Before joining Bender, Mike had the opportunity to work in various leadership roles, including General Manager and Area Manager, where he focused on operations, logistics, and team management. His career spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, Aerospace, cabinetry, industrial fasteners, heavy equipment, and woodworking. He's consistently worked to improve processes, lead strategic projects, and mentor teams to drive efficiency and performance across these diverse sectors.
At Bender, Mike oversees key areas such as operations, logistics, inventory, and warehouse management. His responsibilities include managing the department, developing operational budgets, and ensuring proper staffing levels. He works to identify and implement process improvements, mentor and coach staff. Additionally, he applies his experience with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to streamline business processes and drive operational efficiency. Mike is on the Executive Leadership Team and likes to be available to employees with an open door for them to express any concerns or questions.
When asked about what he enjoys most about working at Bender, Mike said "I like working at Bender Inc. because of the collaborative atmosphere that promotes teamwork and open communication. I appreciate the focus on innovation and opportunities. The strong leadership and commitment to quality make me proud to be part of the team, and I enjoy the emphasis on work-life balance."
In his free time, he likes to make knives, which lets him be creative with his hands. He also enjoys lifting weights to stay active and fit. Woodworking is another hobby of his, as he likes making useful things for his home. Mike has been married for 30 years and has 4 kids, 3 boys (29, 27, 24) and a girl (18). He has 3 German Shepherds named Odin, Runa, and Zeus.
His favorite Bender product is the MarinaGuard because it offers excellent protection while being easy to install. He appreciates its durability and how it effectively enhances safety in marine environments.
Quote from his manager, Dave Knecht, CEO:
"During a critical time, Mike excelled at streamlining processes and improving efficiency in our transformer throughput. Under his leadership, the team has successfully completed multiple projects, including optimizing our supply chain and enhancing production workflows & increasing shop floor visibility. His proactive approach ensures smooth day-to-day operations while driving continuous improvement."
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