garrett hillestad

* Currently lead fast-paced food production team in the packaging operation consisting of 30 skilled operators. * Managing a cost savings project that eliminates cardboard usage with a net gain of $22,500 for FY 2018. * Ensure appropriate resources, equipment, and staffing needs are available on time to maintain efficient production schedules. * Work cross functionally with purchasing, supply chain managers, mechanical, quality control, and human resources to maintain efficient production schedules. * Support continuous improvement processes to ensure that goals in safety, quality, cost, and customer service are met. * Utilize AS400 and MFG PRO to manage raw materials and input supplies totally over $40M annually. * Implemented continuous improvement project to reduce raw material waste resulting in year over year savings of $288,000 in FY2017. * Implemented safety initiatives that resulted in 0 OSHA recordable injuries for the 2017 fiscal year that included monthly safety walks, monthly safety training, and PPE inspections.

* Led and inspired a team of 38 experienced team members in a union plant. * Implemented new culture initiative from Partners in Leadership that focused on the 7 Cultural Beliefs of Hormel Foods. * Led a labor reduction project that resulted in savings of $102,000 by eliminating two positions for the Pre-Cook Bacon department. * Improved line efficiencies from 84.5% the year prior to 91.2%. * Achieved a positive supply variance on all supplies for Pre-Cooked bacon. * Completed ‘Pathways to Success’ leadership training through Hormel Foods which consisted of 4 week long trainings.

* Led a team of 21 operators over 4 production lines consisting of blending, thermal processing, and packaging. * Built relationship with Quality Pork Processers to implement a process improvement project with gains of $54,000 annually. * Managed and planned efficient production of 100,000 lbs of raw inventory daily. * Co-Chair for 2nd shift safety committee and completed over 100 safety work orders that included adding guards to Multivac conveyors, fixing electrical conduits, and addressing slippery work surfaces.

* Supervises, coaches and trains production supervisors to assure the production of products/services meets daily production schedules. This includes formal evaluations of performance. * Coordinates with other departments within the plant (i.e., Maintenance, Industrial Engineering, Quality Control, Cost Accounting) to assure practices are being followed and goals are being met within the specified nature and scope of the company. * Develops short-term and long-range production plan schedules to meet the needs of sales and assures the ordering of raw materials and/or supplies required for scheduling production in his/her assigned area. * Assures the production of products/services meets quality objectives. * Achieves labor efficiency and utilization objectives, standard yield objectives, safety objectives, production cost objectives, and sanitation/housekeeping objectives. * Assures HACCP and other food safety initiatives are implemented to Hormel & USDA expectations. * Provides vacation relief for Supervisors and Superintendents. * Performs project work as assigned by Superintendent.

Graduated with a BOA in Business Management

* Recruited 8 new clients through telephoning and face-to-face contact over a ten month time period. * Retained clients by fulfilling their insurance needs and building their financial futures. * Completed Northwestern Mutual Intern training program. * Licensed to sell life and health insurance

* Organized beverage orders for retail customers. * Delivered product to over 100 clients. * Tracked inventory throughout the day on a mobile device. * Managed and rotated stock based on FIFO system and expatriation dates.

* Observed Finance Director of Clinic Operations * Obtained skills and knowledge in a hospital financial system * Participated in planning of a re-organization of a billing department * Experienced many different leadership strategies

* Communicated with customers directly and by telephone * Handled multiple guests and tasks during peak business hours * Reconciled a cash drawer and processed credit cards daily

Activities and Societies: Mens Soccer, Luther Athletes Serving Others