Barb brings a depth of manufacturing and supply-chain management experience in healthcare, industrial and defense-related products to Interline. She has experience laying out manufacturing facilities, implementing lean manufacturing and ISO 9000 systems, analyzing complex processes and operations management. Barb has worked with union and non-union workers, as well as workers with mental and physical disabilities (sheltered workshop), with the purpose of making work meaningful, efficient and cost effective. Barb obtained her B.S. degree in mathematics and M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

On Work: “Everyone wants their efforts to have purpose.  Listening and making a thorough analysis go hand in hand in meeting personal needs, as well as those of the customer.”

Prior to managing Interline’s fulfillment operation, Bernie worked in the fields of customer service, management and telemarketing for more than 15 years. She has held a number of supervisory positions in these areas, including overseeing an account development pilot program for a national environmental services company. Bernie has also coordinated corporate sales and accounting functions for company branch managers and representatives, as well as the inventory and mailing of various promotional materials to customers.

On Incentive Programs: “A successful incentive program must consist of incentives that offer enough perceived value to motivate program participants, and a plan to effectively communicate and promote that perceived value.”

Betty’s diverse background in human services, business, sales and information technology recruiting support her present work in research, data analysis and customer service. An innate analytical style, attention to detail and empathy with others characterize some of the strong qualities that support her involvement with the group’s customers.

On Customers: “Making the connection between a customer’s problems, wants and needs on an individual basis and then implementing focused solutions enhances our client’s credibility and trust in an increasingly impersonal business environment.”

Brad brings extensive information technology and data management experience to the company, as well as a strong computer background. Before joining Interline, he worked as a computer specialist for a corporate outsourcing research firm and has earned numerous certifications in the areas of network administration, web design, and PC maintenance and repair, and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

On Technology: “Staying current in technology is key to business in general, and is even more important when dealing with the vast amounts of data we gather and analyze to help our clients achieve their business goals. Technology that enables you to compile, organize and present the data promptly and efficiently provides a tremendous competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Dave brings more than 30 years of sales experience from a wide variety of businesses.  Starting in customer service, he has managed sales in a multiple state territory for a large corporation, a privately held company and a family-operated business. His background includes experience in both commercial and retail sales representing capital goods and consumer products. Viewing sales from these perspectives allows him to offer valuable, practical insights into the process.

On Marketing – “The knowledge-based economy has created the expectation that a buyer has access to all pertinent information when making a buying decision.  Consequently, to build a business, you must know what information the buyer needs to make that decision. Our job is to advise our clients about what their customers want and need in this evolving marketplace.”

Before joining Interline, Fran acquired a wealth of administrative and marketing experience in the fields of law, real estate, manufacturing and transportation. Her skills include customer service, office management and meeting coordination, as well as producing spreadsheets, financial reports, sales and budgetary proposals and rate sheets.

On Success: “The success of any business is comprised of many key components—the first and most important of which is communication with clients and staff. Combine this with teamwork, a positive attitude, and focusing on the clients’ needs and you have a winning combination.”

Jim has been a business strategist, speaker, and author since starting his company in 1990. His business experience, along with his dynamic presentation style, is a key reason why companies utilize his firm for marketing and marketing communications. In his eight recently published Survival Guides which are available from Interline (guides.interlinegroup.com), Jim provides a comprehensive strategic platform that helps transform management teams using proven basics of marketing and advertising. A respected thought leader, Jim’s experience in business strategy and growing his business to a 25-person firm has formed the basis of his presentations that challenge other business owners to excel. His ad agency experience, combined with real-world client growth, brings a unique point of view to companies facing the issues brought about by today’s economy. Jim has an M.A. from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois and a B.A. from Lewis University, Lockport, Illinois.

On the Value of Information: “The key to success is information…not only what you know and who you know, but when you tell the what to the who.”

Jim has more than 15 years experience in warehousing and filling customer orders. He previously served as a fulfillment/warehouse coordinator overseeing customer store fulfillment programs for eight internet stores, as well as a production manager responsible for supervising and managing distribution, productivity and training for six associates. Jim’s excellent organizational skills and strong work ethic make him a natural team player at Interline, where he finds it easy to develop good working relationships with clients and co-workers alike.

On Fulfillment:  “Shipping and receiving is an intricate part of the company’s day-to-day operations, due to the high expectations of our clients. Meeting client deadlines and exceeding their demands is my top priority.”

Judy began her career as a legal secretary for two attorneys, where she handled all customer service, document preparation, accounting and office tasks, as well as completing real estate transactions. She also served as an administrative assistant for the owner of a national company, preparing documents and monthly sales reports, planning meetings and traveling to regional offices to train employees. Her varied background and extensive experience makes Judy a valuable resource at Interline.

On Office Protocol:  “Everyone is an integral part of a well-oiled machine and that machine can only continue to run when all parts work together.”

Maria is an electrical engineer with diverse experience in publishing, as well as inside sales/customer service of electronics and aerospace equipment. Her background includes technical advisory and budget distribution. She provides technical insight into the business. Maria has a BSEE from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, and is a LEED^® AP.

On Technological Advancements: “This environment, where new technology is constantly being introduced and strong global market pressure exists, is an exciting industry to be part of. The rapid pace of technological advancement means there is a continuous interest and need for new technologies, which can give our clients a substantial business advantage. The key is to communicate this information in an easy-to-understand format and ensure that any decisions are based on the full understanding of this dynamic environment.”

Mike’s extensive prepress and print production experience spans nearly 30 years. His previous work includes typesetting a variety of advertising materials including print ads, catalogs, annual reports and client logos. Mike has also been responsible for managing production personnel in ad work, as well as coordinating and supervising production work and providing customer contact for two national retail firms.

