DYNAMIC IMPROVEMENT GROUP
INC.
Our Talent & Leadership
BEN ROUSH
Ben's journey into Lean Manufacturing began in 1988.
Ben was a principal in the development and establishment of the "Chrysler Operating System", which applied Lean Manufacturing design, methods, and support systems on the shop floor. The results included significant capital reductions and productivity gains throughout both the assembly and stamping divisions.
Ben's operational experience includes all levels of management: from supervisor to superintendent, center manager to plant manager, vice president to CEO. Ben possesses a deep and genuine understanding of organizational development, leading to breakthrough results.
Operational Excellence: Ben's organization at SSP enjoyed the Harbour & Associates #1 ranking for press line strokes per minute and changeover time, from 2000 - 2005. In his most recent role as Global Vice President Lean Six Sigma, he was responsible for managing and supporting over $350m in structural YOY cost reductions in the last 10 year period.
MEL ZEHNPFENNIG
Mel Zehnpfennig is a Manufacturing Executive with over 25 years of operations experience leading large companies through successful lean manufacturing transformations in the automotive, defense, medical device and electronics industries.
During his career, Mel has worked in manufacturing operations and engineering, operational excellence, continuous improvement, planning, scheduling and logistics. He has proven himself as a key stakeholder in massive operational, leadership and cultural transformations resulting in annual cost savings of more than $350M and inventory reductions of more than $75M USD (SQDCM).
Mel began his process improvement journey over 15 years ago. Since then, he has led and participated in over 500 Continuous Improvement and problem-solving events, adding significant results to the bottom line. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University (GMI Engineering and Management Institute), a Master's of science in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
JOSH GASAWAY
Josh has been a leader within the manufacturing industry for over 23 years. Prior to becoming a Senior Lean Consultant, Josh had spent his entire career in the automotive industry in various lean, operation and leadership roles.
Before entering his professional career, he attended North Carolina State University and obtained a BS degree in Industrial Engineering and a MS degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Choosing to start his career in the automotive Tier 1 industry at Magna Industries, he gained vast experience in various roles including: Assembly Process Engineering Mgr., Assembly Department Mgr., Lean Mgr., and Senior Operations Mgr.
Early in his career he was he was fortunate to work two years under the tutelage of a TPS sensei where his knowledge in lean systems supporting his transition into senior leadership roles. Josh spent 10+ years as a General Manager of multiple facilities ranging from 600 to 1,100 employees. During his General Manager tenure he got exposure in opening two just-in-time facilities: 75,000 sq./ft. brownfield facility and a 235,000 sq./ft. greenfield facility.
In his last role, prior to joining Dynamic Improvement Group, he had the responsibility of Global Director of CI with annual targets averaging savings of $35M. Other focus points included building a culture of best practice sharing, development and implementation of equipment part tracking software, and coaching various plants in conducting kaizen and 3P events.
Jeff Langlet
Jeff has a unique blend of Plant Operations and Lean Manufacturing that has allowed him to successfully lead as a Plant Manager while applying Lean Principles to achieve new product launches and cost savings initiatives on time and on budget. As a Certified Shainin and 6 Sigma Black Belt, he is able to coach and lead teams to apply cost savings with the needs of the plant in order to achieve all expectations for performance from a SQDCM perspective.
Jeff has led plants and departments in Assembly (TCF), Body Shop, Stamping as well as Casting and Machining. Before becoming a Plant Manager, he also was the CI lead for all Canadian Operations at Fiat Chrysler, implementing projects in multiple FCA Plants as well as with CHN, Magneti Marelli, CPK and others . With a lifetime savings of over $200M in Operational Improvement and Kaizen Savings, applications of multiple workstream disciplines such as productivity, throughput, inventory reduction and many more have been validated through WCM Audits and Financial Statements. In addition, Jeff is a leader in Theory of Constraints, having led 7 TOC Projects for savings of over $42,000,000 and has trained more than 200 people as part of this discipline.
EDDY Van De REVIERE
With a strong Manufacturing Engineering and Operations background, Eddy has been in the industry for more than 27 years. His most previous position was Global Lean Director for a manufacturing company with a global footprint.
While leading Continuous Improvement at Tower International Europe, Eddy supported structural cost reductions of 12-15m Euro per year from 2007-2019. His unique leadership skills allow him to easily facilitate Workshop environments at any level in the organization, with a strong focus on shop floor engagement and financial results.
A world class teacher, coach, and instructor, he received his Black Belt certification in 2007, and his Master Black Belt credentials in 2012. He has since coached projects for 150 Black Belts in his region, in support of the productivity business plan.
