Sponsor Spotlight: Robert Weed Corporation, John Herzig, Sr. Director Supply Chain and Products at Robert Weed Corporation

Interview by Alex Topalovic, enFocus Management Analyst

Alex Topalovic, enFocus Management Analyst (left) and John Herzig, Sr. Director Supply Chain and Products at Robert Weed Corporation (right)

Tell me a bit about the project and how you worked with enFocus.

Our team engaged with enFocus’ Industry Fellows through several initiatives involving supply chain management improvements. The projects ranged from analysis of our inbound transportation modes, including rail and trucking, to adjusting our sales and operations planning process and rationalizing raw material selection.

What impact have these projects created for your organization?

As a result of enFocus’ deep dive into our data and their thoughtful recommendations, we reevaluated and ultimately changed our approach to sourcing and procurement. In today’s global but fragile supply chain environment, we looked to develop a more agile approach to ordering raw materials. Following the team’s careful analyses of material consumption and customer demand, we were able to justify some strategic sourcing partnership decisions.

What skills and capabilities did the enFocus Fellow provide?

I was very impressed with the entire enFocus team, Diogo, Connor, and Alex, and their ability to pivot - from strategic process optimization to tactical analysis. The enFocus team also did an excellent job communicating with my team at RWC to better understand our business operations. The overall engagement quickly transitioned from a consulting agreement - which I am traditionally used to - to the Fellow team becoming embedded in our organization. The enFocus team brought a great depth of analytical skills and presented the data objectively without being encumbered by industry or organizational bias.

What is the greatest value enFocus delivered?

The Fellows impressed me with their ability to provide tangible recommendations and insights that could be executed immediately. In a simple language, they delivered fully-baked recommendations, and that’s what I prefer to see as an executive.

How would you describe your future opportunities for collaboration with iNDustry Labs and enFocus Fellows?

enFocus and RWC have built a strong foundation for working together. In the future, I can see how we could further expand our engagements to include external customers and suppliers so that we can continue to optimize our supply chain.

Learn more about enFocus' work with regional organizations in our next Sponsor Spotlight.