Harbour Results, Inc., (HRI), Southfield, Michigan, a consulting firm for manufacturers, has expanded its team of experts to address the increased need for strategic and operational improvements among manufacturers due to the COVID-19 crisis. The company has added seasoned experts Jason Brewer and Brian Gillespie as directors in its consulting team, as well as research specialist Matt Trentacosta to continue to build its Harbour IQ solution.

“We have been closely monitoring how manufacturers are managing the crisis. In our recent COVID study, nearly half of tooling and production shops indicated they are struggling or concerned about the future. These companies need HRI’s strategic support and resources to help them through 2020 and 2021,” said Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc. “Jason, Brian and Matt will play a critical role in this effort, and the growth of our company, by delivering the solutions our client’s need. We are excited to add the expertise to our team”

Jason Brewer – Adding Consulting and Manufacturing Expertise
With more than 30 years of experience, Brewer joined HRI as a director on the consulting team, developing and helping to implement sound business strategies to improve client’s profitability and deliver results. Additionally, his merger and acquisition expertise will enhance HRI’s ability to help companies interested in building or diversifying their holdings.

Prior to joining HRI, Brewer worked in manufacturing – stamping, die casting, injection molding, tooling – and consulting. He began his career as a product engineer at Ford Motor Company and eventually worked as a consulting manager at Plante & Moran and in global business development for Magna Powertrain. Most recently, Brewer was vice president of strategy and marketing for MPI Corporation where he led the growth team through the development of a new vision for the business and was responsible for defining an M&A strategy as well as developing and managing the company’s corporate strategic planning.

Brian Gillespie – Building Industry 4.0 Experience
Gillespie is joining HRI’s consulting team as a director to work with clients on identifying challenges and gaps, and creating and helping implement a strategy that applies the right technology to make operational and business improvements. Gillespie will leverage his expertise in manufacturing – stamping, die casting, injection molding, tooling – and knowledge of Industry 4.0 technology to build both short- and long-term plans that drive success for HRI clients.

Prior to joining HRI, Gillespie was vice president of AI applications at Data Prophet where he was responsible for expanding the company’s US business, including securing funding, product development, marketing and sales. He also has held executive positions in sales and marketing at Imaginestics LLC, Slight Machine, Citrine Informatics and Plex System. He started his career at FANUC Robotics in training and aftermarket sales.

Matt Trentacosta – Supporting with Market Research and Analysis
Trentacosta comes to HRI to further build the company’s Harbour IQ solution. As business analysis manager, he is responsible for collecting and analyzing data and information from multiple sources to inform clients, assist in solving problems and help improve business performance. His extensive experience in market research and consulting will enhance the company’s due diligence and custom market research capabilities.

Trentacosta started his career at The Martec Group as a senior market analyst, and most recently was a senior consultant at IHS Markit where he was responsible for customer market research projects across the automotive and commercial vehicle markets.

“As the manufacturing industry evolves, HRI needs to add to its bench strength. We’ve taken advantage of the current business climate to build our team and our ability to help more companies,” added Harbour.

In addition to growing its staff, HRI recently launched its updated website (harbourresults.com) for small- to medium-sized manufacturers. The site provides information on HRI’s experience, knowledge and consultative solutions. It also houses Harbour IQ – an intelligence tool for manufacturers – providing members real-time access to the data and information they need for running their businesses.

For more information, visit www.harbourresults.com.