20+ Years of Experience in Leadership, Product Development, and 80/20 Profit & Growth

David is CEO of Strategex. His expertise includes 80/20 execution, product development, and market analysis to drive profitability.

Prior to joining Strategex, David gained experience at Cinch Connectors in various product management and business development roles. There, he honed his skills in market research, product development, growth planning, and manufacturing. He was responsible for growing product lines, penetrating new markets, and devising long-term strategies for driving profitable revenue.

Since joining Strategex, David has consulted with over 50 clients and has contributed to the success of Strategex's 80/20 Profit & Growth engagements. He applies his 80/20 mastery along with analysis and growth strategies to help clients achieve profitable market share growth. Prior to becoming CEO, David was the General Manager of the 80/20 Profit & Growth business. He was responsible for running the business and had a CAGR of 19% during this time.

To date, Strategex has delivered over two billion dollars in operating income improvement to our clients – thanks in large part to David’s strategic vision – although, he’d probably tell you that our team and our clients did all the work.

David obtained a BS in Electronic Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology and received his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

40+ Years of Experience in Leadership and Management Consulting

Peter is Founder and Chairman of Strategex. He has over 30 years of direct experience working with top-level management to drive change, profitability, and growth.

In 1993, Peter started Strategex with the mission to teach clients how to grow through strategic planning, customer insights, and business development.
The company has since evolved to be an international consulting firm, dedicated to implementing strategies that facilitate our clients’ growth.

Peter manages a vast range of long-term client relationships in both the manufacturing and services sector. He is an exceptional communicator and facilitator with an unusual ability to bring cohesiveness to a management group. He conducts 80/20 Profit & Growth seminars and workshops across the country.

Peter partners with clients' management teams to effect change. He is committed to providing focus and ongoing direction for increased profitability and aggressive growth.

25+ Years of Experience in Finance and Accounting

Sandy is Chief Financial Officer for Strategex. She is responsible for providing financial insights, guidance, and solutions for the company. A compassionate and strategic leader, she is driven to nurture the unique culture of the organization. She fosters collaboration and works to uphold Strategex's standard of excellence. In addition to her finance responsibilities, she currently manages HR, Risk Management, and IT.

Sandy has spent most of her career working for closely-held enterprises and is comfortable managing numerous aspects of a business. Prior to joining Strategex in 2011, Sandy had over 20 years’ experience in the transportation and technology industries. She honed her audit-focused accounting skills during her tenure at Arthur Andersen in their Small Business Audit practice. It was during that time that she was part of the Arthur Andersen team that provided consulting services to the purchasers of the Chicago, Missouri, & Western Railway. Sandy joined the new railroad after the acquisition. After seven years with the CM&W Railway, she joined Dyna Bulk, Inc., a plastics distribution firm, to assist in the sale of the company to Bulkmatic Transport, Inc.

Away from the office, she enjoys daily yoga, current events, classic rock, and pretending to be a rock star when she plays her drums and electric guitar.

Sandy earned a BA in Accounting and a Masters of Accountancy from DePaul University and is a licensed CPA.

10+ Years of Experience in Business Management, Strategic Marketing, and Operations

Jenn spent the first decade of her career with Illinois Tool Works (ITW). During that tenure, she undertook progressive business leadership roles across several divisions— including functional responsibility for sales, marketing, product management, operations, and corporate strategy.

Jenn specializes in strategy creation and execution. During the consolidation of multiple ITW operating units, she led the business segmentation into focused markets and products. She guided her team through value proposition definition and developed growth strategies. She restructured the commercial organization and built a product management function to drive the growth strategies. Using 80/20, Jenn eliminated complexity through customer and product line simplification. This resulted in cost reduction, bottom-line growth, and improved satisfaction of top customers.

Since joining Strategex, Jenn has consulted with more than 20 companies across various industries. She has helped her clients achieve profitable margin expansion and cash flow growth through revenue increases, overhead reductions, working capital reductions, and more.

She also has a track record of successfully leading turnarounds for failing manufacturing businesses. In 2021 she coached a tier 1 automotive client to overcome significant operational challenges. The results were a 25% increase in EBITDA, improved on-time delivery, and increased wallet share with the world’s largest automotive manufacturers.

Jenn has a BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Georgia Tech. She received her Executive MBA at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School during which she earned The Entrepreneurship Award, and The Core Value Award for Rigor, among other recognitions. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children.

20+ Years of Experience in Project Management and Customer Insights

Sharon Kottke leads the Customer Experience practice with a passion for delivering measurable results. Together with leadership, Sharon helped design and innovate Strategex’s Customer Experience offering. She led the team through a digital transformation and championed the integration of 80/20 and customer insights.

Her goal is to partner with every client to achieve profitable market share growth. She leverages her deep knowledge in customer research and operations to deliver the insights needed to execute successful CX strategies.

Sharon has partnered with hundreds of clients across many industries: packaging, industrial products, services, and more. She has planned and facilitated more than 500 CI studies internationally, always dedicated to quality and impactful deliverables.

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19+ Years of Experience in Market Research & Due Diligence

Anthony is Managing Director of Strategex’s Private Equity Solutions – a practice area that includes commercial diligence, customer diligence, and market assessments. He has worked with over 120 private equity firms on countless transactions to mitigate risk and accelerate margin improvement.

As an expert in commercial due diligence, he partners with clients to design and implement research programs. He also works with clients to implement 80/20 methodologies, accelerating profitable market share growth and often adding 300 basis points to operating income in under three months.

