After serving as a regional manager at IMEC for almost 20 years, Mark is retiring from the workforce! Over the years, and currently, he has been successfully assisting manufacturers in the Peoria area to improve their processes, efficiencies, and cut costs. Mark believes in assessing, suggesting, delivering, and servicing projects quickly and accurately. As a result, he is able to foster meaningful relationships with his clients and set them up for sustainable competitiveness.
MOST REWARDING PROJECT?
Several years ago, we engaged with a large national manufacturer at the corporate level. In 3 months, we completed some 20 large projects in 8 states - it took strategic collaboration between the IMEC team and another local MEP center to meet the client's needs. As a result, we completed all projects with positive feedback from the corporate and local staff...IMEC was asked to feature this endeavor at the National MEP Network meeting.
MOST CHALLENGING PROJECT THAT RESULTED IN POSITIVE IMPACTS?
I was connected to a qualified new Third Party Resource (TPR) through the MEP Network – my only request was that they are very professional and a no-nonsense type of person. The first project with him was not local and I was comfortable in not attending the kick-off. At about 10 am on the first day, I reached out to the resource. I quickly learned that he was sitting in his car – he walked out on the group while giving instructions and told them that when they were interested in getting serious, he would do so as well. In a panic, I called the sponsor within the facility only to find out she supported his actions. Shortly after our phone conversation, he resumed his consultation. Not only did this project result in MAJOR impacts, but it was the start of a relationship with a world class TPR that has resulted in millions of dollars of work since.
NEW INDUSTRY TREND YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURSUING THAT DRIVES GROWTH THROUGH ENTERPRISE EXCELLENCE?
Living successfully in retirement!
COMMON TOPICS NOTICED WITHIN THE INDUSTRY?
It has shifted a bit. Early in my career although workforce retention/development was discussed, continuous improvement to improve the bottom line was the major issue. I would say that today, there are needs in continuous improvement but the more pressing issue is with workforce.
MOST USEFUL MEDIA FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
Although I haven’t read it all, “The Goal” by Eliyaho Goldratt has been impactful to me. It’s framework around the theory of constraints has shaped some of my thought analysis, both professionally and personally.
“There is a point in time when you have to stop theorizing and get down to fixing it, making it happen.” Mark Baer, Regional Manager (IMEC)
Learn more about Mark and how he can help you create your competitive future here.