ABOUT US

Rider & Associates, LLC, founded in 1985 by owner and President Susan Rider, was established to help businesses achieve their goals. The consultant agency was dormant for a few years while Rider joined the logistics industry to gain practical and expert knowledge to add to the arsenal of tools, techniques and content afforded to her clients. "I enjoy helping people and that is the core of the company's mantra," said Rider. The company will focus on the customer and providing tools and services that accomplishes the customer’s goals. "I have been fortunate to know and work with many leading experts in the industry and many have joined me in an alliance or partnership with Rider & Associates to accomplish those goals."

The most important goal of Rider & Associates is not to meet the customer expectations but exceed them. Assembling a team of leaders in their respective fields with seasoned expertise that have the same mantra always has been the goal. I think you will agree that the task has been accomplished.

Susan Rider
Susan Rider has been in the logistics industry for over 15 years. Starting out in the industry at Unarco Material Handling where she developed a training program for distributors across North America, later she went to Integrated Technology Group where she designed systems and provided solutions for distribution systems for companies needing greater throughput. After ITG, Susan joined RTS (Real Time Solutions) originally owned by Unarco. Susan fastly became a renowned speaker in order picking systems. "I focused on order picking systems because I found that’s where the need was for greater productivity and you could affect more change and bottom line impact," said Rider.

Susan’s foray into the warehouse management software industry started at RTS but later was more involved at Manhattan Associates and lastly RedPrairie.

She is currently President of WERC, past chairman of LESA and frequent speaker at DC Expo, Georgia Tech, Frontline, NACDS, ProMat and many other industry associations. Susan serves on the editorial advisory board for Modern Materials Handling and Distribution Center Management. She’s also on the advisory board of U of L Logistics program. Recognized by MMH in a previous year's issue as one of the top 10 logistics industry people to watch. She has been referred to as a "shaker, mover, doer" in the industry.

James L. Allen
Jim specializes in consulting services to third party logistics companies with particular emphasis on product fulfillment and value added services. He has extensive experience in both the manufacturing and physical distribution industries and has lectured throughout the United States, Canada and Europe on the development and implementation of information systems and bar code data collection technologies in distribution and warehouse fulfillment operations.

Jim founded Midwest Distribution Systems (MDS), a public warehousing and fulfillment services company. This division of Allen Management provided distribution and transportation services to many mid-west clients. He was actively involved in the strategic management of this company until he sold his interest in this operation. With over thirty years of experience, Jim has gained special insight into the application of technology to warehousing and distribution challenges.

Jim’s work experience includes six (6) years with Chrysler Corporation in the Manufacturing Management Development Group prior to founding Midwest Distribution Systems. Jim has served as an ad hoc program coordinator for the University of Wisconsin Management Institute, Warehousing Distribution seminars and is an adjunct professor at Elmhurst College in the Supply Chain Program. In addition, Jim is a past President of the Warehousing Education and Research Council, and a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

Anne Davis, PhD
Anne has 20-plus years in academics and consulting. She is Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas. She has worked with clients in the areas of leadership development, strategy, team effectiveness and international management. Anne received her Master's degree in industrial management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her PhD from The Ohio State University in organizational behavior.

Jim Hurckes
Jim Hurckes is a recognized leader in the supply chain and logistics field. Having spent over 20 years in various supply chain functions for two of the country’s major food manufacturers, Jim developed extensive experience in all facets of consumer packaged goods logistics. He is best known for his ability to lead successful change, implementing best practices and reducing operating costs. He has a proven track record in building and motivating teams, project management, and improving customer service.

From 2000 to 2006 Jim was the Vice President of Warehouse Operations for ConAgra Foods, Inc. where he led the team responsible for reengineering ConAgra’s distribution network. From 1985 to 2000, Jim worked in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at Kraft Foods, ultimately serving as the Senior Director of Distribution for Kraft Foods North America.

He is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) and Food Shippers of America.<\p>

Paul Ketchum
Paul is an accomplished executive with experience in the design, development, delivery, and support of complex IT solutions, and the identification, development and implementation of strategic initiatives to support corporate goals of growth and cost efficiencies. He specializes in Project Management, Strategic Planning, Staff Development including international business development, Disaster Recovery Plans, Offshore Software Development, Software integration including Oracle, SAP, BaaN, RedPrairie and Manhattan Associates, Practice Management Softtware implementation, and has extensive experience in Total Quality Management.

Paul was previously with MaternOhio Management Services as their Chief Information Officer. Prior to MaternOhio he was Director IT Service Management and Project Implementation Manager at Exel Logistics. Paul also worked at FedEx as their Manager OF Systems Development and Project Engineer where he headed up the business applications advisors, help desk and software development staffs and offshore software development team. While at Fed X he received the Information Technology Department Hall of Fame award. Before joining Fed X, Paul filled the role of Industry Marketing Manager and Sales Engineer at GE.

Tom Meyers
Results oriented leader with 20 years of increasing management responsibility in various industries. Main accomplishments include achieving revenue growth, increased sales and profitability, partner relations and improved customer satisfaction. Accomplished results through situational analysis, market identification, product and business development, focused selling approach and result measurement analysis. More than 25 years leadership experience in sales, marketing, operations and engineering. International experience includes Canada, Mexico, Europe and Japan.

Demonstrated ability to discover market needs, introduce new products, grow market share, manage projects and motivate people. Possesses strong entrepreneurial, interpersonal and effective problem solving skills, Tom specializes in sales and marketing management, engineering and project management, strategic planning and product marketing, system integration, installation and start-up, international business and after sales service and support. Tom’s industry expertise includes Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Distribution ,Aerospace, Wholesale & Retail Drug Distribution, Automotive Manufacturing, Food & Beverage Processing & Distribution, Water Treatment, Cosmetic Manufacturing & Distribution, General Manufacturing, Electronic Manufacturing & Distribution and Consumer Products Manufacturing. Tom has worked with companies such as Lockheed Martin, General Electric, Eaton Corporation, Cummins,Procter & Gamble, GPA Consultants,SI Handling Systems,Litton,Knapp(Austria),MORK (Denmark) and Murata (Japan).

Donald Vittitow
Donald specializes in the air and water purification industry. Long been a concern for many corporations and increasingly a focus he has worked with many companies to accomplish their needs in air and water purification. His knowledge and expertise in the area can certainly help you find the right solution in this area.

Minority-owned business