This document provides a summary of Thomas J. Klason's work experience, including over 30 years of experience in customer service management, supply chain management, and logistics. He has held various leadership roles implementing ERP systems and managing operations for Cargill and NatureWorks.

1. THOMAS J KLASON
Mobile 612.875.9977  e-mail tklason4559@charter.net
SUMMARY
Accomplished professional with a diverse management background in Customer Service Management,
Supply Chain, Transportation, Rate negotiation, Terminal Management, International Supply Chain, SAP,
TM, Adage, AS 400, ERP documentation, logistics, sales and marketing, warehousing, plant operations,
merchandising, safety, quality, projects, and project management.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Customer Service Mgr/SAP Imp. Lead MGMS/TM Cargill INC 2011-2014
• Prepared a Successful Implementation/Optimization Project for DS&O SAP in Canada
• Led and trained a team of 6 in the successful implementation of SAP in the TM/MGMS area for
NA Oils
• Created a CAK Administrator position to enhance customer contracting, terms, pricing and assist
sales team in improved processes and increase accuracy of contracts.
• Created a weekly employee “chat” for the Global Customer Service Dept. to collaborate and
increase team engagement, resulting in a 10% increase in the annual corp. engagement survey.
• Active member of the North American Leadership Team which ensured budgets and goals for the
business unit were met or exceeded.
Tartan (SAP) Project-Sr. Process Designer Cargill INC 2008-2011
• Designed processes for Corporate SAP implementation designed to improve business, offer more
collaboration and increase overall communication within the corporation.
• Process Designer 2 for the OTSC space of SAP which enabled a cohesive effort for all businesses
to enter orders into the SAP system.
• Led a FIT/GAP team in Europe to present and assess the design and solution for the SAP
corporate project
• Actively led the First Ever Successful go live SAP Implementation for Cargill
PLA Customer Service Manager/Sr. Global Supply Chain Analyst/Global Supply Chain SME/Product
Scheduling/packaging planner NatureWorks LLC/ Cargill Dow LLC 2001- 2008
• Led Implementation Team for Successful on time Adage ERP Implementation
• Appointed Global Subject Matter Expert for International Customer Service/Supply Chain and
Logistics/ SAP computer business management system and Level 1 support for SAP
• Team Member of Global S & OP/Commercial teams for improved communication between sales
and plant production resulting in 95% on time shipment to customers
• Negotiated and Implemented one stop CS/distribution solution for finished materials in Europe
resulting in improved customer satisfaction and reduced shipping schedule for overseas
customers
• Implementation Team Lead for SAP Re-Implementation and 1st
World Scale PLA plant start up
Global Supply Chain/Logistics Manager Cargill Dow Polymers 1998-2001
• Led negotiations and procured raw material from overseas source in unique JV manufacturing
plant ensuring cost effective on-time production and delivery of finished goods.
• Scheduled production based on demand, forecast and inventory, maintaining on-time delivery and
minimum inventory levels for JIT planning.
• International Customer Service/Site Logistics/Distribution Model Planner for World’s First
Commercial PLA Facility
• Team Member/Leader for initial process documentation, review/change, implementation of
software system (SAP) and Access Data Base resulting in 98% on-time delivery.

2. • Built and maintained high quality customer service by implementing programs that enhance
product tracking, logistics, warehousing, transportation, problem-solving, frequent
communication and prompt response to customer needs.
• Completed training as a Cargill Quality Examiner to inspect locations for Total Quality Awards
THOMAS J. KLASON
Sweetener Terminal Manager-Stockton CA Cargill INC 1995-1998
• Directed all aspects of food grade terminal operations affecting improvements. Increased volume
by 20% and decreased operating costs by 15%. Led local carrier negotiations resulting in
transportation cost savings of 20%
• Recruited to manage and stabilize a diverse staff experiencing employee relations issues resulting
in improved employee engagement and stability
• Drove improvements in safety, resulting in no lost time accidents; inventory management, no
product shortages; logistics and transportation, vendor and carrier quality, and product quality
that resulted in cost reduction, greatly enhanced customer service and reduced freight costs
• Member of terminal food safety audit team. Inspected and recommended solutions that reduced
food safety incidents and improved quality at all terminals and carriers. Became marketplace
advantage tool with customers.
Corn Milling Division Distribution Manager Cargill INC 1993-1995
• Created and managed a combined department of customer service and transportation that
improved service and communication to customers utilizing AS 400 system.
• Recruited, interviewed, hired, and trained entire staff for combined department.
• Developed and implemented $18 million budget. Brought in under target annually.
• Negotiated rates with carriers on bulk hopper and sweetener trucks, rail equipment purchases
ensuring lower cost, improved efficiency of equipment, improved delivery and customer service.
• Initiated Carrier of the Year Program rewarding carriers, that resulted in improved tracking and
service quality.
• Developed program for Rail Utilization of equipment for all Corn Milling Facilities.
National Sales Coordinator and Starch Sales Coordinator Cargill INC 1987-1993
• Generated and maintained National sales accounts. Recognized for developing strong, long-
lasting customer relationships.
• Inside Sales coordination for all starch products at all facilities
• Orchestrated capacity management across three plants that maximized capacity. Developed
production schedule for one plant and coordinated scheduling with two other plant schedulers.
• Instrumental in the beginnings of the Total Quality Process, one of the first Total Quality
Facilitators of Cargill and at Cedar Rapids Corn Milling
• Winner of CQA 2 years in a row and began 3rd
year process prior to transfer and Cedar Rapids
was awarded the Spicola Award after I departed
PRIOR POSITIONS
Cargill INC
Merchant Corn Milling Facility Cedar Rapids IA 1986-1987
Graphics Department Supervisor Minneapolis MN 1983-1986
Mail/Office Services/Tour Guide for World Headquarters Wayzata MN 1981-1983
Professional Educator 1977-1981
• Teacher US History and Coach of Jr. High/High School Students- Faith SD/Lake Benton, MN.
EDUCATION and TRAINING
BS Education, Social Sciences, Minor Coaching, Minnesota State University, Moorhead MN,
AA Liberal Arts Degree, Fergus Falls Comm. College, Fergus Falls, MN.,

3. Karass Negotiating Seminar, Trained Total Quality Facilitator/Examiner for Cargill, Extensive SAP
Diamond System Training, Adage ERP system training, SAP/Tartan Enhanced Training, University of
Penn. Inventory Management training