International Reviews
Supply Chain Optimizers is staffed with highly experienced executives who have held key international positions with major firms. A number of these executives utilize their backgrounds to educate managers from other companies through various development venues. Two of our partners are licensed US Customs brokers and a third has over 25 years of Canada Customs experience. This means we have a unique combination of real world experience and current knowledge of rules and regulations which are changing every day.
Our international offering is to analyze import and export operations for compliance, management control and cost efficiency. We’ll spend a relatively short time – days not weeks - reviewing client functions in order to generate a report card for senior management. The client can then correct the deficiencies internally, retain outside expertise or engage SCO to implement changes. The important point is that the client controls the process and decides how to apply corrective action which may or may not include SCO. Our report card will provide the road map to process and cost improvement but the client has implementation options.
These are the resources SCO brings to international projects:
Jack Ampuja - President, Buffalo, NY [View Bio]
Six years as Director of Logistics with Tambrands when that company did business in 140 countries. Responsible for all import & export operations. During Jack’s tenure Tambrands bought other companies in Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Turkey. Also expanded manufacturing base from US, Canada, UK, Ireland and South Africa to China, Ukraine and Georgia. Ten years as VP – Purchasing & Logistics with Rich Products while that company grew from five countries to 75 and added production in Mexico, Colombia, Italy, China, and India. More background as Sr VP Operations with Fisher Scientific world leader in scientific supplies with 350,000 customers in 145 countries. In addition to leading SCO Jack is also the lead presenter on International management development programs for the Center for Supply Chain Excellence at Niagara University.
Peter Stirling - Executive Vice President, Charleston, SC [View Bio]
Seven years as Vice President International Services & Operations with Ocean Spray including leadership responsibility for Latin American business unit. Peter’s background includes international logistics and operations, government grants funding, sales administration, tax structure and customs compliance in support of all international business units. At Ocean Spray he led the integration of Canada into the corporate structure and was responsible for the management of 25 international contract manufacturers around the world. Peter also has extensive experience in systems design and management for operations and logistics functions.
William Kuffner - Vice President Marketing, Buffalo, NY [View Bio]
30 years in the financial services industry, executive positions at M & T Bank, Continental Bank of Chicago and Citibank, international assignments in Europe and West Africa, extensive experience in letter of credit processing. Bill’ logistics background comes from his time as a Marine Corps Officer and Vietnam veteran where he served as a battalion logistics motor transport officer
John Goodrich - Licensed Customs Broker – Minneapolis MN [View Bio]
Over 20 years of experience in international as a Trade Consultant and Licensed Customhouse Broker. John is a regular trainer and speaker on a variety of import/export topics including: Harmonized Tariff Classification, NAFTA, Letters of Credit, INCOTERMS, Regulation Compliance and International Transportation & Logistics.
Dan Reilly - Regional Vice President – Bonita Springs FL [View Bio]
Over 30 years as corporate executive and consultant. Served as Vice President of Distribution & Transportation for both Value City Department Stores and Big Lots. Dan was also Director/General Manager of Distribution for Marshalls Department Stores (now a division of TJX). His experience covers all phases of supply chain management, construction, material handling installation, site selection, productivity improvement, and safety analysis.
Edmund Rucels - Regional Vice President, Toronto, ON [View Bio]
Over 35 years of technology industry experience with Northern Telecom and Psion Teklogix where he directed global vertical marketing focusing on the cold chain, refrigerated warehouses, food industry and container ports for the AIDC industry.
