JAMES PIAZZA M.A. , B.S.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA

734.904.7424 Mobile

jcp513@ comcast.net

Mission
To maximize group collect intelligence
Vision
To increase customer/staff satisfaction levels, expand leadership effectiveness and
grow corporate profitability through the implementation of proven value improvement
and cost reduction processes.
Areas of passion, expertise and experience:
A3 Thinking
Facilitating corporate workshops and training programs
Lean Process Improvement
Value based leadership and team building
Teaching team problem solving techniques
Increasing customer loyalty
Understanding and improving the physical, emotional, and social
dynamics of individuals, teams and organizations
Executive coaching and development
Reducing costs and improving value
Improving the quality and delivery of products and services
Value Stream Mapping
Value Analysis and Value Engineering
Leadership & Teambuilding
Consulting engagements designed to enhance individual personal growth as a
foundation for teambuilding and team leadership development. A detailed picture of
each participants personal preference set, style and skill set is created to increase
personal effectiveness and expand their understanding of dynamics between
themselves and others so that effective teamwork can be accomplished.
Ann Arbor Animal Hospital, Champion Auto Group, Concordia University,
Flextronics International, Kellogg Company, Kraton Polymers, Pfizer,
Team Leadership Culture, Wilcox Learning Program 2001-present
Lean for Clinical Design
Coached thirty five private physician practice staffs involving approximately 350 cross
functional practice team members through a year-long Lean Learning Collaborative
University of Michigan Health System, Michigan Quality System, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 2010-2012

Customer Value Process

As a founding member and Chief Financial Officer of Enterprise Cost Management,
Ltd., LLC co-managed the institutionalization of the Customer Value Process (CVP), a
value improvement / cost reduction program, within an international aerospace power
systems manufacturer.
Counseled the senior executive leadership team in developing both strategic and
tactical business plans. Personally managed the CVP implementation across two
component sub-systems by networking with scores of Tier 1 suppliers. Facilitated
many cross-functional, team oriented workshop sequences that focused upon
optimizing administrative and manufacturing processes plus leveraging value chain
partners strengths. Each supplier workshop sequence delivered an average over
$1,000,000.00 in identified savings.
Rolls-Royce Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana and Derby, United Kingdom 19982000
Total Cost Management
Total Cost Management (TCM) is an automotive original equipment manufacturer cost
reduction program. Facilitated 60% of the pilot study teams during the research phase
of this project. The pilot teams results indicated such high levels of potential savings
that executive management implemented the program across every vehicle platform.
During a four year time frame, TCM identified and realized a 23% average cost
reduction in purchased material costs ($2.5 billion) and improved manufacturing which
contributed to record profits and increased shareholder value.
Developed expertise in Value Engineering, Value Analysis, supply chain management,
team problem solving techniques, Value Chain Diagramming, Value Stream Mapping,
Business Process Improvement and Lean Manufacturing.
Ford Motor Company, North America Operations, Dearborn, Michigan 1994-1998

Quality Care Professionals

Quality Care Professionals (QCP) is a customer service quality initiative for an original
equipment manufacturers aftermarket business sector. Specialized in assisting
automobile dealership management to develop operational and performance
objectives using an organizational approach to customer satisfaction, loyalty and
team-based service training. The 200 participating dealerships Customer Satisfaction
Index ratings in every category advanced at a rate three times greater than the
national average.
Ford Motor Company, Customer Service Division, North America Operations,
Dearborn, Michigan and Ford Motor Company Britain, Parts and Service Division,
Brentwood, United Kingdom 1990-1993

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J. Piazza

Education Leadership Roles

Over a twenty year time span developed an understanding and appreciation of
teaching styles and learning preferences for both youth and adults through a variety of
leadership roles with public and private education programs. The employment roles
included administrator, chairperson, classroom teacher, coach, counselor, consultant,
director and visiting lecturer.
Ann Arbor Public Schools, Arborough Games, Cadet Training Program, City of
Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Milan Area Schools, Washtenaw
County, 1970 -1989
Education
Dr. W. Edwards Deming Seminar, Quality, Productivity and Competition
Video recorded as participant in Red Bead Experiment 1990, 1991 and 1992
Toyota Production System Seminar, Facilitator Training, Total Cost Management
Center, Ford Motor Company, North America Operations, 1997
Lean Manufacturing Seminar, Facilitator Training, Total Cost Management Center,
Ford Motor Company, North America Operations, 1996
Training Dynamics and Leadership Certificate, Graduate School, University of
Michigan Dearborn 1990, Internship with Dominos Pizza, Inc. National Training
Department, Ann Arbor, Michigan 1986
Instructor Certification Concentration areas: communication process, presentation
skills, meeting/time management and goal setting. Arthur Andersen & Co., World
Professional Education Center, St. Charles, Illinois 1988
Master of Arts, Education Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 1977
Bachelor of Science, Social Studies Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti,
Michigan 1970
Program Certifications
Dennison Cultural Survey
New Leader Transition
Dennison Leadership Survey
New Member Inclusion
Life Styles Inventory 1
New Team Formation
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Personal Effectiveness Inventory
Affiliations
American Society of Training and Development
Association of Psychological Type
National Speakers Association
Professional Speakers Association of Michigan
Society of American Value Engineers
University of Michigan Health System, Patient Family Advisory Committee
J. Piazza