Eddy has facilitated over 300 Kaizen Workshop activities, and is a skilled facilitator in any arena. His ability to lead cross functional teams in “systems thinking” and “problem solving” are well known in the industry. He has led multiple transformational efforts successfully, in numerous locations and countries.
Eddy is a multi language consultant, and is extremely effective at communicating with your shop floor colleagues. He also excels in coaching your team in being successful and going the extra mile!
GREG TOMASZYCKI
Greg has been in the manufacturing industry for over 29 years, and has been recognized as an industry leader in his field. Prior to joining the Dynamic Improvement Group, Greg was a Senior Regional MP&L Manager for Cooper Standard Automotive.
Greg has also held leadership roles in Materials Management at Varroc Lighting Systems, Faurecia, Johnson Controls, Plastech Engineered Products and NYX. Early on in Greg’s career he ran Tomas Plastics, a family owned injection molding company.
Greg is a recognized industry leader in developing and establishing structural Manufacturing Leadtime reduction applications. Greg has implemented ERP systems at plants worldwide from the blueprint phase through post go-live support. He is well versed in various ERP systems in both a repetitive manufacturing and discrete manufacturing environment. He has developed various programs to improve plant performance, including KPI dashboards, scheduling programs, capacity/labor management programs, material coverage reports, trackers and other custom reports. He currently specializes in “automating tasks” to improve response time and accuracy.
ED BIERNAT
Ed is a highly experienced consultant with a diverse background in quality improvement and operational excellence. After serving as Vice President of Corporate Quality for PSC, Inc., he began consulting in 1998, leading over 120 rapid improvement events across industries such as oil and gas, steel, electronics, and logistics. His work has spanned the globe, including projects in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Africa, and Asia, at sites ranging from 20 to 1,800 employees. Operating under his own consultancy, Consulting With Impact, Ltd., or as a contracted consultant, Ed has utilized Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive significant improvements for his clients. In 2023, he conducted a comprehensive review for a Middle Eastern national oil company, developing a detailed improvement roadmap for their maintenance division.
Ed’s expertise is backed by two Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering (Industrial/Mechanical and Electrical) and experience as a nuclear submarine officer in the US Navy. He is also a co-author of a best-selling book and a Distinguished Toastmaster with Toastmasters International. Outside of his professional achievements, Ed and his wife reside in New York’s Finger Lakes region, where he is completing the construction of a family camp. His extensive career and global impact highlight his dedication to driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across industries.
JEFF SLATER
Jeff brings 25+ years of Senior Management experience in Quality, Operations, Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement to our Dynamic Improvement Group.
He has worked in senior level roles at five Fortune 500 companies. Leading corporate level initiatives in cash flow, profit improvement, business start-ups, and performance systems. This “hands-on” experience in both the manufacturing and service industries, includes the following certifications APICS: CPIM, CIRM, CSCP; ISM: CPM and in Lean Manufacturing/Office from the University of Michigan. He is Black Belt certified as well. His experience also includes leading new “greenfield” plant start-ups and customer relationship management for several large consumer products companies (CPC), including Walmart/Sam’s, Starbucks, Duracell, and Kroger.
Jeff also has a passion for training and education. Working as a collegiate level instructor of marketing and operations, and mentoring students at Clemson and USC to receive their Lean Six Sigma certifications. He also speaks frequently at conferences to share his experience in Operational Excellence.
Jeff is a great enterprise, corporate, and plant level leader in applied training applications in Standard Work, Practical Problem solving, TPM and 5S/AM.
ERIC MUIR
Eric Muir has been a leader in Manufacturing for 33 years. Throughout his career, Eric has worked in Automotive Assembly, Powertrain and Stamping Operations.
Eric’s operational experience includes Program Management, Stamping and General Assembly Production (from Supervisor to Area Manager), Manufacturing Engineering (Future Programs I.E. Lead) and Industrial Engineering (from Floor I.E., to Divisional IE Lead). Eric is an experienced Kaizen workshop facilitator applying Lean Manufacturing practices during the implementation of the Chrysler Operating System. During his career, Eric has managed 7 major vehicle program launches and delivered productivity improvements in excess of $200M for 8 assembly plants for the Chrysler Group.
Prior to joining Dynamic Improvement Group, Eric was the Deputy Chief Engineer at Stellantis responsible for the 2022 Grand Cherokee launch at Mack and Jefferson Assembly. Eric managed a team responsible for all Industrial Engineering and Launch Control activities that included station scroll, man-assignment development, station design, and launch readiness.
