Manager Plant

ANTHONY E. ECKLUND

***** ******* ****

Bruno, Minnesota 55712

320-***-**** – Home / 218-***-**** – Cell

Email: *************@*****.***

SUMMARY:

A talented leader and general manager with a history of achievement in guiding the business development and growth of agricultural and petroleum/convenience store cooperatives as large at $25 million in revenues, and directing the operations of a rural Minnesota travel plaza. Have exhibited broad-based general management abilities in operations, administration, business development, finance, and human resource management; developing and implementing highly effective, problem solving management systems; initiating cost-efficient business process improvements; developing strong resilient management teams; and maximizing human and material resources leading to increased revenues and profits without sacrificing quality. Others have described me as a talented leader and strategic thinker with strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills; having excellent negotiation abilities and a collaborative management style with a demonstrated ability to foster and manage change; and as possessing the highest business and ethical standards. MAJOR CAREER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for P&L and all general management functions including operations and administration; financial management, budgeting, and financial planning; human resource management; strategic and tactical planning; development and implementation of operational and business plans; cost-containment and profit improvement programs; sales, marketing, and new business development; key account development and management; development and negotiation of vendor, subcontractor, and confidentiality agreements; multi-site facilities management; purchasing, materials management, and capital equipment acquisition; logistics/distribution; Liaison activities with accounting and audit firms; environmental and regulatory compliance; development of internal tools; and staff hiring, training, and motivation. Have managed staffs up to 25 and budgets as large as $25 million. Have had additional responsibility for project management; quality assurance; facilitation of cross-functional management teams; safety and hazardous waste disposal; RFPs and RFQs; fleet management and maintenance of fleet vehicles; blending and packaging; construction and management of construction firms; and the development and implementation of loss prevention and risk management programs. Have implemented or am knowledgeable of JIT, TQM, WIP (Works in Progress), Supply Chain Management, Best Practices, and Continuous Process Improvement Systems.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY AND SELECTED ACHEIVEMENTS:

2017 – Present Founder and Principal

SAND CREEK RESOURCES, Bruno, Minnesota

Founded and guide this project management and consulting practice focusing on strategic planning, operational and profit enhancement, and business solutions for the small business community. 2008 – 2017 General Manager

MOOSE LAKE CO-OP, Moose Lake, Minnesota

A $7 million agricultural co-op including convenience store, feed mill, agronomy, and retail farm and garden stores.

● Took over the management of a small rural Minnesota agricultural cooperative, developed and implemented a detailed marketing and business plan, redesigned all human resource and operational functions, and updated the information management system. Result was to grow the Moose Lake Co-op from $3,700,000 to over $7,000,000 in annual revenues, concurrently reversing a $50,000 annual loss to a

$100,000 profit within two years (a $150,000 bottom line turn around).

● Expanded automotive shop/tire sales by adding additional tire lines and initiating an aggressive advertising campaign. Result was to improve sales by $125,000 annually (a 50% increase) and reverse a $20,000 annual loss to an annual profit.

● Established and implemented two completely new co-op services including a fertilizer lime custom application and a herbicide spraying program adding an additional $208,000 in new revenues over the first two years.

2006 – 2008 Bulk/Refined Fuels Manager (Northern Division) and Propane Plant Manager FEDERATED CO-OPS INC., Cloquet, Minnesota

A $25 million division of a $120 million co-op. Managed the Northwestern Minnesota wholesale and retail division including 6 refined fuel bulk plants and two propane plants. Originally hired by CAP TRICO OIL and PROPANE CO-OP as Bulk/Refined Fuels Manager, transitioning to Bulk/Refined Fuels Manager and Propane Plant Manager after the acquisition by Federated Co-op.

● For Cap Trico, developed a fuel contracting program implementing a cash-on-delivery program and improved client retention. Result was a three-year revenue increase of $750,000 (a 66% increase in gallons delivered.)

2004 – 2005 General Manager

DJR BUSINESS HOLDINGS I, LLC, Motley, Minnesota

A small travel plaza including convenience store, restaurant, and motel. 1993 – 2004 Petroleum and Service Operations Manager MID COUNTY CO-OP, Cologne, Minnesota

A $7 million division of a $21 million co-op. General Manager of 2 convenience stores, 2 automotive shops, and LP gas and bulk petroleum sales and service. Originally hired by Victoria Oil Company as General Manager and transitioned to Petroleum Operations Manager after its acquisition by Mid County Co-op.

● At Victoria, eliminated unprofessional and dishonest employees, expanded product offerings, and implemented a bulk fuel program. Result was to grow revenues from $2,500,000 to over $3,000,000 within three years, concurrently reversing an $85,000 loss to a $200,000 annual profit. Previous Professional History: 4 years, Retail Store General Manager for Lake Region Co-op Association; and 2 years as Management Apprentice for Cenex Land-O-Lakes, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Military History: 1982 – 2002 Staff Sergeant - Minnesota Army National Guard

Functioned as Supply Sergeant, Transportation Sergeant, Section Leader, Squad Leader, Range Safety NCO, Band Member

EDUCATION:

1986 Bachelors of Agriculture Business Administration University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota

Ongoing Education: Numerous classes, workshops, and seminars emphasizing Management and Leadership skills, Retail Management, Crop Management, Farm and Petroleum Sales.

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