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DRIFIRE'S Management Team
Recognized worldwide as one of the most innovative, entrepreneurial and successful business leaders in the textile industry, with over 26 years of diversified, multi-functional senior-level executive management experience, L. Gene Cone has led entries into new domestic and international markets at divisions of Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized companies, expanded and developed new products and markets, and defined and led acquisitions, turnarounds, restructurings and international sourcing strategies. In addition to his proven skills as a strategic planner, partnerships expert, sales and marketing innovator, and operations veteran who has streamlined multiple organizations, Mr. Cone has a proven record of strong financial management that has significantly improved the bottom-line performance of the companies with which he has worked during his long career of achievement.
Before joining DRIFIRE, LLC, Mr. Cone was President and Chief Executive Officer of Johnston Industries, Inc., a $230 million, 2100-employee Company with 11 domestic manufacturing and distribution locations and international sales to over 25 countries. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Cone was President and Chief Executive Officer of American Fiber & Finishing, Inc., a $75 million diversified textile manufacturer. Mr. Cone’s other previous positions include: General Manager and Division President at Spring Industries, Inc. where he led the start-up of a new Protective Fabrics business; President and Founder of Miltex Textiles, Inc, a major military textiles consultancy; Vice President and General Manager at Burlington Industries, Inc.; and, General Manager, and Division President of Burlington Military Fabrics Division, where he led the start-up of a very successful business supplying textile products to the US military, Federal and State government agencies, and numerous governments around the world. Earlier he held positions in sales management, plant management, business development management, and process engineering management at Burlington Industries Fabrics Division, Industrial Division-Kernersville Finishing Plant, Burlington Formed Fabrics Division, and Burlington Corporation.
Mr. Cone, who from 1971 to 1975 served with the United States Air Force in Computer Operations Management, holds a BS degree in engineering from the University of Florida and an MS Management degree from LaSalle University
Jacqueline Stise, a seasoned professional with twenty-plus years’ senior management experience in supplier sourcing; production facilities development, launch and expansion; off-shoring initiatives; and, product development management joined DRIFIRE LLC in 2007 as Vice President, Supply Chain Systems. To this position, she brings a distinguished track record of proven results in dramatically increasing revenues and profits and an extensive set of highly specialized skills in global sourcing, import/export compliance, international supplier relations, quality assurance/SPC systems and overall supply chain management expertise.
Previously, for five years, she was Vice President of Global Manufacturing for Calderon Textiles where she led the establishment of a new division for the company. For 12 years prior to that, Ms. Stise was with Best Manufacturing, where from 1994 to 2001 she served as Director of Manufacturing, overseeing a team of 15 and total production supervisory staff of 150 at multiple global manufacturing facilities dedicated to the cost-effective, timely and profitable delivery of a product generating $125 million in annual revenues.
Earlier, Ms. Stise was Vice President, Perry Ellis America Men’s Division for Perry Ellis International; Product Development Manager-Manufacturing Manager for Society Brand Industries/PL Industries/MSI; and, Product Manager at Garon, Inc
A seasoned business and financial professional with broad organizational experience in business processes, automated systems and financial management at the highest executive levels, DRIFIRE Vice President of Finance Charles Rossi has achieved a distinguished record of achievement in the textile industry across a broad spectrum of organizations at varying stages of growth and development. A Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant, a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and of the Institute of Management Accountants, Mr. Rossi has held senior executive financial management positions with Johnston Textiles, where he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; at Johnston Industries, where he was the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller; at Marubeni Denim, where he was Director of Business Planning and Systems Development; and, at Swift Textiles where he served in roles ranging from Director of Cost Analysis and Process Development Manager to Plant Controller. Previously, for 14 years, Mr. Rossi was with Intermet Corporation, a leading manufacturer of precision automotive components, where he became Division Controller responsible for all systems and analysis involving product cost and pricing decisions, the evaluation of major capital expenditure programs and business acquisition opportunities.
