment, procedures,

manufacturing processes, and quality standards.

. Achieved 75% improvement in operating efficiency, 200% reduction in

cycle times, 80% higher quality ratings, and 99.6% on-time customer

delivery record.

. Re-established reputation and credibility as serious manufacturing

agency, which led to new contracts with the Federal Government.

. Recognized for achievements with awards for excellence in growth and

retention of business and employment.

. Received commendation from DoD for manufacture of quality products for

U.S. Combat troops.

WILLIAM RUSSELL SUMERAU ( Page 2 ( *********@***.***

PLASTICS INDUSTRIES, INC. - CARV-CRAFT DIVISION, Athens, Tennessee ( 1996-

1999

$20M manufacturing, procurement, marketing, sales, and distribution

division of Plastics Industries.

Division President

Directed operations and growth of Furniture Division, which encompassed 3

separate facilities - Carv-Craft, Just-in-Time (distributor), and PI

Worldwide (global procurement/warehousing arm) - in 3 cities, with

oversight of 6 reports who managed 250 employees. Led all stages of product

management, from prototyping/design, manufacturing, and procurement to

sales and distribution, traveling internationally to ensure quality and

approve manufacturing facilities. Negotiated terms and pricing with foreign

manufacturers, and held accountability for sales forecasting, budgeting,

and P&L management. Personally oversaw/closed special deals and planned,

directed, and hosted sales conferences.

Financial & Operational Highlights

. Protected company's position as industry leader from low-cost, foreign

manufacturers by promoting/delivering specialized value-added services

as well as through development of strategic partnerships with key non-

U.S. companies.

. Delivered $2M in new revenue (in first year), expanding Latin and South

American sales by establishing a showroom in Miami to capture business

of international furniture manufacturers.

. Achieved 35% reduction in overhead costs through consolidation of

manufacturing and warehousing facilities, which included integration of

equipment and was completed ahead of schedule with no interruption to

customer service.

WALKER EQUIPMENT CORPORATION (A PLANTRONICS COMPANY)

Ringgold, Georgia ( 1994-1996

Developer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical telecommunication noise-

canceling products for government and commercial use.

Vice President of Sales/Product Development

Led daily development and manufacturing operations and met with government

purchasing agents to advance sales of specialized, limited-use products.

Financial & Operational Highlights

. Maximized company success and profitability by broadening focus from

solely production to include manufacture and sales of product.

. Piloted development of 5 new products: 2 telephones and 3 hearing-

enhanced devices. Championed effort to secure offshore procurement of

telephones and in-house manufacture of hearing devices.

. Pioneered sales for hearing enhancement products in new commercial

markets, securing key catalog placement, state government distribution,

and big box retailers.

. Optimized marketing efforts through development of layman-friendly sales

brochures and packaging.

CAREER NOTE: Previous history includes positions as Director of Marketing,

Regional Sales Manager, Manager of New Product Development, and Project

Engineer for Ryobi Motor Products.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor of Science in Business Management -1982 Cum Laude

Limestone College, Gaffney, South Carolina

Leadership in Action - Mooney Player & Associates

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite ( Global Solutions ( MS Visio

*Awarded 18 U.S. and foreign patents for product design and innovation*

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