Before joining Strategex, Anthony held senior-level positions at two leading market research firms where he specialized in insight, strategy, and innovation projects for global financial services, consumer packaged goods, and pharmaceutical clients. He is well-versed in multiple methodologies including 80/20, segmentation, brand positioning, and pricing optimization.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Anthony holds a BBA in economics and international business from Loyola University Chicago, an MA in public policy from the University of Oklahoma, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

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35+ Years of Experience in Executive Management

Joe is renowned as one of the most influential 80/20 experts to come from Illinois Tool Works (ITW). He specializes in business turnarounds and developing strategic growth platforms. Throughout his career, he has either run, helped run, or consulted for over 100 different companies.

Prior to Strategex, Joe earned his stripes as a Group Vice President at ITW where he worked for over 20 years. ITW is a global manufacturer of a variety of specialty products and equipment including food preparation equipment, fasteners and components, equipment, and consumable systems. Joe also worked as Division and Group President for Danaher Corporation — a global manufacturer of tools, components, and instrumentation.

After retiring from ITW, Joe joined Strategex in 2008. He collaborated with Strategex founder Peter Philippi, and current CEO David Philippi, to create the 80/20 Profit & Growth practice. He developed the process, built the team, and acted as lead adviser. Today, Joe is instrumental in the continuous improvement of Strategex's 80/20 approach and has developed proprietary techniques currently in use by several blue-chip companies.

Joe has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, where he was valedictorian. He is fluent in French and conversational in Spanish. He is highly regarded as a public speaker, teacher, and executive coach. Joe taught the capstone course (Strategic Management) of the MBA program at Edgewood College in Madison, WI for nearly a decade, earning top honors as an instructor. Joe splits his time between Merrimac, Wisconsin and Bonita Springs, Florida, along with his wife.

30+ Years of Experience in 80/20 Execution and Leadership

Marc has held a range of professional roles, from General Manager to Group President. Early in his career, Marc gained experience in manufacturing, engineering, sales & marketing. Marc joined Illinois Tool Works (ITW) through acquisition and became one of the early adopters of the 80/20 process.

Over the next 25 years, Marc assumed increasing responsibilities, culminating in his roles as General Manager, VP/GM, and Group President. At his pinnacle at ITW, he was responsible for ten business units with over $330 million in revenue on four continents. His experience includes applying 80/20 principles to a variety of business models from standard products to custom-engineered solutions. Additionally, Marc has considerable experience in acquisitions and divestitures.

His last position at ITW was the 80/20 Director for the Food Equipment Group (a $2 billion segment). In this role, he significantly improved operating income, grew revenue, and reduced working capital requirements. Marc retired from ITW in 2014 and joined Strategex as an 80/20 Expert.

Besides his proficiency in 80/20, Marc is also an avid scuba diver. He has fed the stingrays in the Caymans, dove with the turtles in Hawaii, and swam with the sharks in the Bahamas.

Marc earned a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

30+ Years of Experience in Marketing & Customer Experience

Kay Cruse is a seasoned veteran of customer research, strategic planning, and brand development. With over 30 years of experience, Kay Cruse serves as Vice President of Customer Experience. She champions client success by focusing on business strategy and maximizing their ROI.

A proven leader, Kay specializes in customer insights, prioritizing strategic opportunities, and tactical implementation. She leads Strategex’s engagements in Customer Insights Strategic Practice where she employs Voice of the Customer techniques to successfully grow client businesses by identifying opportunities for improvement and success.

Kay leverages her extensive history across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, professional services, financial services, and private equity. Her experience includes The Prescient Group, a B2B and B2C market research firm that she founded and led for over two decades.

30+ Years of Experience in Global Executive Management

Mark is a California-based consultant for the 80/20 Profit & Growth practice. In his years of 80/20 experience, He has guided over 50 operating divisions toward increased profitability.

Prior to joining Strategex, Mark held positions as President for two divisions of the Ali Group, a privately-held worldwide group of more than 65 different manufacturing brands based in Milan, Italy. During this tenure, Mark doubled profits at both divisions.

His career also includes seven years at Illinois Tool Works (ITW). There, he served as President for one division and Business Unit Manager/Vice President Sales in another division – both divisions more than doubled their profitability. Prior to his time with ITW, Mark worked in sales and operational roles at brands including Maytag, PepsiCo, and Toshiba America Computer Systems Division. Additionally, Mark has experience with start-ups. Mark is a dynamic speaker, inspirational trainer, and a powerful 80/20 coach and consultant. No matter the role, he brings a focus on action and a drive for measurable results.

Mark holds a BSMS from Pepperdine University.

25+ Years of Experience in Financial and Analytical Leadership

Carmelle brings a proven track record in achieving operational excellence through 80/20 principles. Her success can be attributed to her strengths in operational management, innovative strategic thinking, and global team collaboration.

Carmelle’s career in financial and analytical leadership began at ITW where she worked for more than two decades. She earned her stripes in Group Finance where she specialized in acquisitions and 80/20 execution. After a successful tenure in Group Finance, Carmelle was promoted to VP/General Manager of a global business unit. In that role, she improved operating results using 80/20 principles and achieved a CAGR of 31%. After ITW, Carmelle spent seven years at IDEAL Industries, Inc. There, she was a key member of the leadership team that succeeded in growing the company over $1B during her tenure.

Additionally, Carmelle has extensive experience in acquisition management -- specifically: valuation, negotiation, and post-acquisition integration. In this area, she excels at change management and is effective in turning around declining businesses.

Carmelle is a passionate champion of women in business and leadership. She was a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Team at ITW where she set up a curriculum to help women succeed in manufacturing management. Throughout her career, she has mentored several women to career success.

