Joe Peplinski

Responsible for leading the Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing teams.

Responsible for Strategic Supplier Development and Corporate Sourcing Strategies.

Class C Components is a customer focused Industrial Distributor who specializes in Vendor Managed Inventory programs and Supply Chain solutions for OEM’s and sub-contract manufacturers. • Improved the performance and effectiveness of both the Outside Sales and Inside Sales teams • Utilized a hands-on coaching approach with the Outside Sales team • Developed a focused Sales and Profit growth strategy with an emphasis on year-over-year repeatability; simultaneously growing both Top and Bottom lines • Enhanced the Company’s Brand both externally and internally through aggressive Marketing • Transitioned the Materials team from tactical to strategic; area of focus was Supplier development • Exceeded Company cost savings targets through Supplier consolidation and offshoring efforts • Introduced Lean strategies within the Logistics department leading to increased productivity • Improved the Company’s internal PPM by 75% and external PPM by 50% • Instilled a Zero-Defect mentality within the Company’s In-House Kitting Department

Part of the Würth Group, one of the largest distributors of assembly fastener components, Wurth Adams offers an extensive product and service range through their service brand CPS® C-Parts Solutions. • Actively engaged in the Sales process with key accounts, including negotiating quality requirements, exploring cost drivers impacting current price levels and building resourcing strategies for critical components • Led the onboarding of three major customers totaling $30,000,000/yr. including quotations, article creation (6000+), developing Quality Inspection plans and Purchasing • Executed a proactive approach to Strategic Quotations • Implemented a strategic review of forecast / consumption analysis for Wurth Adams top customers representing 75% of sales; the results led to customer collaboration which significantly improved planning and purchasing activities • Led a team that assured International Trade practices followed strict Customs Compliance • Designed a Mexico direct shipment strategy which reduced logistics and inventory expenses

Part of the Würth Group, one of the largest distributors of assembly fastener components, Wurth Industry North America offers an extensive product and service range through their service brand CPS® C-Parts Solutions. • Designed and implemented the strategic sourcing strategy for 5 Wurth Industry North America companies • Led the change management associated with developing a new, global supply base • Qualified and developed strategic, global sources for core product categories • Oversaw the growth of direct imports • Eliminated multiple layers within the Wurth Industry North America supply chain • Implemented a domestic supplier consolidation program targeting $100,000,000 of spend • Quadrupled the number of rebate and early payment programs with strategic suppliers • Communicated movements in core cost drivers across the sales departments: steel prices, currency, labor, etc. • Assisted Sales with key account selling; performed the role of strategic, global sourcing expert • Improved the international freight program delivering both cost savings and tracking functionality • Influenced the opening of Wurth Taiwan’s Quality laboratory • Directed new global sourcing efforts leading to increased contract signings • Developed and mentored a team of Product Managers

Part of the Würth Group, one of the largest distributors of assembly fastener components, Wurth Adams offers an extensive product and service range through their service brand CPS® C-Parts Solutions. • Responsible for directing the planning, product development, purchasing and sourcing teams • Focused employee development on global supply chain management • Built purchasing strategies to support $70,000,000 in annual purchases • Designed a direct import strategy which targeted 20%+ cost savings • Eliminated multiple layers within Wurth Adams’ existing supply chain • Executed a domestic supplier consolidation strategy • Directed new global sourcing efforts leading to increased contract signings • Managed monthly, quarterly and yearly performance management process including goal setting, budgeting and performance reviews • Led the implementation of Profit 21 landed cost functionality • Designed supplier programs that led to increased inventory turns • Introduced lean strategy management throughout the purchasing and sourcing departments

Beacon is a niche importer and master distributor of performance screws focusing on thread forming, thread cutting, SEMS and specialty cold-headed fasteners. • Responsible for directing the sales, materials, operations and quality control departments • Instilled a solution selling approach within the sales department focusing on total cost of ownership • Delivered 15%+ sales growth to legacy product lines • Increased market share based on 20%+ active account growth • Managed sound P&L and contribution margin results through strategic top line goals and budgets • Implemented a sales incentive program that targeted market share and new product line growth • Managed monthly, quarterly and yearly performance management process including goal setting, budgeting, performance reviews and sales initiatives • Led the development of Beacon - INxSQL Direct Connect functionality • Increased inventory fill rates to 95+% while reducing inventory levels by 20%+ • Designed supplier programs that led to increased inventory turns • Introduced lean strategy management • Implemented a lot numbering system that reduced receiving man hours by 75%+

HTI is a global importer and master distributor of industrial fasteners and related products. HTI provides value to customers by giving them the broadest product selection, superior availability and service, and a low-cost solution to their needs. • Responsible for $100,000,000 in annual fastener purchases • Reduced inventory by 35% • Exceeded inventory fill rate targets • Increased inventory turns 40% • Reduced supplier lead-times 30% • Delivered $5,000,000 in annual cost savings • Streamlined procurement process • Strategically built new supplier relationships in: China, Taiwan, India, Korea, Thailand • Implemented processes to assure quality requirements were met • Supported sales and planning department’s collaboration efforts

Responsible for leading the Fastener Product Development Team based in Winona, MN.

Responsible for leading sales efforts targeting Strategic Accounts; primarily focused on VMI Program Sales.

Responsible for Sales and P&L Management of the North Alabama Sales District.

Responsible for developing Decatur, AL market.

Responsible for supporting the development of the Madison, AL market.