James R. Swinderman

James R. SwindermanJames R. SwindermanJames R. Swinderman

James R. Swinderman

James R. SwindermanJames R. SwindermanJames R. Swinderman
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  • Experience
  • Operating Case Studies
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Experience

 The following reflects a career built on direct operating responsibility, not advisory distance. Every result listed was earned inside the business, with full accountability for the outcome. 

Spring Valley Advisers, LLC

Operating Adviser, 2019 - Present

 Spring Valley Advisers works with founders and owners of lower-middle-market industrial businesses to close the gap between what their business is worth today and what it is capable of. The work is hands-on and operator-led, focused on building value, creating options, and positioning owners to decide what comes next on their own terms.

Engagement Focus
Provided hands-on operating advisory support to owners and management teams.
Assessed operating systems, leadership structures, and execution discipline.
Identified operational constraints and improvement priorities across industrial environments. 

Powerhouse Hydraulics, LLC, Canton, OH,

Operating Executive / Market Diligence Engagement, 2024 - 2026

 Industrial services business providing hydraulic repair, component rebuild, and field service solutions to mobile and industrial equipment markets principals. 


Scope of Responsibility

· Evaluation of technician utilization, pricing dynamics, and service mix

· Assessment of customer demand patterns and aftermarket behavior

· Operatining workflow analysis across shop and field environments

· Indentification of execution constraints and scability considerations.

Standex International, Custom Hoists Division, Ashland, OH

Director of Operations, 2022 - 2024

 Engineered manufacturing business producing custom hoist systems for vocational truck, specialty vehicle, and industrial applications, with operations in the United States and China.

Key Achievements
Increased revenue ~47% while materially improving margin performance.
Improved production output ~56% through flow redesign and labor alignment.
Increased on-time delivery from ~40% to >98% in 15 months.
Restored positive EBITDA in a previously underperforming operation.

Scope of Responsibility
Led multi-site manufacturing operations (U.S. and China).
Oversaw production planning, materials, safety, quality, and maintenance.
Coordinated cross-border execution and operational alignment.
Implemented structured operating cadence and Lean-based performance discipline.

OGS Industries, Lehner Screw Machine Division

General Manager, 2021 - 2022

 AS9100, ISO9001, and IATF16949 certified precision machining manufacturer serving defense, aerospace, and medical markets.

Key Achievements
Achieved positive EBITDA for the first time in more than three years.
Increased production utilization ~158% in under 90 days.
Integrated acquired business unit, doubling production capacity.

Scope of Responsibility
Division P&L accountability.
Manufacturing operations and workforce leadership.
Post-acquisition integration and operational stabilization. 

Red Head Brass, LLC, Shreve, Ohio

Engineering & Quality Manager, 2018 - 2019

 Manufacturer of precision brass and aluminum components for critical industrial applications.

Key Achievements
Reduced cost of quality ~89% in under 90 days.
Accelerated product development throughput ~430%.
Implemented quality systems supporting ISO, UL, and FM approvals. 

Ohio Machinery Co., Broadview Heights, Ohio

General Manager, Hydraulic Division, 2013 - 2017

 Manufacturing, fabrication, machining, and rebuild operations serving heavy equipment and industrial markets.

Key Achievements
Improved operating margins ~27% in first 12 months.
Increased revenue ~29% above five-year average.
Improved on-time delivery from ~63% to >96%.
Led ERP implementation and operational integration.

Scope of Responsibility
Full P&L ownership.
Production planning, workforce leadership, and market diversification.
Strategic planning and execution oversight. 

U.S. Technology Corporation

Director, Contract Administration, 2003 - 2008

Multi-facility manufacturer of advanced composite materials and specialty engineered products serving industrial, transportation, and defense-adjacent markets. Operations required disciplined execution across regulated, quality-critical manufacturing environments.


Key Achievements

  • Improved operational consistency and throughput across multiple organizations
  • Strengthened production planning, workflow discipline, and execution reliability
  • Improved coordination between engineering, manufacturing, and quality functions
  • Supported performance improvement in regulated, quality-critical environments
  • Contributed to scalable operating practices across the enterprise


Scope of Responsibility

  • Senior leadership responsibility across manufacturing and operations
  • Oversight of multi-facility production environments
  • Leadership team development and performance accountability
  • Production planning, workflow standardization, and execution discipline
  • Cross-functional coordination with engineering, quality, and commercial teams

Kimble Chassis, Division of Kimble Companies

Vice President / General Manager, 1997 - 2002

Engineered-to-order manufacturer of severe-service, heavy-duty truck chassis serving domestic and international markets.

Co-founded Sabel Custom Chassis in 1997 as a ground-up manufacturing start-up. Scaled the business to approximately $3M in annual revenue prior to acquisition by Kimble Companies, then assumed senior operating leadership with full P&L accountability across the combined operation.

Key Achievements
Delivered ~ 330% revenue growth through pricing discipline, cost alignment, and improved product mix.
Increased production throughput ~183% through workflow redesign and operating discipline.
Improved net income ~47% through embedded cost controls and financial accountability.
Improved operating income ~115% and reduced legacy product costs ~83%.
Sustained year-over-year revenue growth of ~28% in severe-service markets.


Scope of Responsibility
Full P&L ownership
Manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain leadership
Lean manufacturing and operational excellence deployment
Leadership team development and performance accountability
Post-acquisition integration and operational alignment



  Full credential and certification detail is available upon request.  
 

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Copyright © 2026 James - All Rights Reserved.

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