David Folkers

About David Folkers

Forward-thinking Senior Executive with 30+ Years of Operations Management Excellence With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, I’ve had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives in manufacturing, engineering, and operations management. My passion lies in driving efficiency, enhancing product quality, and mentoring teams to achieve their fullest potential. I\'ve consistently leveraged advanced Computer-Aided Technologies and LEAN methodologies to deliver substantial cost reductions and elevate quality standards across multiple locations. Proactive Leadership & Team Mentorship Known for my hands-on, proactive leadership style, I excel in guiding and mentoring teams, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and organic growth is stimulated. Whether it\'s revitalizing underperforming facilities, directing capital expenditures, or executing strategic plans with precision, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Operational Excellence & Strategic Vision I have a deep expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, and financial management, driving significant improvements in revenue and EBITDA. My career highlights include transforming struggling operations into thriving entities, leading multi-location integrations, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that reduce lead times and enhance quality metrics. Areas of Expertise:Strategic Planning | LEAN Methodologies | Operational Excellence | Financial Management | Process ImprovementTeam Leadership | P&L Management | ERP Integration | Continuous Improvement | Capital ExpendituresProduct Development | Quality Assurance | Customer Relations | Change Management | Business GrowthRisk Management | Supply Chain Management | Technical Expertise | Project Management | Manufacturing Engineering Career Highlights:Revitalized Underperforming Facilities: Transformed operations at SERVA’s Tulsa and Greensburg facilities, achieving significant revenue growth and record EBITDA.Led Multi-Location Integration: Seamlessly integrated multiple engineering teams and facilities, standardizing processes and elevating product quality.I’m passionate about continuous improvement and creating environments where both people and processes can thrive. If you’re looking for a results-driven leader who can bring operational excellence and strategic insight to your organization, let’s connect! 🤝

Experience

1. Operations Manager, Central Region

   Serva Group

   Apr 2022 — Present · Tulsa, OK, US

   Successfully took over and revitalized SERVA’s largest U.S. facility, shifting focus from four customers to a robust refurbishment and new equipment manufacturing operation.Managed a $22M budget, resolving reporting issues and optimizing profitability from a constrained $7M.Fostered a positive cultural shift across Production, Warehouse, Materials, Engineering, Sales, and Management, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.Created and maintained key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Tulsa facility, ensuring rigorous performance tracking and improvement.

Education

• The University of Tulsa

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  1984 — 1988

Skills

• Manufacturing
• Commissioning
• Procurement
• Process Improvement
• Strategy
• Quality System
• Product Development
• Six Sigma
• Gas
• Operations Management
• Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Sourcing
• Engineering Management
• Supply Chain
• Training
• Engineering
• Kaizen
• Mechanical Engineering
• Strategic Planning
• Petroleum
• Sap
• Lean Manufacturing
• Pricing
• Leadership
• Supply Chain Management
• Sales
• Project Management
• Solidworks
• Budgets