Carmelle attended Miami University (Ohio); she is a graduate of Kellogg’s Women’s Leadership Executive Education Program and she completed the Leading Women’s Executive Program. Carmelle has held several not-for-profit leadership positions serving The United Way and Park Ridge Schools. She lives in Park Ridge, IL with her husband and has four adult children.

25+ Years of Experience in Executive Management

Rich began his career with Sonoco Products Company performing various financial and operational roles over seven years. During his 16 year career with Illinois Tool Works, Rich worked in both financial and operational roles in the automotive, industrial, and specialty chemicals businesses.

Rich has successfully implemented the 80/20 business philosophy in every organization in which he has worked. Prior to joining Strategex, he had complete strategic, functional, and P&L responsibility for the Global Specialty Chemical and Equipment Manufacturing Group. In ten years, he grew the group from $60M to over $500M generating 20% ROS. The group now comprises 25 world-wide businesses with operations in 13 countries, including Europe, South America, and Asia. During this time, he was responsible for the acquisition of 11 businesses with over $350M in revenue and integrating them into ITW.

Since joining Strategex 10+ years ago, Rich has consulted and helped over 25 clients worldwide. He primarily works with manufacturers but has led successful engagements with engineering service providers, distributors, and trade associations. Specific industry experience includes automotive, specialty chemical, healthcare, furniture, electronics, and industrial.

He holds an MBA from Syracuse University and a BBA in Accounting from St. Bonaventure University, Magna Cum Laude. Rich is also a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement.

25+ Years of Experience in Executive Leadership and Strategic Growth

Mary Kate specializes in using 80/20 to develop and execute strategic growth platforms. She is an expert at segmentation, driving strategic customer sales, and operational excellence.

Prior to joining Strategex, Mary Kate was a Group President at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), working in the Food Equipment and Specialty Groups, and at Madison Industries in the Filtration Group. Within these roles, she led decentralized and global businesses that offered both manufactured goods and services.

Mary Kate developed a passion and strong expertise in 80/20 while at ITW, after over a decade of leadership within organizations utilizing lean business systems. She held General Management leadership roles within high-growth businesses at Danaher, Regal Rexnord, and Alcoa.

Mary Kate is passionate about DEI—her leadership roles allowed her to cultivate healthy working environments where teams were fully engaged and comfortable bringing their full selves to work. She has served on the Women’s Leadership Councils at ITW, Regal-Rexnord, and Alcoa. In 2017, Mary Kate was an honoree of the Manufacturing Institute’s Step Ahead Awards recognizing Women in Manufacturing.

Mary Kate earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs from Purdue University and an MBA from Loyola University.

When Mary Kate isn’t working, she and her husband volunteer at their kids’ school and church. They enjoy coaching and cheering the kids on at their many sporting events. The family resides outside of Milwaukee in Hartland, Wisconsin.

30+ Years of Experience in Executive Management and Marketing

Prior to joining Strategex in 2010, Bill was EVP and COO of Zep, a $575 million cleaning and maintenance chemicals business. While at Zep, Bill engaged Strategex to assist in streamlining the business. Bill was responsible for leading and implementing the 80/20 tools and philosophy across all of Zep's departments. Bill streamlined Zep's operating structure, rationalized the product offering, and implemented sales and marketing initiatives targeting key account growth. These actions led to a gross margin improvement of 400 basis points and an increase in operating profit of 17% in 2008.

Bill began his career with Proctor and Gamble in 1979. In 1981, he pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School. Following graduation, Bill began a 21-year career with Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE). His first General Management assignment was running CCE’s Michigan division (a $300 million division). After a series of successes and promotions, Bill was named Senior Vice President of CCE, and President of Eastern North America (a $5 Billion Group at CCE) in 2000. Bill was recruited to be CEO for DS Waters in 2003, a $900 million home and office water company which he successfully sold in 2005.

Since joining Strategex, Bill has worked closely with clients in both North America and Europe in numerous industries. Industry experience includes foodservice equipment, transportation, steel fabrication, precision tube manufacturing, heavy machinery, thermal heating, medical devices, packaging, network infrastructure, and industrial wiring. He has successfully guided his clients in both financial turnarounds and in strategic profitable growth. Perhaps the greatest testimony to the value that Bill brings his client is that multiple former clients have named Bill to their Board after the end of their engagement with Strategex. Bill serves on the Board of Directors at T & S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc., Fabricated Metals LLC, and Wirecrafters LLC. He previously served on the Board for Safety-Kleen Holding Company, and DS Waters Holding Company, LLC.

In addition to the Harvard MBA, in 1979 Bill received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California where he triple-majored in marketing, finance, and accounting.

25+ Years of Experience in Executive Management and 80/20 Execution

Mike Potempa is an 80/20 expert with over 25 years of successful P&L leadership experience managing manufacturing, sales, and distribution businesses. He has a diverse background in operations, engineering, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, customer service, sales, and marketing.

Prior to joining Strategex, Mike was Vice President and General Manager at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) for 20+ years. He initially managed a consumables manufacturing facility with responsibility for commercial sales in The United States and Canada. He ultimately managed the ITW Industry Packaging Systems Division, a group of businesses that included design, manufacture, and sales of highly-engineered equipment, and consumable systems for a global audience. He drove substantial growth in the organization both organically and through multiple acquisitions.

During his tenure with ITW, Mike championed new manufacturing processes and provided leadership in new product development. He is named as an inventor on two patented products. At ITW, Mike gained extensive experience using 80/20 to drive bottom-line growth while improving service to key customers. He simplified business processes to improve operating results, asset management, and cash flow.

