About Us

     Skip Quinlivan is a well-versed business partner that focuses on continuous improvement techniques such as 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 1982-1987; He received additional kaizen training from Shingijutsu masters, Chihiro Nakao from 1985-1992. 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 is also affiliated with the following Colleges and State Universities; North Carolina State University, Dayton, Saint Vincent College, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Haywood Vocation 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. In addition, he has 45 years of experience as an engineer and being 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 aids in deploying a clear vision by way of mentoring, training, and developing a sustainable improvement process.

          Shannon has vast knowledge as an operations manager and has restructured and implemented strategies for leadership from valve stream managers through team leads. He has worked diligently to ensure that continuous improvement framework training is successful from the ground up by providing on-site training events that cater to clients' needs. In addition, he has executed strategies with a focus on core competency, leading toward more flexible processes and reduction of waste. 

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

Matt Cross is a continuous improvement consultant specializing in process management to help clients identify and resolve waste and gaps in 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 communications skills with the operators are an asset that enables him to obtain their perspective and get feedback on projects to help create and implement a plan to achieve 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. 

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

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

Matt has also worked as a Logistics Analyst where he would examine different points along the supply chain and work to implement improvements to 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 make her equipped to address customer needs to foster positive experiences for the 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 vast knowledge in customer relations has made her an asset to the team.