EMP-20
Dennis Michalak obtained a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from the University of Illinois. The program consisted of 160 hours of classroom study, a 300-question written exam, and a Black Belt project that would save a company at least $100,000 annually. U of I made arrangements with Peacock Engineering for Dennis to complete the third requirement for certification. At the completion of his project, Dennis saved Peacock $200,000 annually. The certification program is held in high regard by manufacturing professionals. Hopefully, Dennis adds, he will be putting these skills to good use for more companies soon.
John Fischer and wife Faye have lived in Boulder, Colo., for 30 years. In 1993, John started a second company, an international engineering and construction firm. In 2007 and 2008, both industrial companies were sold. Since then he has been investing and serving on boards, including as chairman of the board at the University of Colorado Leeds Business School. With daughter Jordan, the family is starting a restaurant concept in energy centers of western states. The first unit will open in Wyoming this October. John served on the Kellogg Alumni Advisory Board from 2003 to 2009.
Ron Smith (aka Smitty) writes: “Recognizing I have been in hiding for a couple decades, I will attempt to provide a quick synopsis of what I have been up to. After leaving the Chicago Fire Department, I did a complete career change. For the last 20 years I have been working in the finance industry, both in sales and management. I have been fortunate to work with some notable organizations, such as IBM Global Finance, GE Capital, Dell Financial and Key Equipment Finance. Subsequently, over the years I have gained a wealth of experience in structuring mid-large ticket transactions.
“About six months ago, I felt it was time to ‘test the waters and spread my wings.’ Thus I started The MEC Group LLC. MEC provides mining equipment and capital to mid-sized mining operations throughout the United States. Our target market is predominately coal mines, but we have provided financing to several gold mines for their acquisition of equipment. Consequently, I have been very lucky (isn’t luck and customer service more than 50 percent of a successful business?) and the company is doing very well. So if any investors would like to get involved in the mining industry, please provide them with my name.
“I am still married to Kathy (going on 33 years) and have watched our three daughters grow up, graduate college and become outstanding young ladies. We moved from the South Side of Chicago in 2005 and now enjoy ‘Town Home Living’ in Palos Heights, Ill. I am still an avid gardener and enjoy relaxing at our cottage in Michigan, while trying to figure out what to plant in my next flower garden. In combination with our two dogs (Lacey, an adopted greyhound, and Quinn, my only male companion in the house), life is good and fulfilling. I would like to say hello to all my EMP-20 classmates and thank you for putting up with me and my crazy Fire Department stories.”
Walter Herbst is still busy directing the master of product design and development program at Northwestern, a cross between an MBA and professional design/engineering classes. He comments, “We’re now interviewing for our 10th class. I also just started a new design firm with son Scot and am not only having a ball, but having success at it!”
Harold Anagnos has been teaching a class on effective organizational leadership for profits and nonprofits at the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern. He also serves as Parish Council president at The Ascension of Our Lord church in Lincolnshire, Ill. Harold comments: “This is a new parish that recently bought seven acres to build a new community complex on Riverwoods Road. Working with volunteers is not like running a business organization. I would welcome any input on working with volunteers.”
Ned Rockwell is working with an early-stage pharmaceutical company called Pons Pharma, focused on making it easier for chronically ill kids to follow their drug regimen. Approximately 80 percent of these kids just don’t take their medications, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Ned comments: “We are bringing to market a few commonly-used drugs in a delivery form that will no longer require kids to have to swallow hard pills. It is very exciting to think we can make a big impact on these kids with our products once we get them on the market.
“As I have for the last several years, I attended this year’s Kellogg Alumni Entrepreneur Annual Conference at the Allen Center. This conference continues to be very stimulating for me and a great networking source for those working with early-stage companies. The focus this year was on innovation. John Prendergast, co-founder and CEO of Blueleaf, gave a great presentation on innovation in new-product development. His emphasis was on learning quickly from testing and mistakes, as well as avoiding the pitfalls of delusional thinking by validating learning with your customers. It was a top Kellogg professor-level quality presentation with a fresh, smart speaker. I look forward to attending the Kellogg Business of Healthcare Conference in the fall.
“If you haven’t already, join the Kellogg EMP-20 LinkedIn group. There are 22 of us now. The conversation traffic is low (therefore not a burden), and every once in a while someone threatens to create an impromptu get-together like drinks and dinner. Someday, it will happen.”
