Process Improvement Strategic Initiatives

David Wagner

Strategic Operations & Data-Driven Value Creation Executive

***** **** ****** *****, ******, Michigan, United States, 48430, 810-***-****, **************@*****.*** PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven leader with a strong track record in optimizing business performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving revenue growth. Experienced in leading cross-functional strategic initiatives, implementing enterprise-wide KPI/OKR tracking systems, and standardizing reporting mechanisms. Skilled in financial analysis, budgeting, and cost optimization, providing hands-on support to leadership teams in areas such as strategy development, tactical execution, operations, sales, and technology adoption. Expertise in strategic planning, financial modeling, process improvement, and enterprise-wide digital transformation. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on driving business alignment, value creation, and long-term growth. Experienced in investment strategy, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration, collaborating with C-suite executives and boards to ensure alignment with business objectives. Adept at leveraging data and technology to improve decision-making, including designing and implementing advanced financial reporting systems, enterprise operating mechanisms, and cloud-based infrastructure. Proven ability to build and manage alliances with management teams, investment professionals, and solutions partners.

“Dave is one of the most dedicated, hardworking guys I have ever worked around. He is extremely organized and capable of managing extraordinarily complex projects with efficiency. His communication skills and ability to work through opportunities and problem- solving while building consensus amongst a team are extraordinary.” – A. Billman SKILLS

Cross-Functional Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategic Planning, Tactical Execution, Value Creation, Business Analysis, Executive Communication, Data Analytics, Financial Modeling, Process Improvement, Project Management, Systems Implementation, Team Building, Technical Liaison, Data Systems, Manufacturing, Commercial Support, Automotive & Truck, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Innovation, Budgets, Operations Optimization, Best Practices, Performance Metrics, Change Management, Market Analysis EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Vice President MiddleGround Capital – Lexington, KY 01/2020 – Present Private equity firm investing in industrial manufacturing and specialty distribution B2B companies in the lower middle market of North America and Europe.

• Lead long-term strategic planning processes, market assessments, competitive analysis, and scenario planning to inform key strategic decisions.

• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, growth opportunities, and potential risks. Deliver actionable insights to senior leadership for decision-making.

• Guide the decision-making process for strategic initiatives and tactical execution.

• Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure strategic initiatives align with operational capabilities and financial targets. Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure the alignment of strategy with day-to-day operations and execution.

• Lead the preparation of materials for board meetings, including strategy decks, executive summaries, and performance tracking.

• Develop clear storylines that communicate strategic priorities, progress on initiatives, and key business developments.

• Generate and execute value creation plans to enhance operational efficiency, revenue growth, and EBITDA.

• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, improving business alignment and performance.

• Implement and manage enterprise-wide OKR/KPI tracking systems across multiple organizations.

• Design and deploy standardized reporting templates and KPI analytics tools.

• Monitor financial performance, identify risks, and collaborate with leadership to address challenges.

• Oversee operational budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.

• Provide hands-on leadership coaching in operations, process improvement, data, sales, and cost optimization.

• Advise C-suite executives and board members on strategic initiatives and business execution.

• Conduct due diligence for acquisitions, assessing risks and value-creation opportunities.

• Drive post-acquisition integration and support exit strategies.

• Develop enterprise-wide data strategies, optimizing technology stacks and analytics processes.

• Spearhead advanced data systems development and implementation.

• Lead cloud-based enterprise operating system implementation, enhancing process efficiency.

• Establish and manage partnerships with top-tier data providers and technology advisors.

• Publish economic outlook reports, financial forecasting models, carbon emissions analytics, and industry specific intelligence.

• Champion process optimization, enterprise system mapping, and business process documentation. Director of Business Analysis Alco Manufacturing Corporation – Elyria, OH 01/2019 – 12/2019 Private equity portfolio company; NAFTA manufacturer of steel, aluminum, and brass hydraulic connectors for the industrial and consumer end-markets.

• Operational and functional lead focused on performance, process, and margin improvement by leveraging data for advanced analytics, reporting, and decision-making.

• Design, development, and implementation of multiple data-driven systems driving clarity in decision-making processes.

• Conducted cost analyses and generated enhanced modeling schemes resulting in the strategic exit of negative margin SKUs while increasing prices and gross margins for retained business, providing a significant net positive outcome. Director of Business and Operations Analytics MPI Products – Rochester Hills, MI 05/2008 – 12/2018 Private equity portfolio company: International manufacturing company offering fineblanking, stamping, machining, welding, assembly, and secondary value-add operations to global clients in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Europe.

• Cross-functional leadership in multiple areas, including profitability enhancement, strategic marketing, quality systems, customer technical reviews, new product launches, change management, strategic and long-range planning (revenue, plant/asset capacity/utilization, capital expenditures) and project management.

• Developed comprehensive business cases to support new business initiatives, including entry into new markets and manufacturing technologies, and to justify capital equipment investments.

• Led due diligence analytical activities for prospective acquisitions and integration of recent acquisitions.

• Project champion for implementation of new ERP system at corporate and all manufacturing sites.

• Directed the activities of resources in line with business goals of the organization, including cost accountants, estimators, sales admin staff, continuous improvement engineers, and corporate quality & engineering.

• Key member in the successful sale of the company in March 2009 after Chapter 11 filing in December 2008, as well as subsequent exit transactions in November 2012 and July 2014.

Sales Manager MPI Products – Rochester Hills, MI 07/2006 – 05/2008 Vice President of Customer Relations AMSEA / acquired by MPI – Fenton, MI 04/2003 – 07/2006 Partner & Vice President of Operations Reliance One – Auburn Hills, MI 08/2001 – 04/2003 Senior Business Analyst & Project Lead Vertafore / Sircon – Okemos, MI 03/2000 – 08/2001 Application Analyst I & II Lutheran Health Network – Fort Wayne, IN 09/1998 – 03/2000 Peoplesoft Project Coordinator MacManus Group / reSources – Troy, MI 02/1998 – 09/1998 Staffing Account Manager Aerotek / TekSystems – Grand Blanc, MI 07/1996 – 02/1998 National Sales Director King Par / Knight Golf – Flushing, MI 02/1991 – 07/1996 LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wagnerdavid Portfolio: https://davewagner2030.wixsite.com/davewagner EXPERTISE

• Project Management / 28 years

• Process Improvement / 26 years

• Data Systems / 25 years

• Financial Modeling / 23 years

• Portfolio Leadership / 23 years

• Manufacturing / 22 years

• Data Analytics / 21 years

• Strategy / 20 years

• Commercial Support / 20 years

• Private Equity / 18 years

• Automotive & Truck / 17 years

• Mergers & Acquisitions / 15 years

• Business Development / 13 years

ENDORSEMENTS

“Dave provides valuable insight and leadership for improvement in the business. He is a servant leader who drives the organization in a positive direction.” – T. Riley

“Dave is both visionary and a grounded technology leader. His experience in the operational and commercial sides of business makes him the rare combination of technical expert, strategic planner, and relationship builder.” – J. Thompson

“Beyond his expertise, Dave is simply a top-notch individual—collaborative, thoughtful, and always focused on adding value. Any company looking for a data-driven leader with a holistic business perspective would be lucky to have him.” – N. Baily

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