Before joining ITW, Mike was Vice President and General Manager for a small privately-held company in the specialty machinery business. He also worked for Rockwell International and Chrysler Corporation.

Since joining Strategex, Mike has worked with clients in a variety of business segments, both domestically and internationally, including capital equipment, machine parts manufacturing, services, commercial construction, construction products, consumer products, paper, commercial mixers, hoists, and cranes.

Mike has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and an MBA from the University of Hartford, with concentrations in Marketing and Information Technology.

25+ Years of Experience in Manufacturing Leadership and 80/20 Implementation

Del joined Strategex after a multi-decade tenure at IDEX which started in 1998 when the company acquired Gast Manufacturing. As the Vice President of Strategic Business Optimization & Technology, Del led the IDEX Business Service team and the Corporate Information Technology team. Prior to joining IDEX, Del worked for a private company that manufactured medical devices. Early in his career, he spent eight years as a part-time engineering instructor at his alma mater teaching—an experience which allowed him to hone his teaching and training technique.

Del joined Gast Manufacturing in 1995 as a Design Engineer working on new product development (NPD) for the company. He developed several products for Gast and worked in several engineering and technical leadership roles, eventually becoming the Vice President of Technology & Business Development. In that position, Del was responsible for all NPD, Application Engineering, Marketing, and Business Development at Gast.

In 2012, his role changed when he helped lead and execute the 80/20 implementation for IDEX. He started with a single segment, after which the responsibility grew to all of IDEX. Del helped develop the IDEX Pricing Excellence program starting in late 2016. Soon, his team included Lean, Commercial Excellence, and Supply Chain Excellence resources, and by 2018 his team evolved into the Office of Business Services. In 2020, Del also took on the leadership of the Corporate Information Technology team.

Del has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Mathematics from the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University. He lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Maggie (also an engineer), and they have two adult sons. In his free time, Del is an avid motorcyclist and participates in amateur motorcycle racing.

30+ Years of Experience in Executive Management

Paul joined Strategex in 2017 where he guides companies in multiple industries: industrial, power transmission, plumbing, water management, aerospace, commercial flooring, and medical device, among others. Aside from the 80/20 toolkit, the secret to his success is his ability to learn clients’ businesses quickly while cultivating key relationships.

A pivotal moment in Paul’s career was when he was introduced to 80/20 in 1985 while working at Dymon, Inc. He won awards; his responsibilities increased; he earned promotions; he advanced his career because of his application of the 80/20 principle.

Paul retired from Illinois Tool Works (ITW) where he was a Vice President & General Manager responsible for the company’s Fluids Businesses in North America. During his 18 years with ITW, he progressed through several leadership roles and remains a member of ITW’s Patent Society.

Paul’s specialties include product and customer simplification, target selling, product development, patents and trademarks, acquisitions, business integrations, process simplification, manufacturing streamlining, lead-time improvement, AR/AP, inventory improvement, and working capital management. Additionally, Paul has experience managing businesses regulated by the EPA and FDA while operating various quality systems (including ISO, cGMP, and AS9100).

25+ Years of Evaluating and Impacting Corporate Financials and Valuations

Holden has had two distinct careers that prepared him to join Strategex. He spent more than 20 years as a Wall Street senior equity analyst, evaluating the cultures and value-generating potential of over 100 public companies during that time. This experience sharpened Holden’s appreciation for and understanding of the relationship between company strategy, execution, returns, and valuation.

In 2016, Holden became the Chief Financial Officer of Minnesota-based Fastenal, a publicly traded distributor of industrial supplies. He oversaw approximately 450 global employees across accounting, finance/FP&A, audit, legal, business development, M&A, and data analytics. In this role, Holden championed 80/20 principles to improve the performance of Fastenal’s branch-based operations, contributing to improved ROIC over his tenure.

Holden was raised in Vermont and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Vermont in 1991. He has been married for more than 25 years and has two adult children.

20+ Years of Experience in Executive Management

Chip has guided over 30 operating companies to increased profitability and market leadership using 80/20. He brings over a decade as CEO, Board Member, and Chairman across public, private equity-backed, family-owned, and startup companies. He specializes in transforming industrial and manufacturing businesses, scaling operations globally, and delivering sustained profitability across diverse ownership structures.

Prior to joining Strategex, Chip served as CEO of CFS Technologies, a PE-backed manufacturer of chemical dispensing equipment. Over four years, he grew EBITDA substantially and solidified the company's dominance in the market. He founded and exited Lavo Solutions, an IoT business that became the North American leader in cleaning validation technology. He also led a successful reshoring initiative, repatriating manufacturing from Mexico to the USA in 2024 to strengthen quality, efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

Chip began his career with KPMG LLP in Chicago and Amsterdam, building a foundation in finance and consulting. Later, he held senior leadership roles at IDEX Corporation, where he helped implement the 80/20 approach across a $1B operating segment. He also brings expertise in M&A valuation and execution and taking businesses from founding to scale.

Chip resides in Dana Point, California with his wife and two daughters. He has been an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), where he has held leadership and board roles. Chip earned his BS in Accountancy from Miami University (OH).

20+ Years of Experience in Financial and Operational Leadership

Grant Stanojev is a proven financial and operational leader with over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, with deep experience within the electronic assembly, automotive, and electrical trade markets. His financial acumen, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on the organizations he has served.

