Optimas Toolbox Talks | Episode 5: Turning Complexity into Opportunity

Cory Polk

Snr Mgr, New Business Implementation

Nigel Bland

Opérations
Manager

Chris Collins

Operations Support
Manager

Brandi Olson

Business Operations
Project Manager

Stuart Katz

Director,
Marketing

FROM PROBLEM RECOGNITION TO PROFITABLE PARTNERSHIPS

Switching suppliers can be complex, yet with the right partner, it becomes an opportunity for significant improvement. We sat down with our operations and implementation experts to break down the process into manageable steps that help ensure a smooth and profitable transition.

 

The purpose of this podcast is to simplify the implementation process, enabling you to:

  • Recognize the signs that it’s time for a change in your fastener supply chain.
  • Prepare your organization for a smooth transition, minimizing disruption.
  • Select a supplier that perfectly aligns with your operational, quality, and strategic needs.
  • Implement a structured transition plan using best practices and avoiding common pitfalls.
  • Foster a collaborative relationship with your new supplier for long-term success and continuous improvement.

 

From recognizing the need for a new fastener supplier to fully integrating them into your operations – each step is an opportunity to mitigate risks and lay the foundation for a partnership that goes beyond mere transactions to become a strategic alliance.

 

Whether you’re facing quality issues, cost challenges, or inefficiencies, our operation experts will provide actionable insights to enhance your supply chain resilience and profitability.

Abonnez-vous et écoutez

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About the Experts

Cory Polk

Snr Mgr, New Business Implementation

Cory Polk is a seasoned project management professional, bringing over a decade of expertise in project management across diverse sectors including healthcare, aerospace, and technology. With advanced degrees in Public Administration and Business Management from Stephen F. Austin State University, Cory has orchestrated $60 million in new business programs and realized $17 million in cost savings throughout his career.

A Dallas native with a military upbringing, Cory’s extensive global experience—spanning Europe, Mexico, North America, and Asia—has honed his ability to drive transformative results and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction. Currently, as Senior Manager at Optimas, Cory continues to excel in leading high-impact projects and fostering strategic partnerships.

Chris Collins

Operations Support Manager

Chris Collins is a dedicated Logistics Manager for the Midlands and South, with over 17 years of experience at Optimas. He began his career as an on-site envoy at Sea Line Boats in Kidderminster, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to build strong customer relationships. Progressing through roles as a Driver Envoy and then Site Manager, Chris managed multiple accounts and oversaw operations at key customer locations. In his current role, Chris excels in site setups, revamps, and auditing customer sites, while also leading recruitment efforts from interviews to site inductions. His ability to connect with both senior management and shop floor staff has been a cornerstone of his success and he embodies Optimas’ THREAD values at all times.

Nigel Bland

Operations Manager

Nigel Bland has been with Optimas for over nine years, having previously served a number of logistic management roles with various industrial manufacturers. Nigel’s vast experience serves as the foundation for his approach to enhancing operations and supporting customers with their challenges.

Alongside his wealth of experience, Nigel thrives on communication by getting the detail out of the correct sources and prides himself on delivering the best logistical solutions to customers. A fully confessed people person, he drives his team onwards and upwards to not only meet his customers standards but surpass them. It’s his embodiment of the company’s THREAD policy that saw him put on the consultation committee to review and reward the individuals who make us great.

Brandi Olson

Business Operations Project Manager

Brandi Olson is a seasoned project leader with extensive experience in managing high-impact projects across multiple departments. Her background includes successfully leading cross-functional teams across multiple plants nationwide and developing innovative programs and initiatives. Her expertise in optimizing operations and her strategic approach to project management enables her to thrive as Business Operations Project Manager at Optimas, a role she has been in for over three years.

Stuart Katz

Directeur, Commercialisation

Stuart Katz est un spécialiste du marketing avec une expérience réussie dans le domaine B2B. Son expérience comprend plus de 25 ans d'expérience auprès de start-ups et d'entreprises Fortune 500 dans plusieurs secteurs. En tant que directeur du marketing pour Optimas Solutions, il est chargé de tracer le parcours marketing pour la région Amériques de l'entreprise, y compris la stratégie, l'image de marque, la génération de leads, l'aide à la vente et les communications internes. Katz est titulaire d'une maîtrise en communication d'entreprise et organisationnelle de l'Université Fairleigh Dickinson et d'un baccalauréat en communications et relations publiques du Glassboro State College.

OPTIMAS MAKES TRANSITIONING TO A NEW SUPPLIER SIMPLE

Find a supplier that meets your unique operational needs. With the right partner, it becomes an opportunity for significant improvement. From recognizing the need for a new fastener supplier to fully integrating them into your operations – learn how to mitigate risks and lay the foundation for a strategic alliance and dependable partnership.

The Decision-Maker’s Guide to Changing Fastener Suppliers

Download the Guide today

Autres épisodes de la série

Épisode 1:

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Épisode 2:

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Épisode 3 :

Solutions de chaîne d'approvisionnement

Pour notre troisième volet des Toolbox Talks, nous avons réuni trois experts mondiaux de la chaîne d'approvisionnement pour discuter de stratégies de gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement personnellement examinées pour les équipementiers. Écoutez les experts !

Épisode 4 :

La qualité dès la conception

Dans notre dernier podcast Toolbox Talks, les experts d'Optimas expliquent comment donner la priorité à la qualité de l'ingénierie peut conduire à des économies significatives sans compromettre le produit final et développent cette question primordiale.