"If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance. "
~ Orville Wright
Our People
Andrew Samrick President
In the past ten years, Andrew Samrick has emerged as a leading practitioner of manufacturing execution and organizational development. With a strong focus on team play and results-oriented rewards, Samrick developed a model of tactical execution which received national acclaim. After a successful tenure as president of Mill Steel Company, Andrew formed Simplicity Tactics, a boutique problem solving and corporate growth practice. Focused on the needs of small and mid market manufacturing and service companies, the firm assists clients throughout North America in developing and implementing market expansion, cost reduction, and other mission-critical initiatives.
Mr. Samrick's expertise has led to numerous leadership roles in professional and trade associations. Currently the Incoming Chair for the Young Presidents Organization Automotive Network, Andrew is also a Core Team Member of the Michigan's Next Great Companies initiative. He has served on the Steel Service Center Institute's Governmental Affairs Council, and worked closely with the Michigan Business and Professional Association and Grand Valley State University.
Andrew has also brought his passion for making things work to the charitable sector, providing leadership and fundraising for the West Michigan Flight Academy, Metro Health Hospital, the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, DA Blodgett for Children, Grand Valley State University, and Congregation Ahavas Israel.
Tom Stanfield Chief Operating Officer
Tom Stanfield joined Simplicity Tactics in October 2008. In his role of Chief Operating Officer he has been instrumental in establishing the systems for this start-up company. His strong background in recruiting and values-matched testing has been well received by Simplicity Tactics' growing customer base.
Previous to Simplicity Tactics, Stanfield worked for Mill Steel Company from 1991 until 2008. He joined Mill Steel Company as the Quality Systems Director, developing and implementing their Quality Management System. His responsibilities expanded to include recruiting, hiring, and training employees.
From 1983 to 1991 Stanfield worked at Kalamazoo Stamping & Die, a Ford parts manufacturer. At Kalamazoo Stamping, Stanfield worked as an Industrial Engineer, Purchasing Director, and eventually as Operations Manager, responsible for a multi-shift, multi-plant organization.
From 1965 to 1983 Stanfield worked for Checker Motors Corporation, the manufacturer of the Checker Cab and a parts manufacturer for GM. At Checker Stanfield held the roles of Industrial Engineer, Materials Manager and Purchasing Director.
Charlie Frederick Senior Practitioner
Charlie has spent the past 25 years leading organizations through growth, change, and transition. His extensive background in working with supply chain and wholesale / retail distribution companies allows Charlie to relate extremely well to individuals at all levels within organizations across many industries.
Prior to Simplicity Tactics, Charlie managed an Orthopedic Implants distributorship for Biomet. Before joining Biomet, Charlie was General Manager for Fasteners Inc., one of the largest independent channel construction tools and building supplies distributors in the United States. He has also held management positions at Belwith International, the largest cabinet hardware distributor in North America, and at a 500,000 square foot public warehouse and foreign trade zone 3PL.
As Vice President of Business Development for Beltech, a distribution consulting firm, Charlie worked closely with senior executives in automating operations through warehouse design, barcode technology implementations, material handling automation, and Warehouse Management System selections, modifications, and installations.
Charlie has taught branch management, distribution center, and barcode technology best practice courses and seminars throughout the United States for distributors and trade associations. He has also written numerous articles on inventory management and barcode automation for various trade publications and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Brian Hughes Lead Developer
Brian brings a diverse background to the Simplicity Tactics team as Lead Developer of web-based applications and software-as-service client offerings.
Though formally educated in Ancient Languages at Cornerstone University, Brian started at the Mill Steel company in 2005 as Quality Systems Administrator. He acted as the company's Interim Network Administrator before serving as a developer and project analyst for a number of online applications and recruiting solutions.
After a brief stint in the publishing world at Grand Rapids-based Eerdmans Publishing, Brian developed a close relationship with Simplicity Tactics through a number of freelance projects. He formally joined the team as the organization's Lead Developer in November 2009.
Steve Nagrant Marketing Analyst
Steve brings a fresh perspective and a keen business instinct to Simplicity Tactics. He began with the company as an intern while completing his Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Grand Valley State University. He was hired upon graduation as a Marketing Analyst, and is currently working on his Master's degree at Western Michigan University.
Steve is involved with marketing, advertising, public relations, graphic/web design, customer service and project management for Simplicity Tactics and its clients.