Mr. Rossi’s career in the textile industry has included senior financial management roles in start-up organizations as well as well-established enterprises with products ranging from woven and finished fabrics for the upholstery, napery, bedding, industrial and automotive markets to light, medium, and heavy-weight denim fabrics used in high-end and industrial apparel applications.
A Georgia native, Mr. Rossi is a graduate of Columbus College where he earned a BBA degree in Accounting.
Alan Wallis brings an extensive educational and professional background in finance, taxation, the law, and options trading to his role of Vice President of Business Development - DRIFIRE. A graduate of the University of Illinois, where he received a B.S. degree in Finance, Mr. Wallis also holds a law degree from Chicago Kent College of Law from which he graduated with high honors. His law experience includes two years with the Chicago-based firm of Margolin & Brandwein where he was a tax attorney. Mr. Wallis was also an Independent Market Maker in the Chicago Board Options Exchange system and prior to joining driFIRE was the founder and owner of WSI Internet Marketing.
Robert W. Hines brings to his role as Vice President of Product Development at DRIFIRE, LLC some seventeen years of domestic and international experience in textile product development, quality, and manufacturing. This broad experience spanning these three key disciplines that drive successful new products from concept to a high-quality market offering, distinguishes Mr. Hines as one of the few senior level professionals in the textile industry whose product development visions are informed by a balanced and first-hand understanding of how to achieve the best quality outcomes, evaluate and secure the best manufacturing and fabric sources, and how to help identify systems, processes, technologies and preferred methods for maximum new product quality, profitability, and market acceptance.
For six years prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hines was with Johnston Textiles, Inc., a $70M diversified fabric manufacturer where he rose from Technical Manager to Director of Quality, Director of Technical Services, and ultimately to Director of Manufacturing responsible for three manufacturing plants, product development, quality, and the marketing and management of Johnston’s Textest textile testing business. Prior to that, for two years, Mr. Hines was with Burlington Industries where he directed the training of 860 technical and salaried weavers, achieving double digit improvements in quality and six-figure reductions in cost. Mr. Hines extensive career in the textile industry also includes six years with Johnston Industries, Inc., a $230M diversified fabric manufacturer, and two years with Pharr Yarns, Inc., a $241M manufacturer and marketer of yarns. While at Johnston Industries, Mr. Hines led the team responsible for the selection and start-up of a $21M plant modernization and expansion project. At Pharr Yarns he managed yarn manufacturing operations.
Mr. Hines has a Master’s Degree in Textile Technology from the Institute of Textile Technology and a BS Degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a member of the American Society for Testing and Materials International and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.Spanning a period of more than 15 years, William Perry has a proven record as an accomplished, results-oriented sales professional and team builder with a history of success with major companies in the workwear, outdoor apparel and FR uniform industry. Over this period, during which he has held a series of increasingly responsible and high-level executive sales and sales management positions, Mr. Perry has specialized in growing major accounts, identifying and capturing new market and customer opportunities, securing and strengthening channel partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies all leading to sales results and growth margins exceeding plan.
A seasoned strategic marketer with more than 15 years experience in marketing communications, public relations, branding and messaging, Stephanie J. Youker brings an exceptional track record of success to her role as Director of Marketing at driFIRE. A marketing veteran with experience at organizations of all stages of growth, from privately-held start-ups to global, publicly-traded companies, her expertise includes creating and implementing fully-integrated, multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns. A graduate of Lasell College where she earned her B.S. degree in Marketing, Ms. Youker's previous experience includes executive marketing management positions at Loftware, Inc., Phonetic Systems, Lernout and Hauspie, T Cell Diagnostics and Avis.
Nick Federico brings a scientific background and finance experience to his role as Director of Product Development for DRIFIRE. Previously in a management and operations position with M&T Bank, he is a graduate of Colgate University where he earned a B.A. degree in English and Biology.
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Sean Wallis, Northbrook, IL
Current line of duty: College Basketball
Closest call : Breaking leg during a game and getting surgery to put a plate and three screws in my tibia
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