Rob Ptacek is a Partner in the Global Lean Institute and President and CEO of Competitive Edge Training and Consulting, a firm specializing in leader and organizational development, and Lean Enterprise transformations. Rob holds a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Masters of Management from Aquinas College. Rob has held leadership positions in Quality, Sales, and Operations Management, and has over 25 years of practical experience implementing continuous improvements in a variety of industries. Rob can be contacted at ptacek@i2k.com.

Abhishek is a self-taught full stack developer and designer. Although he attended courses in Computer Science at AIT (Bangalore), Abhishek has always craved something more than conventional education. Without a traditional degree, Abhishek has been able to learn and grow through his professional work, starting with his first project in college and continuing to work as a freelance developer and coder for the last seven years. Now,he directs a team of like minded developers. From the conception of the project through its final optimization, the team is there every step of the way. Abhishek and his team work with companies to create a variety of tools, including desktop sites, mobile apps, and more. The team provides full, in-house services in UI/UX design, web development, system audits, and more. Abhishek has worked with companies such as Shoot and Share, the Leanstore, and valleyobcare.
Contact Email: abhishekpaul0055@gmail.com

Deborah brings a practical approach to Lean, based on applied learning. Her experience spans three continents in manufacturing, project management, logistics, not for profit health care and higher education. She co-founded and is a key leader at the Lean Gulf Institute, spreading Lean awareness, professional development and empowerment through process improvement activities. She holds an Engineering degree from Boston University, an MBA and PhD. Deborah can be contacted at deb@leangulf.org or visit www.leangulf.org.

As a senior partner, Joe Buys has been an innovator in Cross-Functional Team Development, Creative Problem Solving, and Leadership Development. More recently, he’s been working on developing strategies for companies to implement Lean processes into both areas of production and administration. He has been an expert contributor on the www.Allexperts.com website for over 10 years.
In addition to his human resource expertise as a consultant, Joe Buys was a national leader in the communications and research industries for over two decades. A past president of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Joe had a distinguished career in broadcasting as owner and/or manager of stations in Lansing, MI (WVIC- AM-FM), Detroit, MI (WKSG KISS-FM), Grand Rapids, MI (WZZR) and Fort Wayne, IN (WOWO-AM /FM).
As a businessman and consultant, he has earned the reputation as a paladin by successfully turning around a number of unprofitable businesses through in-depth, hands-on management and employee coaching. He also left an imprint on the research industry as Central Division Manager for the Arbitron Research Company in Chicago. However, unlike most turn-around experts, he did it without a smoking gun. Instead of replacing people, he trains and motivates them. He understands the need for managers to empower and challenge their employees by instilling a sense of dignity through compassion and pride.
“We have to tell our clients the facts in a way that they can understand how they will be impacted by them. Then we have to provide them with different tools they can use to improve performance, based on the reality of their situation. I trust that they will then make the best decisions for their particular needs.”

Personal History:

Joe Buys was born in Grand Rapids, MI however, he lived his early years in East Lansing, MI. He developed an early interest in acting and competitive swimming. He participated in Toy Shop Theatre, a program at Michigan State University for young adults interested in theatre. That relationship led to his interest in broadcasting that was encouraged by cross participation between Toy Shop Theatre and the University’s television station, WKAR-TV. The interest in broadcasting and swimming led to an easy choice of college as he attended his hometown Michigan State University where he majored in Radio and Television, minored in Business and swam on the Spartan swim team. As an adult, he continued his swimming career by competing in the United States Masters Swimming and the Senior Olympics. He has set numerous state records, won a national championship and help set three world relay records.

Client Base:

Manufacturing , Healthcare, Financial Services, Trade Associations, Media Law, Service Industries, Non-Profits, Oil

Credentials:

Editor “Back-Street Lean” a book on Lean Manufacturing MA. Michigan State University - Telecommunications/Business
B.A. Michigan State University - Telecommunications/Marketing
Board Member - Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation
Past President- Michigan Association of Broadcasters
Past President - Communication Arts Alumni Association - Michigan State University
Past President - Central East Lansing Business Association
Legislative Liaison, National Association Broadcasters
Time Management/Denmark - Certified as trainer’s trainer