Tag Archives: Continuous Improvement

Executive Leadership Interviews- Ted Karagias

Ted Karagias is currently filling two roles as a Food Safety Manager and Continuous Improvement Manager with Land O’Frost Inc in Lansing, Illinois. Land O’Frost is currently the third largest ready-to-eat pre-packaged lunch meat company in the United States. Previously, he held numerous positions with Kraft Foods Inc in Champaign Illinois to include Operations & Sanitation Supervisor, Continuous Improvement Engineer, and Six Sigma Black Belt. Kraft Foods is the second largest food manufactured in the world with over $13 billion in sales annually. The Champaign Illinois facility is the flagship Kraft Facility producing over 1.2 billion tons of product a year. In 2011, Ted finished his Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana in Human Resource Development.
Mr. Karagias is a Captain and is the Maintenance Officer in the 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron of the 434th Maintenance Group at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. He is responsible for supporting 16 assigned KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and their worldwide aerial refueling mission. He also leads a work force of approximately 150 crew chiefs and support personnel.

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Part 2 of the Interview

Executive Leadership Interviews- John Schuetz

Executive Leadership Interviews- Today we had the pleasure of interviewing John Schuetz. John has a 20 year career that has included positions with General Mills, System Sensor, and most recently with Fresh Express, Inc. which is a division of Chiquita Brands International. His most recent role includes management of four manufacturing and distribution facilities and a workforce of over 1,400 employees. John is well known for his progressive style of management that engages his workforce through “Continuous Improvement”, empowerment, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies. In our interview John shares the importance of incorporating a strategic personal development plan, engagement of mentors, taking personal accountability and continued learning approach to achieving your own career success.

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Part 2 of the Interview