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SANDERS MARVIN »
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MICHAEL HEISIG »
STEPHANIE LAITALA »
MELISSA SAWIN »
JIM ZUBERSKY »
The Right Stuff
The Management Team at Mid-Continent is a talented group of professionals chosen for their experience, expertise, and dedication.
The Management Team at Mid-Continent is a talented group of professionals chosen for their experience, expertise, and dedication.
SANDERS
MARVIN
President &
CEO
+ Team builder
+ Loves new ideas
+ [Often] cool under pressure
+ Guilty Pleasure: C-SPAN
Sanders is a fourth-generation contract manufacturer and is co-owner of Mid-Continent. He received an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and earned his undergraduate degree from American University in Washington, DC.
Sanders is a champion of lean principals and in 2003 initiated MCE's lean program, called MCE Fast Forward. This initiative has added to the company's competitive position and its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations in terms of operational efficiencies, quality control and lead time reductions.
Sanders is retooling MCE for the 21st century, putting the company on a solid path for sustainable, long term growth. Specifically, the company has invested heavily in state of the art manufacturing technologies which leverage the effectiveness of a highly skilled workforce. This has proved to be a solid combination.
MARVIN
President &
CEO
+ Team builder
+ Loves new ideas
+ [Often] cool under pressure
+ Guilty Pleasure: C-SPAN
Sanders is a fourth-generation contract manufacturer and is co-owner of Mid-Continent. He received an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and earned his undergraduate degree from American University in Washington, DC.
Sanders is a champion of lean principals and in 2003 initiated MCE's lean program, called MCE Fast Forward. This initiative has added to the company's competitive position and its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations in terms of operational efficiencies, quality control and lead time reductions.
Sanders is retooling MCE for the 21st century, putting the company on a solid path for sustainable, long term growth. Specifically, the company has invested heavily in state of the art manufacturing technologies which leverage the effectiveness of a highly skilled workforce. This has proved to be a solid combination.
DAN
GORAN
Sales
Manager
+ Salesman extraordinaire
+ Responsive
+ Dedicated
+ Knowledgeable
+ Plays a mean clarinet
For years Dan has maintained that he is only interested in a temporary position at Mid-Continent while he decides what he wants to be when he grows up. That conversation held water for the first year or two that he was with us, but after five, seven, twelve years we started to question his line of reasoning. He's now been thirty-six years with the company, and we have finally decided to take this guy off the probation list.
Since he started with MCE in 1973, Dan has worked in, supervised and cracked jokes in every department of the company. Let's just say that manufacturing is in this guy's blood and building customer trust and relationships is his hallmark. Whether our customers are looking for technical expertise, advice regarding manufacturability or absolute dedication to making sure they are taken care of, Dan has become a best-in-class legend with our customers.
GORAN
Sales
Manager
+ Salesman extraordinaire
+ Responsive
+ Dedicated
+ Knowledgeable
+ Plays a mean clarinet
For years Dan has maintained that he is only interested in a temporary position at Mid-Continent while he decides what he wants to be when he grows up. That conversation held water for the first year or two that he was with us, but after five, seven, twelve years we started to question his line of reasoning. He's now been thirty-six years with the company, and we have finally decided to take this guy off the probation list.
Since he started with MCE in 1973, Dan has worked in, supervised and cracked jokes in every department of the company. Let's just say that manufacturing is in this guy's blood and building customer trust and relationships is his hallmark. Whether our customers are looking for technical expertise, advice regarding manufacturability or absolute dedication to making sure they are taken care of, Dan has become a best-in-class legend with our customers.
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JIM
JOHNSON
Global
Sourcing
Manager
+ Saving even a single buck makes his day
+ Vendor management extraordinaire
+ Plays it by the book
+ Packers fan
Jim has 25 years experience in industrial materials and operations. Prior to joining Mid-Continent, Jim spent 20 years with Emerson Electric, a multi-national manufacturer. Jim has extensive experience in production and supply chain management, plus more than a decade of experience in global sourcing.
At MCE, Jim has responsibilities in both operations and purchasing. So far during his tenure, his team has significantly reduced direct material and other costs. Jim is an active leader of continuous improvement programs and is currently part of a team that is charged with defining and implementing an enhanced IT vision for the company. This will be a critical component as we prepare for strong growth.
