Lance Charen

Manage day-to-day operations of a 10,000 SKU pick and pack fulfillment facility, overseeing a team of 20 employees. Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize efficiency and ensure timely delivery of services. Redesigned workflow and warehouse layout to improve pick rates by more than 18%. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance operational performance. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress and identify areas for optimization. Improved efficiencies to reduce overtime by 40%. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards to ensure quality and safety. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering professional development and growth opportunities.

As the manager of the foundation established in honor of Dr. William and Rosalie Levy, I oversaw the strategic management of the portfolio, meticulously selecting beneficiaries and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Our mission was dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives and advancing Jewish causes in both Philadelphia and Israel.

Startup premium lifestyle brand sales and marketing firm, I spearheaded the management of renowned brands such as Cubanacan cigars, Maison Marcel wines, Oddka Polish Vodka, and over 28 global beer brands across North America. Despite our initial success in driving brand recognition and market penetration, we encountered challenges securing second-round funding, ultimately leading to the scaling back of the business.

Led the overnight operations of a VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers) manufacturing and test facility. My responsibilities encompassed overseeing the entire manufacturing and testing process during the night shift, including engineers, technicians and operators. Ensured the smooth and efficient operation of the facility, and maintained high-quality standards in line with company objectives.

I served as a guest lecturer, imparting insights on compliance and ethics to both Engineering and Business students. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, I shared practical knowledge and real-world examples to enhance their understanding of ethical principles and regulatory compliance within their respective fields. My aim was to instill a strong sense of ethical responsibility and equip students with the tools necessary to navigate complex business and engineering environments with integrity and professionalism, while avoiding the mistakes and oversights that lead to serious consequences.

A proven track record of developing and executing sales and marketing strategies, unlocking opportunities in new verticals, and successfully launching new products and services. My expertise lies in establishing strategic partnerships and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders. I excel in building, managing, and training high-performing sales teams to achieve and exceed objectives. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse clients, including a not-for-profit theater, an automotive wholesale service provider, a facility services provider, a chemical wholesaler and re-processor, and a textile recycling firm. My ability to adapt to various industries and deliver tailored solutions has resulted in tangible growth and success for both clients and organizations alike.

Responsible with overseeing the operations of the Wilmington and Bayonne, NJ branches of a leading waste management and recycling company. In February 2011, I was promoted to manage the entire Northeast Region, which included assuming responsibility for the Pittsburgh and Syracuse offices. My primary challenge was to steer the region towards profitability after three years of financial stagnation. Leveraging my strategic acumen and industry expertise, I devised and executed comprehensive sales, logistics, and operations initiatives. These programs not only revitalized the Pittsburgh facility, achieving profitability for the first time, but also facilitated the successful construction and permitting of the Syracuse facility. By bringing the Syracuse facility online well ahead of schedule, I demonstrated my commitment to meeting and exceeding organizational objectives while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.

Scope of Responsibilities: Warehouses in FL, PA and CA, 35 employees more than 10,000 SKU Primary Challenge: Bringing the company into the 20th century. The last full-count inventory had occurred more than 10 years earlier, order processing was still manually done via fax, and inventory was managed on 4x6 cards. Key Accomplishments: • Reduced overhead by more than 20% and improved net margin by more than 32%, in part by automating systems. • Eliminated low-margin products and increased sales of higher margin lines by expanding from strictly defense applications to private sector shipping, commercial fishing and oil drilling customers.

Scope of Responsibilities: Sales and project management for largest commercial relocation firm in the mid-Atlantic region Primary Challenge: Efficiently design and execute the relocation of offices, warehouses, libraries and industrial facilities Key Accomplishments: • Relocated a large health insurance provider in one weekend, moving 1,100+ staff, 270,000+ paper client files, and 650 workstations, allowing the organization to be up and running without issues on Monday morning. • Drove 15% increase in revenue over a three-year period, expanded customer base

Scope of Responsibilities: Build a turnkey waste hauling operation for investor ownership. Primary Challenge: Lease fleet, design logo, acquire 235 roll off containers, evaluate/acquire and roll out operations systems, staff the organization and design/build operations facility. Key Accomplishments: • Launched company from zero to $9 million in sales in two years, including execution of two $3 million+ acquisitions.

Firefighter I, Pump Operator I & II, Vehicle Rescue Technician, EVOC, Structural Collapse I & II, Hazmat Operations, Aerial Operations