On Print Production: “Being able to effectively deliver a client’s message to its target audience, while meeting the precise mechanical or electronic requirements of a medium and operating under a tight deadline is the key to quality print production.”

In addition to undergraduate and advanced degrees in marketing from Southern Illinois University and Loyola, Patty has more than 20 years experience in market research, corporate due diligence, product management and development, and direct mail. She has designed and managed focus groups, telemarketing research, and a variety of competitive, customer satisfaction, new product and market share studies. Her analytical experience includes cross tabulation, correlation and market trending. She also has developed and directed market research and financial underwriting procedures for securitization of several mixed-use real estate portfolios from $50 million to $900 million.

On Market Research: “Success in market research can only be achieved by insuring that the data and information obtained can ultimately be used to make more sound business decisions.”

With her 20 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience in various industries, Patty brings a fresh eye to Interline.  She is well versed in Excel, database management, data analysis, corporate reporting and the design and implementation of internal controls.  She is a certified QS9000 auditor with a highly developed sense of organization, precision and detail. She was graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University, where she received a liberal arts degree. This, coupled with her background and generally curious nature, makes her ideally suited to market research.

On the Information Age: “In this age of instant information, the key will be to learn how to harness its power.  Anyone can collect data, but the way to stay afloat in the sea is to learn how to manage and understand it.”

Ray brings technical knowledge and industrial and technical sales experience—both direct and through sales representative companies—to Interline.  His industrial writing experience includes electronics, sales training, technical writing, manuals, newsletters, publicity, promotional and editorial.  Ray’s design work includes industrial trade shows, sales meeting planning and organization, P.O.P., posters, working displays and multi-media presentations. Ray is an alumnus of Wayne State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Toledo, Henry Ford College, Crosby Quality College and has had military mechanical training.

On Communications: “Achieving business communication objectives can best be handled with research (knowing the market, competition and positioning), planning (setting long- and short-term strategies – knowing the customer’s sales history, product and requirements) and setting goals (and measuring the outcome).”

Sam joins Interline with a background in systems development, market research, graphics and web design. He holds communication degrees and certifications from Morehead State University, KY, and Madras Christian College in India. His experience includes creation of multimedia presentations for research data, researching business process reengineering methodologies for customers and survey tabulation. Sam has also been responsible for media analysis, proposal preparation and installation and configuration of various operating systems, databases and applications.

On Wisdom: “The most valuable asset for an individual or company is wisdom. Making wise decisions based on thorough research and proven strategies can help our clients meet their objectives and attain the most critical goals for their business.”

During her more than 13 years in business-to-business trade magazine publishing, Sue worked in various editorial capacities for magazines spanning a number of manufacturing, high-tech, recreational and foodservice markets before coming to Interline. She has experience in writing news and feature stories, marketing materials and other collateral, as well as in overseeing editing, design and production processes. Sue graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in journalism and sociology.

On Insight: “Once we know the audience we want to reach—what their pain points are and what truly makes them tick—we can tailor a client’s message and approach in a way that best matches their marketing objectives with their own prospective customers’ needs.”

Prior to joining Interline, Susan gained extensive customer service, purchasing, operations, accounting and administrative experience in the network consulting, computer and travel industries. Her solid business knowledge, database management skills and exceptional organizational abilities make her an invaluable asset to the company.

On Organization: “Proper organization is a critical element in providing exceptional customer service. Establishing an orderly, professional work environment makes it easy to respond quickly and efficiently to client needs.”

Terry has worked for over 30 years in various segments of the communication arts industry including design firms, art studios and advertising/marketing agencies. He has been responsible for many aspects of the creative process such as concept, design, production, estimating, contracting outside services and managing schedules. Terry’s work encompasses a range of projects from annual reports, catalogs, corporate identity and price lists to ads, direct mail, packaging and trade show graphics.

On Meeting Deadlines: “I eat pressure.”

With nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing world, Tom Fitzpatrick has been involved in the sale of more than $100 million in advertising space. Tom’s overall national publishing experience, combined with his expertise managing sales staffs and territories and working with customers, is invaluable to Interline.

On Problems and Sales: “There are no problems, only opportunities. Sales are made by defining client needs and presenting opportunities. Developing client relationships and trust equals continued sales.”

Tom brings to Interline more than 30 years of sales and marketing expertise in the commercial, industrial, institutional and high-end residential manufacturing businesses. His extensive product knowledge and understanding of how systems of sales management, distribution, promotion and service affect the dynamics of the construction industry have broadened his perspective and enhance what we offer to our clients.

On Value: There is no substitute for working with quality products and companies that uphold quality standards. Quality will always stand out to the discerning customer. Quality combined in all processes creates substance, value and satisfaction through all parts of the business relationship.

Tony has worked in graphic design for 30 years. He started as a designer of national consumer magazines in Des Moines, Ia., then moved to Chicago to work at Michigan Ave. and suburban advertising agencies as art director in the print and broadcast mediums. Tony has worked on a wide variety of accounts, including packaged goods, food and foodservice, technology, recreational equipment and pet products.

On Work Flow:  “I take input from our writers, mold their words with good design and together we create clear and concise business communications.”

Vlatko is a web developer with extensive experience in web standards, internationalization and web-based application development. He is proficient in the design of programming solutions that focus on HTML, PHP, MySQL and relational database design. Vlatko is a dedicated technical professional with a rare combination of creative and technical skills. His ability to quickly learn new programming languages and concepts, along with his excellent troubleshooting skills, greatly enhance Interline’s web offering to clients.

On Web Development: “Developing a dynamic data-driven website requires a mixture of creativity, technical expertise and the ability to efficiently manage the project from concept to full implementation, while always keeping our clients’ best interest in mind.”