Throughout his career, Grant has held key roles at renowned organizations such as Illinois Toolworks (ITW), Regal Rexnord, and IDEAL Industries. Notably, he spent 12 years at ITW, executing 80/20 strategies through various leadership positions, including as Kester Worldwide's Controller. In this role, he served as a strategic business partner, overseeing a $140 million global supplier of assembly materials to the electronics industry. Grant successfully executed operational cost improvements, driving a $3 million reduction in spending, and implemented sustainable simplification through the application of 80/20 and LEAN manufacturing principles. His Kester work enabled a 31% CAGR. He was then promoted to Platform Controller over ITW Electronic Assembly businesses—a global platform with revenues above $500 million.

During his 10-year tenure at IDEAL Industries, Grant demonstrated his proficiency in financial and operational leadership. With P&L responsibility for the two largest electrical business units, he directed the strategy and execution of the wire connector and tool businesses. His achievements include revitalizing the new product development team, consolidating operations for an annual savings of $2 million, and leading the financial and operational integration of IDEAL's largest acquisition.

Outside of Strategex, Grant enjoys spending time with his family at Bass Lake, Indiana—their happy place. He has dedicated nearly a decade to serving on the Board of the not-for-profit organization Opportunity House. Grant's hobbies include creating memories with his wife of 23 years, his two children, and a circle of friends in Cary, Illinois.

Grant holds a B.A. in Accounting from the University of Iowa, complemented by a CPA qualification.

Enterprise Transformation Executive | Former C-Suite Leader at Lincoln Electric Holdings

At Strategex, Michele partners with CEOs and leadership teams to accelerate profitable market share growth through disciplined strategy execution, organizational alignment, and enterprise focus.

Michele brings nearly three decades of leadership experience from Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LECO), a global leader in advanced manufacturing and welding technologies. During her tenure, she served in multiple enterprise leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief Information Officer, following more than a decade as Senior Vice President of Finance.

Serving across several C-suite roles gave Michele a unique vantage point into how strategy is translated into execution inside complex global organizations. She helped lead major enterprise initiatives spanning strategy execution, operating model transformation, global talent leadership, digital capability building, and strengthening financial and operating performance. During this period, Lincoln Electric achieved significant global growth and value creation, expanding its market presence while strengthening operating discipline across the enterprise.

Prior to joining Lincoln Electric, Michele held leadership roles in tax and finance, including Group Director of Tax for Elsag Bailey Process Automation (ABB) in Amsterdam and international tax manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

She has testified before the U.S. Congress in support of legislation affecting U.S.-based multinational manufacturers and has held leadership roles with several major industry organizations including the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Manufacturers Alliance.

Michele is a Certified Public Accountant and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accountancy from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, Todd. They are avid sports fans and enjoy time with their four adult children, travel, gardening, and their dog.

35+ Years of Operations, Engineering, and Leadership Experience

John comes to Strategex after a career in leadership in the recreational vehicle, packaging, and automotive industries. He cut his teeth as a Foreman and worked his way to President, holding various positions such as Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Plant Manager, VP Operations, VP of Engineering and Service Manager. He has worked for notable companies including Coachman Industries, Ventline, Thiele Engineering, multiple divisions of Illinois Toolworks, and Kokusai.

80/20 strategy has been the catalyst for many of John's career achievements. He has used 80/20 methodology to reconfigure sales and product development, resulting in a sales increase of over 700%. He led a team to an operating profit percentage increase of over 170% using inlining techniques in engineering and manufacturing. Additionally, he received an OSHA Star award for safety – first in the state of Iowa, and he holds a patent for a product that received the prestigious automotive Pace Award.

At Strategex, John empowers clients and offers deep expertise in operations, manufacturing, 80/20 analysis, and inlining.

Away from Strategex, you can find him playing guitar, working on his art, playing with his rescue dogs, and spending time with his family.

John earned his Bachelor of Science in industrial management at Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University.

8+ Years of Experience in Management Consulting and Financial Advisory

John Ahn is a Vice President in Strategex’s Private Equity Solutions practice. He works closely with private equity sponsors to strategically mitigate transaction risk and accelerate value creation.

Before joining Strategex, John worked as a Mergers & Acquisitions Associate at Kaufman Hall, primarily working with healthcare executives and healthcare-focused private equity sponsors on identifying and executing strategic partnerships.

John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from Goizueta Business School at Emory University.

30+ Years of Experience in Leadership, Market Research, and Strategy Consulting

John is an expert in marketing, strategic planning, and market research, helping clients understand complex issues to make strategic business decisions. He co-founded Priority Metrics Group, now part of Strategex, over 30 years ago, leading market research and commercial diligence projects across various industries. John has extensive experience in market and customer analysis for clients in packaging, B2B manufacturing, private equity, and medical devices.

He authored the book "B2B Customer Insight: The Proven Path to Growth" and has published several articles and white papers. John also founded Christmas in Action - Spartanburg, a non-profit home-rebuilding organization, and 516NOW, which aims to build prosperous and sustainable communities in the third world.

John has a BA and MBA from University of South Florida and an ABD in Marketing from University of Virginia.

30+ Years of Experience in Market Research and Market Development

Charlie has extensive leadership experience in marketing and strategy in both consulting and corporate environments. He recently completed a three-year project as a consulting member of a corporate innovation team at an $8 billion global manufacturing company. In addition to senior-level marketing roles, he has multiple years of experience in process improvement. His deep understanding of primary market research, combined with years of Total Quality Management experience, offers a unique business perspective.

Charlie's expertise focuses on business growth, strategic planning, and innovative solutions. He has a reputation for his ability to extract useful data, identify profitable opportunities, and lead productive teams. His skills include developing marketing plans for top-line growth, assessing organizational alignment with strategic intent, and designing and facilitating strategic planning processes.

