About Us

          Skip Quinlivan is a seasoned business partner who specializes in continuous improvement techniques, including kaizen and lean. He has led efforts at 40 different Danaher plants and more than 250 additional facilities, conducting over 1560 kaizen efforts to date. 

          Skip received extensive kaizen training under the direction of Dr. Shigeo Shingo at Utica Tool from 1982 to 1987. He also received additional kaizen training from Shingijutsu masters, including Chihiro Nakao, from 1985 to 1992. At Copeland Corporation, he was one of the team members to help triple the company's output. He did several hundred events at Copeland and Emerson plants. While at Danaher and Copeland, he developed a corporate SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies) and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) training program. He has also developed and implemented TPM and machine lubrication programs at several plant sites. 

          Skip has affiliations with the following Colleges and State Universities: North Carolina State University, Saint Vincent College, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Haywood Vocational Opportunities. He has also done work for Eaton Cutler-Hammer, Snap-on, and Copper Tools. Skip Quinlivan attended Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY, and Orangeburg Community College in Orangeburg, SC. Additionally, he has 45 years of experience as an engineer and a tool and die designer at Utica Tool and Danaher Tool Group.

          Shannon Quinlivan is a seasoned continuous improvement consultant with over 26 years of experience. Shannon has helped businesses globally obtain their objectives. His client-focused, systematic approach enables the deployment of a clear vision through mentoring, training, and the development of a sustainable improvement process.

          Shannon has extensive knowledge as an operations manager and has restructured and implemented strategies for leadership, from valve stream managers to team leaders. He has worked diligently to ensure that the continuous improvement framework training is successful from the ground up by providing on-site training events that cater to clients' needs. Additionally, he has implemented strategies with a focus on core competencies, resulting in more flexible processes and reduced waste. 

          Shannon utilizes his experience and expertise to develop and implement lean strategies, continually achieving optimal performance. These goals are achieved through a tiered, systematic approach that focuses on enhancing organizational abilities through waste elimination, utilizing appropriate tools, and implementing infrastructural processes that yield sustainable results.

          Matt Cross is a continuous improvement consultant specializing in process management, helping clients identify and resolve waste and gaps in their processes using lean methods. 

          Matt's ability to listen to the operators' concerns while walking production lines enables him to observe abnormalities that could cause future production issues and areas that could be improved. His communication skills with the operators are a valuable asset that allows him to gain their perspective and gather feedback on projects, ultimately helping to create and implement a plan to achieve the desired results. His attention to detail in observations is communicated through informative recommendations. Matt is goal-oriented and works thoroughly to see each project through. 

Before joining the Lean Work Horses Team, Matt had experience as a Quality Manager at a tier 1 supplier, where he worked with the production and shipping departments to monitor the conformance of imports and exports.

          Matt has years of experience as a Marine Surveyor, where he supervises the loading and offloading of ocean-going vessels, working to improve efficiency by organizing a streamlined workflow from warehouses to cargo holds. He maintained a safe working environment by overseeing operations at the staging areas and inspecting the lashing and securing of various cargoes. He investigated damaged goods and submitted detailed reports that outlined the specifics and determined the root cause.

          Matt has also worked as a Logistics Analyst, where he examined various points along the supply chain and implemented improvements to enhance forecast accuracy and response time. 

Asset Management and Lean Manufacturing Professional

Operations and Maintenance: Effective operation and maintenance of facilities is a complex responsibility in today's environment. Mike has business experience and working knowledge of building systems, structure, interiors, and exteriors, and grounds, so the facility and all of its critical systems function efficiently, reliably, safely, securely, and in a manner consistent with existing regulations and standards.

Project Management: Projects vary in scope, complexity, duration, and financial risk. Therefore, Mike uses all aspects of project management, beginning with planning, scoping, scheduling, and evaluating. Project planning and management are his core skills in facilities and asset management. These skills are essential because of the wide range of projects assigned to the facility organization.

Finance and Business: Mike has managed and overseen high-value assets representing a significant financial investment in technology, buildings, structures, interiors, exteriors, and grounds. Being responsible for the oversight, operation, and maintenance of the buildings and grounds, administering various service contracts, understanding finance and Business is critical for strategic asset management.

Leadership and Strategy: Responding to the ever-changing requirements, Mike works with leadership to develop and execute Lean Strategies that support the site's overall business model. He supports infrastructure and operational goals to create a competitive advantage for the Business. In addition, he is carrying out major initiatives by influencing the decisions and attitudes of others. 

Mike uses these strategies to integrate people, places, processes, and technology to align the facility portfolio with the organization's missions and available resources and innovate to move forward with staff and operations.

Customer Support Specialist 

Maria Quinlivan is a proficient Customer Support Specialist with over 10 years of experience. Her skills equip her to address customer needs, fostering positive experiences for customers/clients. Her promptness in responding to customer queries via email, live chat, phone, and social media has benefited our team. She maintains a polite, helpful, and professional manner at all times. She works hard to obtain and share customer feedback with her colleagues to improve services and products. Her extensive knowledge in customer relations has made her a valuable asset to the team.