THOMAS W. BEDNAR
SENIOR MANUFACTURING AND SALES EXECUTIVE
Skilled operations manager - Track record of sales expertise - Passion for quality customer relationships

Owners mentality at providing the vision and leadership to capitalize on opportunities and conquer challenges.
Proven ability at executing the sales cycle, leadership, implementing cost savings solutions, and demonstrating product and industry knowledge.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Manufacturing Sales
Supply Chain Management
Strategic Market Planning
Project Management
Recruitment & Staffing Leadership Training & Development
Employee Relations
Organizational Planning
Manufacturing Market Distribution
Team Building & Leadership Profit & Loss
Business Development
International Marketing
Market Knowledge
Mentoring & Coaching
PROESSIONAL EXPERIENCE


DRT COMPANIES, INC. WOODRIDGE, IL 2006 - PRESENT
A consulting organization designed to help companies identify new and emerging technologies, assist with implementation and develop strategies for growing their business.

CONSULTANT
Evaluated a $7.5MM business targeted for acquisition by a client in the Temporary Traffic Control Industry.
The results impacted the decision to purchase it to enhance manufacturing capability and the companys
competitive position in the market.
Acted as a liaison to international manufacturers and distributors to establish relationships with US counterparts, who supplied products or partnered with them to expand into different / new markets (i.e., highway safety, construction zone & traffic control, utilities, and governmental projects).
Conducted several surveys that yielded results about customer market position. Provided reports that included an overview of market tactics & trends and recommendations to improve market share (e.g., expanding products lines or partnering with new distributors).

WORK AREA PROTECTION CORPORATION, ST CHARLES, IL 1987 - 2005
Division of the Stabler Companies, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Work Area Protection Corporation is a multi-million dollar company that manufactures and markets a complete line of temporary traffic control devices used primarily by the barricade renters, safety supply houses, utilities, and Department of Transportation (municipal and state) markets.
PRESIDENT (1996 2005)
VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES (1987 1996)
SALES MANAGER (1985 1987)




THOMAS W. BEDNAR PAGE 2

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Oversaw the day-to-day activities of a $25MM manufacturing operation, including sales, customer service, shipping, distribution and maintenance.
Developed sales strategies through distributors and direct OEM accounts which improved communication and enhanced customer relations.
Managed a $50K project to install an alternative water recycling process for cooling the production of plastics that resulted in an initial savings of $500K and an anticipated continued annual cost savings of 5%.
Directed plant staff, contractors and inspectors in successfully completing annual capital expense projects at $100K each to make upgrades to plant utilities and machinery that improved operations and reduced work hours.
Installed a $1.3MM state-of-the-art assembly line system that reduced manufacturing cost. Increased production by 30% led to reconciling the cost of the project in two years.
Cut overall manufacturing cost by approximately 5% by switching to more efficient natural gas versus electricity to power select machinery. Realized an initial savings of 33% in energy cost.
Facilitated monthly Board Meetings with executive staff (CEO, CFO, President, Plant and Operational
Management, Sales Manager). Reported metrics for profitability, projections, and inventory cost and supply.
Groomed plant leadership team, including coaching, mentoring and implementing cross-functional training as
part of a successful succession planning initiative.

SALES LEADERSHIP
Recruited and developed a national field sales force that accelerated company growth from a $10MM
business to a $25MM company in 5 years.
Developed and launched new strategies through a network of international distributors to introduce new
products in the Canadian, European, Central and South American markets which accounted for 3% of annual
sales.
Directed the management of complex national accounts that represented 25% to 30% of total sales.
Crafted a comprehensive Sales Policy and Procedure Manual that defined the sales staff on-boarding process, incentive plan structure and geographic responsibilities.
Initiated employee involvement in annual regional and national trade show events, which improved their core business knowledge and strengthened customer relationships.
Coordinated advertising for trade journals and company brochures through professional communication agencies.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Education Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Business coursework completed at Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA

MILITARY SERVICE
Infantryman, United States Army
Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
National Safety Congress
ATSSA (American Traffic Safety Service Association)
FBA (Flasher Barricade Association)