Currently, he resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina with his wife, two daughters, and a son. Besides his professional career, he is the head coach for the Wofford College men's lacrosse team.

Charlie has a BA in Economics from Princeton University.

12+ Years of Experience in Commercial Due Diligence and Market Research

Josh is a Director of Strategex’s Private Equity Solutions, where he helps private equity firms and corporate clients make more informed investment, growth, and market-research decisions through commercial due diligence, customer due diligence, and market assessments. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than 100 market study engagements with private equity firms to mitigate risk and accelerate profitable market share growth.

Josh works closely with clients to scope, design, and execute custom research engagements tailored to each investment opportunity. His expertise spans commercial due diligence, customer due diligence, market assessments, and value creation research, with a focus on translating complex market intelligence into clear, actionable insights that support confident business decisions.

Before joining Strategex, Josh held a senior-level position at a leading middle-market commercial due diligence and market research firm, where he directed diligence and value-creation engagements for private equity investors and Fortune 500 companies.

An Eagle Scout, Josh earned bachelor's degrees in Communication and Political Science from Adrian College and a Master of Arts in Communication Research from Michigan State University. He also holds a Private Equity Certificate from the Wharton School, the Insights Professional Certification (IPC), and a Business Development Certificate from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Josh currently resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife and son.

10+ Years of Experience in Litigation and Analysis

At Strategex, Shawn analyzes the research team's interviews and synthesizes salient feedback into a business growth playbook for clients. Before joining Strategex, she was an attorney specializing in commercial and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) litigation.

Shawn is an avid eater who dabbles in yoga and speaks fluent Mandarin.

Shawn has a B.A. in psychology from Northwestern University and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

20+ Years of Experience in Strategy, Operations, and Leadership

Aaron Justice is an accomplished leader in strategy and operations with a track record of driving substantial improvements in growth and profitability. Utilizing the 80/20 operating model, Aaron has led transformational initiatives that have delivered significant operational enhancements.

Before joining Strategex, Aaron spearheaded initiatives at Madison Air for Broan-NuTone, Big Ass Fans, and other businesses that propelled growth within the $3B enterprise. Notably, he made significant improvements in quality, delivery, output, and profitability within a rapid-growth business segment.

Aaron previously served as Vice President of Operations in the automotive industry, where he led multiple sites to improve output & efficiency. In his earlier roles with Eaton Corporation, Aaron led strategic initiatives to strengthen the Eaton Business System across the $20B enterprise. He also executed major improvements to deliver record results during plant management assignments in both their Circuit Protection & Electrical Products businesses.

Aaron's leadership skills were honed during his service in the US Air Force. He has considerable international experience and piloted 305 flights during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues to serve as an instructor pilot in the US Air Force Reserve.

Aaron earned a BS in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA in Strategy from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with his wife and son.

10+ Years of Experience in 80/20 Implementation and Training

Leslie is a Consultant for Strategex and uses her 80/20 background to analyze data and drive simplification.

Before joining Strategex, Leslie worked at ITW across multiple segments and functions. As an Operations leader, she used 80/20 principles to improve customer on-time delivery. Her work improved customer perception, reduced overtime, and decreased inventory cost.

In her Product Management roles, she strategically simplified the product portfolio and performed Voice of the Customer interviewing to understand the customer point of view.

Throughout her roles, Leslie has been a data fanatic and loves a good spreadsheet. She considers herself a life-long learner and has a knack for tackling unfamiliar challenges.

She graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Tech University.

10+ Years of Experience in Finance and 80/20 Analysis

Sean is a senior 80/20 consultant, based in Orange County, California. With a track record of over 50 successful engagements, Sean is dedicated to coaching our clients in developing and executing strategic policies to drive meaningful financial improvements. He's not just a consultant; he's a tactical data resource, equipping clients with the insights they need to excel.

In addition to his consulting expertise, Sean has a background as a financial analyst. His FP&A experience includes in-depth analysis of KPIs, global sales, margin evaluation, and the development of intricate pricing models.

Sean has led teams that work on developing zero-base segmented P&Ls, pricing strategies, product line optimization, and the identification of organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

Sean has a BBA from the University of San Diego. Currently, he is pursuing an MBA at Pepperdine University.

15+ Years in Management, Data Analysis, and 80/20

Jackie Pergande is an experienced 80/20 Associate at Strategex, bringing seven years of data analysis expertise to the 80/20 Profit & Growth team. She has contributed to numerous engagements, conducted hundreds of analyses, and recently helped drive the 80/20 implementation for major industrial manufacturing clients with annual revenues between $2 billion and $4 billion.

Jackie’s professional background includes extensive experience in management and sales. Prior to joining Strategex, she spent over six years in leadership at The Tile Shop, where she successfully managed multimillion-dollar retail operations in a high-performance environment. In that role, she oversaw all aspects of sales and operations, including sales production, customer service, business development, staffing, warehouse logistics, profit and loss (P&L) management, revenue growth, and customer relations. She also brings event management experience, having served as Fest Express Coordinator for Lollapalooza.

Jackie is recognized for her strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and consistently positive attitude. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and long-time friends, traveling, and playing with her energetic son. Her passion for 80/20 runs deep, so much so that she and her husband chose to exchange vows on 08/20.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Design (Interior Design) with a Minor in Communication from Arizona State University.

10+ Years in Finance and 80/20 Analysis
Brandon Kottke brings a wealth of financial expertise and analytical acumen to his role as an 80/20 Consultant at Strategex. A Certified Public Accountant with over seven years of professional experience, Brandon has a proven track record of driving efficiency and optimizing financial performance.

