Kevin Thelen

Biography

Experience Plant Controller Company NameHearthside Food Solutions Dates Employed2012 – Present   Employment Duration5 yrs LocationGrand Rapids, MI Senior plant leader of this snack & bread manufacturer and co-manufacturing national account partner focusing on financial reporting, lean concepts, and cost saving capital projects. Helped lead a seven-figure labor savings improvement in less than a year through specialized labor reporting and monitoring, right-sizing labor standards, and working with Commercial Finance to improve profitability. As the senior-level-experienced controller in a five plant region, often led and consulted other plant controllers in the group to bring about operational, reporting, and efficiency improvements • Experienced presenter of financial and other performance data, 5S area champion, monitor safety concerns Controller Company NameRalcorp Dates Employed2010 – 2012   Employment Duration2 yrs LocationGrand Rapids, MI Provide in-depth financial data to top management, particularly financial statements, forecasting, and SOX compliance. Evaluate new business opportunities with such well-known companies like Wal-Mart, Gordon Food Service, Meijer, and other food service, retail, or restaurant operations. Provide strategic direction and continuous improvement guidance and leadership. Lead efforts for cost savings initiatives and lean projects. Prepare value stream maps and lead lean initiatives. Left Ralcorp for promotional opportunity at bigger, more automated facility. Controller Company NameJohnson Controls Dates Employed2007 – 2010   Employment Duration3 yrs LocationHolland, MI Strong and experienced financial leadership of large automotive supplier plant, including oversight of A/R, A/P, payroll, general ledger, cost accounting standards, cost control, inventory, budgeting and forecasting, capital expenditures, job costing and pricing, Sarbanes-Oxley audit coordination, and profit improvement. Provide in-depth analysis to top plant and corporate management for improved decision-making. Revamped and enhanced scrap reporting, leading to six-figure improvement plans. Lead a continuous improvement Six Sigma team to review large ongoing cost savings strategies. Left JCI for opportunity in food industry. Controller Company NameKey Plastics Dates EmployedJun 2005 – Jun 2007   Employment Duration2 yrs 1 mo LocationGrand Rapids, MI Won million dollar price increases from GM and Chrysler. Led efforts to reduce scrap and improve quality, resulting in six figures of cost savings. Trusted spokesperson of plant issues to parent office and company president. Left Key Plastics for promotion to larger plant with more responsibility. CFO and Corporate Treasurer Company NameIMA America Dates EmployedNov 2003 – Jun 2005   Employment Duration1 yr 8 mos LocationGrand Rapids, MI Reduced corporate debt by millions of dollars in less than one year while also earning foreign currency gains. Provided comprehensive financial package to large multinational parent company. Reduced inventory levels by six figures, implemented employee handbook, organized sales promotions. Left IMA as company was relocating to North Carolina. See more positions Education Michigan State University Degree NameBachelor of Arts (B.A.) Field Of StudyAccounting Dates attended or expected graduation1985 – 1989

Research Interest

Accounting and Management