J. Stacey Brandt (M)
Holtwood
Summary
Seasoned construction executive with 35+ years of progressive experience in the commercial construction industry, advancing from hands-on field roles to Vice President of Operations. Began career in the mid-1980s as a carpenter, framer, and drywall hanger, progressing through foreman and project management positions to executive leadership. Spent 28½ years with Smucker Company, holding key roles including Project Foreman, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Vice President of Operations.
Proven leader with extensive experience mentoring and developing field leaders, foremen, superintendents, and project managers while overseeing all aspects of project execution, financial performance, constructability, and scheduling. Successfully managed operations for 250+ tradespeople, 28 foremen and superintendents, seven project managers, and multiple warehouse, facilities, and maintenance staff. Demonstrated expertise in fleet management (50+ vehicles), facilities operations, safety leadership, vendor relations, procurement, and equipment management across multiple warehouse and shop locations.
Recognized for strong problem-solving abilities, customer liaison skills, and a commitment to maintaining safe, efficient, and productive work environments. Actively invested in leadership development through advanced training and workshops with organizations such as FMI, Strategic Coach, and other industry programs.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
Smucker Company
02.1997 - 11.2025
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
- Identified issues with production, workforce, and material sourcing and implemented successful solutions.
- Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Education
High School Diploma -
Solano High School
Quarryville, PAAutomotive Mechanics
Willow Street Vo-tech
Willow Street, PASkills
- Leadership training
- Strategic planning and execution
- Cost analysis and savings
- Performance analysis
- Facilities management
- Operations management
- Process improvements
- Operations oversight
- Budget control
- Workforce planning
- Safety management
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
Smucker Company
02.1997 - 11.2025
High School Diploma -
Solano High School
Automotive Mechanics
Willow Street Vo-tech