Brandon's journey with Strategex began during his college years when he interned with the firm, delving into the intricacies of 80/20 data analysis and learning 80/20 tools and techniques. This early exposure to the transformative power of 80/20 ignited a passion for leveraging data to uncover actionable insights and drive strategic decision-making.

Following his internship, and prior to joining Strategex full-time, Brandon worked in public accounting, primarily working with clients in the Manufacturing and Real Estate industries. Brandon joined Strategex's finance team, where he most recently served as Director of Finance. In this role, he drove efficiencies in finance processes and worked closely with the Executive team to plan, measure, and execute the company’s strategies.

In the role of 80/20 Consultant, Brandon applies his deep financial knowledge and analytical skills to help clients identify opportunities and implement strategies that drive sustainable growth and profitability. His unique blend of financial expertise and data-driven analysis makes him a valuable asset to clients navigating the complexities of their businesses.

Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accountancy from Calvin University and is a licensed CPA in the State of Illinois.

8+ Years of Experience in Public Accounting and Corporate Finance

Lacey Puls is an accomplished controller with experience in public accounting and the renewable energy industry. She began her career at Smith and Gesteland (S&G) in Middleton, Wisconsin, where she progressed from a staff accountant to a senior accountant. During her tenure, she worked on tax and assurance engagements and was introduced to the 80/20 principles.

Lacey joined Eide Bailly LLP (EB) in Colorado as an audit senior associate. She managed clients across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and real estate and left EB as an audit senior manager. Before joining Strategex, Lacey worked as the controller at a company focused on manufacturing and distributing components for the renewable energy sector.

In her free time Lacey enjoys hiking, nature, traveling, reading, a plethora of sports, and spending time with her 14 nieces and nephews!

Lacey has a Masters of Professional Accountancy from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

6+ Years of Experience in Market Research.

Adam Sidor is an Engagement Manager in Strategex’s Private Equity Solutions practice. He works with Private Equity clients to mitigate transaction risk and accelerate value creation post-close.

Before joining Strategex, Adam worked as a Strategist consulting Big Tech & FinTech companies, designing custom market research studies, and helping organizations seize new opportunities & grow market share.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois.

Tyler Stoner is a Senior Associate in Strategex’s Customer Due Diligence practice. She helps Private Equity clients mitigate transaction risk and accelerate value creation.

Tyler recently graduated from the College of William & Mary. There, she earned a BA in Government and a minor in Interdisciplinary Innovations & Entrepreneurship. In addition, Tyler was a student leader in William & Mary’s Office of Community Engagement. In this role, she led her peers to mitigate housing and food insecurity in the Greater Williamsburg community.

Before joining Strategex, Tyler accrued a range of internship experience. Tyler completed the Walt Disney College Program internship in the Fall of 2019. Post-graduation, she was a Master Intern with Harvard Business School’s Innovation Lab startup, Hibiscus Motherhood. There, she served as a project manager, content creator, and market researcher. Concurrently, she worked for the HomeMore Project, a San Francisco non-profit that crafts innovative solutions to homelessness in the Bay area.

25+ Years of Experience in Market Research and Accounting

Margaret Gordon brings over 25 years of diverse experience in public accounting, physician practice management, and B2B market research and consulting. She has held significant roles across various industries, including positions as an auditor with E&Y, a physician practice manager with Radiation Oncology Associates, and a consultant and project manager with Priority Metrics Group (now part of Strategex). At Priority Metrics Group, Margaret successfully collaborated with over 200 clients across manufacturing and service industries, driving top-line growth and achieving notable results.

Margaret's extensive expertise covers market assessment, competitive strategy development, and custom B2B market research. She excels in project management, staff development, secondary research, executive interviewing, data analysis, business management, strategic planning, and financial analysis. Her extensive experience and multifaceted skills make her a valuable asset as a Senior Associate, dedicated to fostering client relationships and delivering strategic insights for business growth.

Margaret obtained a BA in Accounting and Economics from Converse University and enjoys gardening, photography, cooking, and spending time on the Carolina coast.

7+ Years in Event Planning, Project Management, & Business Development

Mackenzie is an Account Executive at Strategex. Prior to this, she served in a project management role on the Customer Experience team. As an Account Executive, she is instrumental as a liaison between clients and our consulting teams. Her mission is to help clients achieve success (whether they are looking to improve customer experience or embark on an 80/20 transformation). A true team player, Mackenzie also provides data analysis, and leads internal event planning.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Mackenzie started her career as a corporate event planner. Additionally, she served as the director of property management for a commercial real estate company in Cincinnati. There, she managed several commercial properties to drive down NOI and increase property value.

Mackenzie is valued for her kindness, confidence, and convivial attitude. In fact, she was dubbed "The Captain O’ Fun" for Strategex in 2019; her Strategex parties and events are legendary.

Mackenzie holds her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Ohio University (where she crushed it playing Division 1 club volleyball).

11+ Years of Experience in Analytics, Customer Research, and Customer Experience Management

Kam joined Strategex's CX team as a Senior Researcher and swiftly advanced to CX Associate. He brings over 11 years of experience in analytics, customer research, and customer experience management, specializing in competitive intelligence research across various industries.

Before Strategex, Kam led customer insight and Voice of Customer programs at tech giants like Lyft and Instacart. At Instacart, he improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency through Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools and systematic reporting methods. At Lyft, he integrated experience management processes to streamline customer feedback and drive actionable insights.

In addition to his role at Strategex, Kam serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Tennessee's Customer Experience Program. During this appointment, he has provided strategic guidance on curriculum development and program innovation, enhancing professional education and lifelong learning.

