| Brett M. Austin Principal Consultant—Upstream Strategies SUMMARY Austin, a high-ranking executive with high-ranking executive contacts, has vast experience in the design, manufacture, and delivery of products to the marketplace. From 1989 until mid-2005, he served as president and CEO of Williams Comfort Products, a $127 million per year HVAC manufacturing company with products serving both the residential and commercial sectors. In addition to marketing products under its own name, Williams manufactures heating and cooling systems that are marketed under the brand names of some of the world’s largest HVAC manufacturers. Brett understands manufacturing and distribution. Austin was also president of Sigma Group, which manufactures and sells energy-efficient lighting products used by municipalities across the U.S. Austin has a flair for innovative problem solving, leading and sustaining successful change initiatives, building strong customer and vendor relationships, winning cooperation at all levels, thinking and acting strategically and tactically, and managing complex operations and large budgets. EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS • Better Buildings, Inc., 2005-present Chief Operating Officer and Principal Consultant—Upstream Strategies. Specializing in P&L turnarounds, lean manufacturing, cost control, strategic marketing, budget share, margin and profit growth, international issues, product development, logistics, and customer focus. Joined BBI part time for the expressed purpose of taking it to its next logical level of impact. • Williams Comfort Products, 1989-2005 President and CEO. Recruited to lead manufacturing subsidiary that designs, manufactures, and markets commercial and residential HVAC equipment. Turned marginal operation into world-class company with high ROS and RONI. Differentiated product to meet customer needs while achieving higher margins and displacing competition. • Sigma Group of Allied Signal, 1986-1988 President. Held P&L for $60M+ group composed of Sigma Instruments and Revere Corporation. Directed manufacturing of electronic and electrical instruments in U.S. and offshore locations. Started new European operation to gain significant market share. Built company to profitability and positioned for successful sale to Pacific Scientific. Retained to manage orderly transition. • Prior to 1986, served as President and Group Executive, The Rochester Group (four divisions) of British Tire and Rubber, Inc.; President and CEO, Rotary Technologies Corp.; General Manager, ITT Jabsco Products; President, ITT Holub Industries. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES • Member or past member of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors (HARDI), and the American Management Association (AMA). • Over the years has worked with Engineering Test Labs, the American Gas Association, US Department of Energy, California Energy Commission, Consumer Product Safety Commission, ANSI and ASHRAE. EDUCATION Northwestern University, M.B.A.; Oregon State University, B.S.E.E. |
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