The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
OUR TEAM
Meet the Team Behind Peak Performance
Our talented and experienced collaborative team that delivers results for your workforce development and training needs.
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO
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Denise Rice is president and owner of Peak Performance, Inc. She also serves as a Manufacturing Consultant to the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, a division of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Previously, she was an Operations Executive with a career spanning more than 25 years with Corning, Inc. and their subsidiaries holding positions including Director of Operations, Plant Manager, and Engineering Manager. Under her leadership, Cormetech, a joint equity venture between Corning and Mitsubishi, was awarded Tennessee’s Business Recycler of the year, Gold and Platinum awards for their BEST (Business and Education Working Together) Program with Cleveland High School and was nominated for the U.S. Department of Defense Freedom Award for their support of military veterans.
Kathy Wilson
Training Curriculum Developer
Kathy Wilson is an experienced Curriculum Developer. She honed her skills through many years in the field of Education. Having taught learners from the very young to adults, Kathy has planned, created, and implemented learning content using a variety of teaching and training methodologies and technologies to increase learning retention and application of knowledge.
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After spending many years as an educator, Kathy’s love of learning led to her furthering her education and experience, and ultimately to her current position. She has advanced degrees in Education and Instructional Technology and has received certifications in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Instructional Design. She has worked independently as a Freelance Copywriter and has published magazine articles.
Skylar Randolph
Business Development,
Peak Performance
Skylar Randolph is a high-energy business development professional with 8 years of experience employing strategic planning initiatives. He positively impacts business outcomes through effective organization, prioritization and execution of key projects. His professional competencies in rapport building, customer service, product knowledge and problem solving are attributed to his successful track record in the areas of account management, sourcing & procurement, marketing and sales.
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In 2016, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Marketing and Media from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Skylar’s passion for helping others serves as his inspiration to help drive our continued success in shrinking the knowledge-gap between incumbent workers and modern manufacturing technologies.
Courtney Jergins
Marketing & Event Coordinator
Courtney Jergins is an accomplished marketing and event planning professional with experience in various roles: teaching, project and event management, communications, and marketing. She currently drives the Smart Factory Institute’s marketing outreach and organizes memorable events.
Having spent 9 years in the manufacturing industry, Courtney is well-versed in B2B marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and connect with clients.
In addition to her marketing expertise, Courtney brings a passion for event planning to her role at the Smart Factory Institute. She loves bringing people together, whether to collaborate or to celebrate. Her creative vision and attention to detail bring life to every event, large or small.
Billy Raulston
Business Development,
Smart Factory Institute
Billy Raulston is a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development Representative with a passion for forging meaningful connections and driving growth. In his 8 years of working in sales and marketing across a variety of industries, Billy has matched clients with solutions to meet their logistics, insurance, and even roofing repair needs!
Across these industries, Billy has found success in his ability to listen attentively to client needs, understand pain points, and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. His careful listening and clear communication ensure alignment and understanding.
Sherry Crye
Office Administrator
Sherry Crye is the Office Coordinator with several years of experience working in office management in local manufacturing plants. She most recently spent 18 years working as Director of Workforce Development with the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
Sherry has two A.S. degrees from Cleveland State Community College~Secretarial Science and Business Management.
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