Kam's expertise is complemented by his Six Sigma Greenbelt certification and proficiency in Agile methodologies. Known for his holistic approach and strong problem-solving skills, Kam is dedicated to improving customer experience, fostering loyalty, and maximizing ROI. His customer-centric focus and ability to build strong relationships are key strengths he brings to Strategex.

10+ Years of Experience in Project Management and Accounting

Karen Goldberg works in the accounting department at Strategex. As an accounting specialist, she works in the areas of accounts payable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.

Karen's career started as a business analyst for Hewitt. After three years with Hewitt, she joined Strategex as a project manager. For five years, Karen led demand generation projects in which she orchestrated campaigns, and managed a business development team. After a hiatus, Karen rejoined Strategex in 2016 to contribute to the accounting and finance team.

Outside of Strategex, Karen is an involved parent of two. She is active in their education and frequently volunteers for their schools. Further, she was the Vice President of the Parent Teacher Organization for three years. On any given day, she can be found on baseball, soccer, basketball, and golf fields cheering on her children.

Karen graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1998.

30+ Years of Experience In Market Research, Advertising, and Public Relations

Anita joined the team in 2015 as a Senior Researcher. Preceding this engagement, she spent a decade with The Prescient Group, a strategic marketing, and market research company. There, she was a Market Discovery & Research Analyst and performed one-on-one and intercept interviews, conducted focus groups, and served in project management for a wide range of national clients.

She has more than two decades of experience in marketing communications, advertising, and public relations with the Chicago firms of Lee Scott Stevens & Associates, Weber Cohn & Riley, and Waldie & Briggs. She has experience in advertising, marketing, strategic planning, operations management, and research functions for brands such as Disney, GOJO, Brown’s Chicken, 1-800-CableMe, and Chicago White Sox, to name a few.

She is bi-lingual in German, having immigrated to the US from Germany.

16+ Years of Experience in Customer Research

Lucy joined Strategex more than 15 years ago and is valued as a master in-depth interviewer who is able to probe for deep customer insights. She attributes her success to her ability to listen by being present, engaged, and empathetic. She has conducted thousands of interviews in a broad spectrum of engagements. Her work has touched many industries including packaging, industrial manufacturing, and professional services.

Outside of Strategex, she volunteers at her neighborhood park in Chicago raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a new playground and renovate the 125-year old field house. Additionally, she manages the finances of Midnight Circus in the Parks, a local non-profit that builds community and raises funds for local city parks "one circus at a time."

Lucy graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Environmental, Textile and Design, and an associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She designed and manufactured her own line of women’s clothing for 13 years before starting a family.

3+ Years of Experience in Qualitative Research

Kelly supports both Customer Experience and Customer Due Diligence service areas. She works on an array of projects in various industries including tooling, healthcare, packaging, machining, and insurance.

Her approach puts emphasis on relationship building; she is committed to understanding client needs. She works to grasp each client's business: their offering, industry, and market. She specialized in performing in-depth interviews and succeeds because she works to establish trust with research targets.

Before joining Strategex, Kelly worked for The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors of Science.

40+ Years of Experience in Executive Administration and Event Planning

Joanie Hellmer serves as the Executive Assistant to Joe Hahn, Vice President | 80/20 Expert. In this role, Joanie is on call 24/7 to support Strategex, our clients, and Joe.

Joanie's career started in 1971 at The West Bend Company where she gained 29 years of experience as the Executive Assistant to the President and the VP of Human Resources. In 2000, she started working for Illinois Tool Works (ITW) for a Group Vice President. In this role, the GVP was in charge of the Food Equipment Division which encompassed seven divisions across the United States. Joanie traveled to each one of the divisions whenever the need arose.

Joanie is a skilled and passionate event planner – a natural fit for this extrovert. She has coordinated hundreds of events across the country for planning meetings, incentive trips, etc.

One of her many noteworthy accomplishments was the planning and execution of a research study conducted on assisted living facilities. The nine-month engagement required extensive travel to Southern California and close collaboration with multiple stakeholders. That study was directly responsible for the development of a market-specific range of assisted living centers that generated multi-million dollars in sales.

7 Years of Experience in Customer Service, Finance & Banking, and Administration

Rebecca Jones is the Executive Assistant to Jenn Desrosiers, Managing Director of 80/20. In this role, Rebecca supports Strategex, our clients, and Jenn.

Prior to Strategex, Rebecca spent years in Finance and Banking. She worked in a client-facing role at West Bank, and in client relations at Grosvenor Capital Management. After seven years, she became a "professional mom" to her three children.

Rebecca is a skilled and passionate organizer, multi-tasker, and event planner. She enjoys cooking, traveling the world, and taking the perfect snapshots of her children playing sports.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design and a minor in Business, from the University of Iowa.

6+ years of Experience in Project Management, Social Media, Event Marketing, Design, and Ideation.

Kenzie graduated from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration, a concentration in Marketing, and a minor in Online and Social Media. At Wayne State, she was a track and field athlete for the Wildcats and participated in the throwing events. During her track career, she was a three-time recipient of the USTFCCA Academic All-American title.

In college, Kenzie was a part of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), where she gained marketing experience. In this role, she served as head of communications and social media for two years. She organized social media campaigns and oversaw multiple fundraising events for causes like The Make-A-Wish Foundation and local food pantries. While being a student-athlete and executive member of SAAC, Kenzie also held a part-time job at a local boutique, IKT. At IKT, she worked as a sales associate, providing customer service and building relationships with frequent customers. Kenzie also created content for the boutique on social platforms.