Open To Work
Spencer T. Cowan
Chaska
Summary
Seasoned senior leader with a proven track record of consistently surpassing organizational objectives and driving growth. Dedicated mentor focused on prioritizing the needs of the organization and its team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Multifaceted professional thriving in high-energy, complex settings, leveraging strategic insights to navigate challenges effectively. Recognized for a pragmatic approach that balances innovation with practical solutions to achieve sustained success.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Officer
MN Commercial Cleaning, Inc.
Edina, MN
01.2019 - Current
- Responsible for all functions within a multi-million dollar Facility Maintenance services company.
- Led a diverse organization of 150+ team members, internally and externally.
- Personally led the organization in sales over the duration of current tenure.
- Introduced technology within each function of the organization, significantly enhancing efficiency and accountability.
- Developed a client facing communication methodology, strengthening relationships.
- Primarily responsible for all communications with 50+ commercial clients.
Director, Operations
Affinitech, Inc.
Chanhassen, MN
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Responsible for all operational functions in a rapidly growing, global technology-based integrator.
- Served well-known international clients and smaller customers alike in the sales, engineering, planning, build-out and ongoing support of Audio, Visual, Digital Signage and Security Systems.
- Developed centralized purchasing and distribution processes where none had existed.
- Developed a Key Performance Indicator dashboard system for all company functions.
- Created and implemented an eCommerce platform, resulting in annual revenue of $3million within three years.
Partner
HomWerks, LLC
Chanhassen, MN
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Responsible for all functions within the organization less accounting, including merchandising, marketing, website design, multi-channel ecommerce management, distribution, customer service and purchasing.
- Built eCommerce platform, integrating multiple applications controlling merchant channels, distribution, authentication, inventory control and finance.
Independent Operations Consultant
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Executed a business turn-around of an established online, retail organization resulting in a 40% reduction in variable costs within one quarter.
- Acted as Business Development Director for a Telephony Consolidator in Wayzata, MN.
- Provided social marketing support to a regional marketing firm in Chanhassen, MN.
Vice President, Operations
2nd Wind Exercise Equipment
Eden Prairie, MN
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Managed all operational aspects of the company during a period of rapid growth. Within four years, the organization grew from 39 retail locations to 140 locations in 10 States.
- Selected, designed and oversaw three distribution centers located in WI, IL and MN.
- Developed, trained and managed a corporate-wide sales program for 140 retail and distribution locations.
- Consolidated landline, IP voice and data lines under one master carrier, reducing cost by 25%.
- Negotiated insurance rates and contracts throughout the organization.
Program Manager
The Swiss Colony
Monroe, WI
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Designed, slotted and profiled 6,000,000 square feet of distribution center to support the peak order processing and shipping velocity of 240,000 orders per day.
- Implemented a corporate wide Warehouse Management System (WMS). In one year, drove out $1.6MM in labor costs alone.
Officer
United States Army
01.1988 - 01.2000
- Commanded two organizations, the largest of which comprised of 350+ soldiers and separate activities including: Medical Service, Food Service, Religious Service, Maintenance, Fuel Operations, Trucking Operations and Facilities Management. Rated the best commander of 35.
- Awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Combat. Awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
- Successfully completed professional development courses focusing on leadership, planning, operations, maintenance management and human resources. Graduated in the top 10% in each instance.
- Performed the duties of plans officer for a multi-national force located in Southwest Asia.
Education
BA - German Language
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IAMBA - undefined
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WIGraduate Study - Kinesiology
California State University – Fullerton
Fullerton, CACertified Personal Trainer - undefined
International Sports Sciences Association
Skills
- Operations Management
- Forecasting / Budgeting
- P&L
- Project Management
- Fleet Management
- Sales
- Process Improvement
- Safety Program Management
- Facilities Management
- Contract Management
- Training
- Continuous Improvement
- Warehousing / Distribution
- Leadership Development
- Business Development
Languages
German
Limited Working
Timeline
Operations Officer
MN Commercial Cleaning, Inc.
01.2019 - Current
Director, Operations
Affinitech, Inc.
01.2013 - 01.2018
Partner
HomWerks, LLC
01.2011 - 01.2013
Independent Operations Consultant
01.2009 - 01.2011
Vice President, Operations
2nd Wind Exercise Equipment
01.2004 - 01.2009
Program Manager
The Swiss Colony
01.2000 - 01.2004
Officer
United States Army
01.1988 - 01.2000
MBA - undefined
Cardinal Stritch University
Graduate Study - Kinesiology
California State University – Fullerton
Certified Personal Trainer - undefined
International Sports Sciences Association
BA - German Language
University of Northern Iowa
Software And Applications
- MS Excel
- MS Access
- MS PowerPoint
- WMS Platforms
- QuickBooks
- NetSuite
- ChannelAdvisor
- TL/LTL
- Small Parcel
- ConnectWise
- Zenefits
- Material Resource Planning Applications
- Janitorial Manager
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$75008/yr - $125000/yrNon Profit Participation
- Board Member, Rapport Afghanistan, Chanhassen, MN, Military veterans providing assistance in kind to the children of Afghanistan.
- Volunteer, LoveINC, Chanhassen, MN
- Musician, Theatre 301, Excelsior, MN
- Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chaska, MN
- Board Member, Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, WI
- Board Member, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Monroe, WI