Jim earned his degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Since then Jim has achieved the status of Certified Purchasing Manager. He also scored the biggest and only fish at our 2009 strategic planning.
JOHNSON
Global
Sourcing
Manager
+ Saving even a single buck makes his day
+ Vendor management extraordinaire
+ Plays it by the book
+ Packers fan
Jim has 25 years experience in industrial materials and operations. Prior to joining Mid-Continent, Jim spent 20 years with Emerson Electric, a multi-national manufacturer. Jim has extensive experience in production and supply chain management, plus more than a decade of experience in global sourcing.
At MCE, Jim has responsibilities in both operations and purchasing. So far during his tenure, his team has significantly reduced direct material and other costs. Jim is an active leader of continuous improvement programs and is currently part of a team that is charged with defining and implementing an enhanced IT vision for the company. This will be a critical component as we prepare for strong growth.
Jim earned his degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Since then Jim has achieved the status of Certified Purchasing Manager. He also scored the biggest and only fish at our 2009 strategic planning.
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GORDON
KNOTT
Commercial
Industry
Manager
+ Quality/Detail-oriented
+ Hot sauce fanatic
+ Driven by customer service
+ Wanna-be scratch golfer
Gordon started his MCE career in 1991 as a Regional Sales Manager responsible for building the commercial side of the business, specifically aerospace and medical sales. He has extensive experience with all aspects of the manufacturing process from sales to operations.
Gordon studied Supply Chain Management at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University. He completed his A.P.I.C.S. certification in 1986. Gordon's 33 years of operations and sales experience combined with a dedication to superior performance and service to MCE's customers has enhanced the company's ability to offer preferred supply chain solutions.
What sets Gordon far apart in this industry is his unyielding commitment to understanding customer needs and delivering on the commitments he makes. Integrity and trust are two words that our customers most use when describing working with Gordon (plus he is a favorite ringer in customer sponsored golf events).
KNOTT
Commercial
Industry
Manager
+ Quality/Detail-oriented
+ Hot sauce fanatic
+ Driven by customer service
+ Wanna-be scratch golfer
Gordon started his MCE career in 1991 as a Regional Sales Manager responsible for building the commercial side of the business, specifically aerospace and medical sales. He has extensive experience with all aspects of the manufacturing process from sales to operations.
Gordon studied Supply Chain Management at the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University. He completed his A.P.I.C.S. certification in 1986. Gordon's 33 years of operations and sales experience combined with a dedication to superior performance and service to MCE's customers has enhanced the company's ability to offer preferred supply chain solutions.
What sets Gordon far apart in this industry is his unyielding commitment to understanding customer needs and delivering on the commitments he makes. Integrity and trust are two words that our customers most use when describing working with Gordon (plus he is a favorite ringer in customer sponsored golf events).
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MICHAEL
HEISIG
Chief
Engineer
& European
Sales
+ Thorough
+ Precise
+ Thinks schmaltz actually tastes good
Michael studied Physical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Weingarten (Germany) and has been with Mid-Continent since 2007.
He has extensive aerospace engineering experience from his previous role as chief design and development engineer at one of Europe's preeminent aircraft companies. But, Michael is not your typical German aerospace engineer… In a field where you may be told why something cannot be done, Michael's best expression is, 'why not.' This can-do, results-oriented attitude is emblematic of our company and is one reason why Michael fits right in.
Strategically, Michael's talents have helped MCE develop competency and skill in product design. He has also strengthened our engineering capabilities for our customers programs. Michael recently completed a significant, innovative product design for one of our medical diagnostic imaging customers.
HEISIG
Chief
Engineer
& European
Sales
+ Thorough
+ Precise
+ Thinks schmaltz actually tastes good
Michael studied Physical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Weingarten (Germany) and has been with Mid-Continent since 2007.
He has extensive aerospace engineering experience from his previous role as chief design and development engineer at one of Europe's preeminent aircraft companies. But, Michael is not your typical German aerospace engineer… In a field where you may be told why something cannot be done, Michael's best expression is, 'why not.' This can-do, results-oriented attitude is emblematic of our company and is one reason why Michael fits right in.
Strategically, Michael's talents have helped MCE develop competency and skill in product design. He has also strengthened our engineering capabilities for our customers programs. Michael recently completed a significant, innovative product design for one of our medical diagnostic imaging customers.
