Meet the Team
Joe Hackman
Founder & CEO
Joe brings together an in-depth knowledge of IT management, advocacy work in manufacturing, and the CIMCO software line's capabilities to find creative solutions to nagging problems in the smart manufacturing environment. He founded Managed Solutions in 1997, initially as an IT support company, and has evolved to stay on the cutting edge of computer integrated manufacturing and Industry 4.0 best practices. In Smart Manufacturing, Joe found an opportunity to meet an underserved market with genuine concern for each client's success and a strong desire to resolve bottlenecks that keep them from reaching their potential. A creative thinker, he shares lessons and ideas through his Five-Minute Gemba newsletter, designed to help manufacturers thrive in this quickly accelerating Industry 4.0 world.
Kevin Payne
CNC Automation Specialist
Kevin is a talented machinist with 20 years of experience. He began his career as an automotive engine builder and, six years later, switched to injection mold making. Prior to joining Managed Solutions in 2019, his work was centered around CNC and EDM machining for aerospace electrical connectors. Looking to bridge the gap between his work and his passion for computers, he returned to school and became Cisco Network Certified. This puts him in a unique position to bridge the gap between CNC machines and modern computer networks. When he’s not working he likes to play disc golf, which mostly means he spends his spare time searching for his poorly thrown discs.
Dawn Buford
Executive Assistant
Dawn is a true administrative professional with 20 years of experience taking care of executives, office spaces, and customers. She loves a challenge and will roll her sleeves up and help out wherever needed, whether that’s the mailroom or the boardroom. She credits her organizational skills for helping her perform well in any job. She believes caring, kindness, and eagerness to learn are the key to a successful and happy life. When she’s not in the office, she’s walking the shores of Lake Michigan, working in her garden, or traveling the world (18 countries and five continents...so far).
Lisa Gerber
Chief Marketing Officer
Lisa Gerber advises CEOs and senior level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life. She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them make their idea of change happen. Her experiences came together to contribute to her taking her own big leap in 2004 to launch her practice. When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving. She is the host of Breaking Trail podcast, and speaks at conferences nationally on storytelling, measurement, and taking big leaps. You can follow her blog at bigleapcreative.com/blog.
Now that you’ve met everyone, why not let our experienced problem-solving team help your team put a plan in place to move past your bottlenecks, increase efficiency, streamline processes, and attain goals you thought were out of reach. We can help you make it happen!