Learn from the lean manufacturing journeys of two Rhode Island leaders to discover the small, quick gains and the longer-term sustainable impacts of Lean training.
Some say Lean Manufacturing has its roots in 1400s Italy. In this session, find out why it’s a proven way to get your Rhode Island business Back2Better in any century.
Lean methodologies help manufacturers achieve efficiency, quality and consistency, driving innovation and growth. Ken Bertram, CEO of Herrick & White, and Jill Lancaster, Director of Administration and Finance for Water Rower, share their companies’ Lean manufacturing journeys in this session moderated by Polaris MEP Center Director Kathie Mahoney.
Who Should Attend
- Executives at Rhode Island manufacturing businesses
- Operations managers, Manufacturing managers and engineers
- Students and others interested in a manufacturing career
About the Panelists
Ken Bertram, President & CEO, Herrick & White
Ken Bertram was hired as a cabinetmaker, and through drive and determination rose through engineering to Project Management to become the Vice President of Project Management for many years.
Now Ken leads Herrick & White as President. Ken holds a BA Industrial Arts and Education from Rhode Island College, and has taken several courses at Bryant University and Brown University.
Jill Lancaster, Director of Finance and Administration, WaterRower
A graduate of Rhodes University in South Africa, Jill first joined WaterRower (UK) Ltd in 1998, while simultaneously training as a professional lightweight rower in London. Jill represented her native Zimbabwe in numerous World Rowing Championships, highlighted by winning gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Rowing Championships.
Jill relocated to WaterRower’s US office in 2006, spearheading development of the company’s rowing education platform (HowToRow.com) and helping the global fitness company achieve historic growth. As an officer and member of the board of directors, her primary responsibilities include overseeing financials, human resources, professional development and customer-facing operations.
Kathie Mahoney, Center Director, Polaris MEP
Kathie Mahoney joined Polaris MEP in September of 2020. She is responsible for leading Polaris MEP’s team in its support of Rhode Island’s manufacturers, helping clients grow and become more competitive. Kathie is a member of the MEP National Network Center Leadership team. She has worked with manufacturers for more than two decades, improving operational efficiencies, solving workforce challenges and implementing innovative solutions that lead to growth.
Polaris MEP is committed to offering the best business improvement programs to Rhode Island Manufacturers.
In order to achieve that goal and to justify continued U.S. Department of Commerce funding for these services, participants are asked to provide impact data and assessment. You may be asked for feedback through a short online survey within 1-3 days of this program and possibly again through an impartial third-party survey firm, 6-12 months after a Polaris MEP hosted public workshop.