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STEPHANIE
LAITALA
Chief
Financial
Officer
+ Numbers virtuoso
+ Cut-to-the-chase goddess
+ Looks for win-win solutions
+ Uncompromising integrity and ethical standards
Stephanie is much more than a number's person, she's a “change-maker” who sets the ball in motion. She thinks strategically while helping create and execute business plans for growth and success of the company. She draws upon her accounting expertise and cash management skills to lead the company’s financial function. Stephanie interprets the numbers, communicates them clearly, and adds value. Always proactive, she provides answers before you even ask the questions.
President of Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services, Stephanie has more than 20 years of experience. She received her MBA from Metropolitan State University and serves on the board of directors for multiple nonprofit organizations and corporations.
LAITALA
Chief
Financial
Officer
+ Numbers virtuoso
+ Cut-to-the-chase goddess
+ Looks for win-win solutions
+ Uncompromising integrity and ethical standards
Stephanie is much more than a number's person, she's a “change-maker” who sets the ball in motion. She thinks strategically while helping create and execute business plans for growth and success of the company. She draws upon her accounting expertise and cash management skills to lead the company’s financial function. Stephanie interprets the numbers, communicates them clearly, and adds value. Always proactive, she provides answers before you even ask the questions.
President of Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services, Stephanie has more than 20 years of experience. She received her MBA from Metropolitan State University and serves on the board of directors for multiple nonprofit organizations and corporations.
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MELISSA
SAWIN
New
Business
Development
Manager
+ Queen of Gantt charts
+ Lives for dotting each i & crossing each t
+ Blessed with common sense
+ Doesn’t sugar coat anything
Melissa is the newest member of the Mid-Continent management team, joining in June 2009 to help grow the company and support its journey of continuous improvement. She has 14 years of manufacturing leadership experience in the areas of business development, lean manufacturing (a student of the Toyota Production System), project management, corporate communications and information technology.
A strategic thinker, who can simultaneously pay attention to every detail, Melissa is known for driving projects to success. She is a planner by nature who will roll up her sleeves, jumping into action to do what is necessary to ensure results.
She received her BA in Public Relations from the University of Minnesota. Melissa is actively involved in benchmarking best practices in manufacturing companies as an instructor and Leaders Alliance facilitator for the Manufacturer’s Alliance.
SAWIN
New
Business
Development
Manager
+ Queen of Gantt charts
+ Lives for dotting each i & crossing each t
+ Blessed with common sense
+ Doesn’t sugar coat anything
Melissa is the newest member of the Mid-Continent management team, joining in June 2009 to help grow the company and support its journey of continuous improvement. She has 14 years of manufacturing leadership experience in the areas of business development, lean manufacturing (a student of the Toyota Production System), project management, corporate communications and information technology.
A strategic thinker, who can simultaneously pay attention to every detail, Melissa is known for driving projects to success. She is a planner by nature who will roll up her sleeves, jumping into action to do what is necessary to ensure results.
She received her BA in Public Relations from the University of Minnesota. Melissa is actively involved in benchmarking best practices in manufacturing companies as an instructor and Leaders Alliance facilitator for the Manufacturer’s Alliance.
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JIM
ZUBERSKY
Quality
Manager
+ Z man/Motorcycle maniac
+ Practical
+ Customer-focused
+ Best golfer at MCE
Mid-Continent competes largely on the basis of quality and the management of our quality system. Z is in integral part of this equation.
He received his BS in Business Management from Montana State, earned his 6-sigma black belt and has been a key member of the MCE team since 2007. Z has earned a high level of trust and respect from the customers he comes into contact with. His eye for detail and constant drive to improve processes which effect quality are cited by customers on a regular basis.
ZUBERSKY
Quality
Manager
+ Z man/Motorcycle maniac
+ Practical
+ Customer-focused
+ Best golfer at MCE
Mid-Continent competes largely on the basis of quality and the management of our quality system. Z is in integral part of this equation.
He received his BS in Business Management from Montana State, earned his 6-sigma black belt and has been a key member of the MCE team since 2007. Z has earned a high level of trust and respect from the customers he comes into contact with. His eye for detail and constant drive to improve processes which effect quality are cited by customers on a regular basis.
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CHUCK MARVIN
Co-Owner & Chairman of the Board
36 years with Mid-Continent
Co-Owner & Chairman of the Board
36 years with Mid-Continent
