Brent McDougal worked as a material manager for Terrance Brand for 3 years from 1999 to 2001. During this time, Brent managed inventories across multiple sites that provided maintenance for 2000 locomotives. Under Brent's management, inventory turns exceeded 20, much higher than the typical 4-6 for this type of operation. Brent anticipated needs and coordinated transportation to ensure needed items arrived as locomotives did for repairs. Terrance recommends Brent highly for management roles and would hire him himself for purchasing, materials, or logistics roles.

1. From: Terrance Brand, former manager of Brent McDougal
To: Hiring and Human Resources Manager
Subj: Reference for Brent McDougal
Brent McDougal worked for me as my material manager for 3 years from 1999 to 2001.
Brent’s accomplishments during this time were truly impressive. Our operation provided
preventative and corrective maintenance, as well as overhauls, for approximately 2000
locomotives in service across the western United States. In particular, Brent managed
inventories at our primary site, six remote locations, and when circumstances demanded,
temporary locations performing significant repairs. This type of operation typically
meets customer demands by having thousands of repair items pre-staged at customer sites
and these items not being frequently used. Typical inventory turns would be in the 4-6
range for this type of operation. Under Brent’s expert management, we typically
exceeded 20 inventory turns. Brent did this by anticipating needs and managing
transportation such that the needed items would arrive at the desired location as the
locomotive arrived for maintenance or repair. Brent worked closely with customer
management and several transportation providers. He directly managed six to eight
contracted warehouse workers at his primary locations and established a cooperative
relationship with the customer management at our remote locations.
Personally, Brent was a pleasure to lead and manage. He creates a family atmosphere
where people reinforce each other’s efforts. His people respect him. He has a keen sense
of humor, and effectively employs it to defuse tense situations. His integrity is
impeccable. He understands metrics and goals and strives to meet his challenges without
cutting corners. He asks insightful questions and desires to improve his abilities. In my
time managing Brent he showed a capacity for greater responsibility.
Perhaps most importantly, if I were in a position to hire a purchasing, materials or
logistics manager, Brent would be the first person that I would call.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. My home phone
number is 603-437-3625.
Sincerely yours,
Terrance Brand