RUSSEL HODDER
Russell is an experienced and well-versed Automation Specialist with ample experience in production, machine building, machine integration, and machine
re-programming/mechanical re-design/cycle time improvement. He brings a proven record with establishment, growth, and re-structuring of automation groups within customers. He is a powerful programmer with strong emphasis on proper code theory, readability, template creation and documentation. Russell is a facilitator and advisor of machine integration with application of several practices to avoid common mistakes seen across all industries. He is a proven trainer of all areas of automation with focus on applicable knowledge on a pupil-to-pupil basis.
Russell is a graduate of Ferris State University's Mechanical Engineering program and his automation career began with a large tier one automotive supplier,
where he soon moved on to help grow a controls integration company, Easton Enterprises eBots, over a four year period. Here Russell facilitated several launches of production lines, revived failed integrations, wrote programming templates and standards for several large customers, developed and integrated part tracking/data collection systems, and contributed to the success of several
of his customer's automation groups. Russell is incredibly passionate about automation and enjoys making his customer's experience with automated
control systems a painless journey. He sees automation as the greatest tool
in the industry and strives to share this helpful tool with each of his customers.
MAURICIO J. PEREZ
Mauricio is a Master Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive expertise in Lean Manufacturing, complemented by strong people management and problem-solving skills. He has successfully led high-impact projects across industries such as automotive and medical, delivering significant cost savings and process improvements across multiple facilities. Proficient in Value Stream Mapping, Kanban systems, and Kaizen events, he has consistently optimized production throughput and reduced lead times. His programming skills in Python, Excel & Visual Basic, SQL, and AI have allowed him to develop innovative, custom solutions that bridge manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technologies. Mauricio’s ability to design advanced Design of Experiments (DOE) and resolve complex quality issues further demonstrates his technical prowess.
A dynamic leader and coach, Mauricio has facilitated over 40 Kaizen events annually and trained dozens of professionals globally in Six Sigma, 8D Problem Solving, and statistical analysis, delivering instruction in both Spanish and English. As a global FMEA analyst, he streamlined the integration of DFMEA and PFMEA processes across international teams, ensuring compliance with AIAG-VDA guidelines. Certified as an ASQ Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Kepner-Tregoe Facilitator, Mauricio is a recognized leader in quality and process optimization. His ability to foster collaboration and drive measurable results makes him a vital asset in achieving operational excellence.
ANTONIO ESSOLITO
Antonio is an Electronic Engineer specializing in industrial automation, with extensive experience in the industrial sector and a strong focus on supply chain management. He has a proven track record of implementing Operational Excellence tools to enhance efficiency and drive operational improvements. Skilled in lean manufacturing principles such as the Toyota Production System, Lean Six Sigma, and Agile, Antonio has successfully streamlined production processes, reduced costs, and improved overall efficiency. His expertise extends to ERP/MRP systems like QAD, SAP, and NetSuite, where he excels in inventory management, production planning, and procurement.
Additionally, Antonio has deep knowledge of SCADA and MES systems, with a focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining these technologies to optimize industrial processes. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Scrum Master, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement and project management. Antonio’s strengths also include leadership, cross-functional teamwork, and organizational development, enabling him to deliver results that consistently exceed expectations. His ability to optimize throughput and foster strategic partnerships makes him a valuable asset in driving operational success.
JORGE SOTELO
Jorge is an accomplished Electronic Engineer with a master’s degree in business and over 29 years of experience in manufacturing industries, including automotive (Tier 1), medical, electronics, metal-mechanic, and furniture. As an Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement leader, he has held roles such as Regional Continuous Improvement Manager, Kaizen Process Officer (KPO), and Lean-Six Sigma Regional Coordinator. Jorge has a proven track record of driving financial growth, strategy deployment, and operational excellence across multi-site, bilingual organizations. His expertise includes implementing Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production Systems, Six Sigma, and Kaizen events, resulting in significant cost reductions, improved productivity, and enhanced cash flow. He is also skilled in safety programs, root cause analysis, KPI development, and Best Business Practices (BBP).
With 24+ years in management, Jorge has consistently achieved revenue, cost reduction, and delivery goals while leading high-profile turnaround initiatives that boosted profitability and operational stability. His technical background spans processes such as harnesses, fluid systems, extrusion lines, molding machines, and SMT soldering, across industries like automotive, medical, and military. A strategic leader, Jorge excels in budgeting, planning, and executing strategies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve lead times. His ability to align teams, foster continuous improvement, and deliver measurable results makes him a valuable asset in driving operational and financial success.