ARTHUR F.

YOUNG

Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188 414.915.4891 ajyoung@wi.rr.com

Summary of Experience
Human Resource Leader with diverse experience, a proven track record of accomplishments and successful management of all Human Resource, Employee Benefits, and Employee/Labor Relations functions. An excellent communicator with a proactive and collaborative leadership style. Skilled in developing and implementing initiatives that contribute to the corporations profitability and success. 2007 to Present A. F. Young Consulting, Waukesha, Wisconsin Business and Human Resource services. Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Product Liability Defense, Safety, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Succession Planning, Organizational Development and Training, Performance Management and Improvement, Employee Benefits & Wellness, Compensation Management, Talent Acquisition and Search, Advisors and counselors to CEO and/or Executive Staff. Recruited highly qualified employees in many different functions at reduced costs. Streamlined employee benefit designs and saved one company almost $400,000 in the first year alone. Developed employee and labor relations initiatives and strategies for negotiations. 1997 to 2007 Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin A $2.5 billion manufacturer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Also manufactures generators, pressure washers, and lawn and garden equipment. Director, Compensation and Benefits: (2005-2007) Responsible for managing employee compensation and benefits including pension, 401(k), and healthcare plans for all US based active employees in 10 major locations and for 2,500 retirees. Ensured that Job Descriptions were accurate and employees were compensated competitively considering their compa-ratio position, performance levels, and the allowed merit budget amounts. Transformed the healthcare strategy utilizing fewer and simplified plan designs, a unique High Deductible Plan, consolidated providers and claims administrators, and improved communications. Result: Saved $1,500,000 in the first year and projected to save $3,900,000 more over the next 2 years. Promoted prudent Healthcare Education & Consumerism reinforced with health plan designs. Result: Saved 14% of projected claims cost for employees who selected the new High Deductible Plan. (50% of Milwaukee salaried employees) Simplicity Manufacturing Inc. (now Briggs Yard Power), Port Washington, Wisconsin A national manufacturer of premium lawn and garden equipment sold under the Simplicity, Snapper, Murray, Ferris, Sears, and Giant-Vac brands. Vice President, Human Resources: (1997-2005) Reported to the President, Yard Products Group. Responsible for all Human Resource, Benefits, and Labor Relations functions for all employees in 3 locations, and Product Liability defense management for all product lines. Negotiated corporations first 5-year labor agreement with the Industrial Association of Machinists (IAM). Results: Recognized by CEO as a Home Run negotiation for the corporation. Secured wage rate increases of only 9% over the contract term. Achieved average Shop Operations rate decrease of 1.7%. Reduced expected annual retirement plan cost by $580,000 per year.

Reduced healthcare cost with new optional and unbundled plans, prescription drug changes, and much greater employee premium sharing. Eliminated FAS 106 retiree medical liability for new hires and reduced current employee liability by $4,000,000.

Negotiated a new labor agreement with the national office of the United Steelworkers of America following the purchase of Snapper. Result: Achieved the first 5-year contract with 2.8% average wage increases, and eliminated the union pension plan. Implemented a structured talent acquisition and retention process that secured high quality employees and developed leaders for advancement. Result: Maintained turnover below 10% per year versus a 20%+ trend in the employment market area. Established cap on the Corporations funding of employee and retiree healthcare and negotiated limits with the IAM union. Result: Reduced FAS liability by $18,000,000. Managed product liability defenses for all product lines and Consumer Product Safety Commission matters. Result: Minimized our liability and defense costs. Promoted to Corporate Director, Compensation and Benefits.

Previous Employment

Safway Steel Products Inc. (formerly owned by Figgie), Milwaukee, Wisconsin A major supplier of scaffolding, shoring/forming, and other work platforms that were sold, rented, and erected/dismantled by distributors and 36 company owned profit centers. Director of Human Resources: Reported to the President and CEO. Responsible for all Human Resource, Benefits, and Labor Relations functions for employees in 38 locations, and for Risk Management including Product Liability defense and Safety. Badger Powhatan, a Figgie International Company, Ranson, West Virginia A national supplier of fire extinguishers, brass valves and fittings, and fire hose. Director of Industrial Relations: Reported to the President. Responsible for all Human Resource functions. Manufacturing was consolidated from 5 to 3 locations in the US. Promoted to Director of Human Resources at Safway. FIGGIE International, Corporate Office, Willoughby, Ohio A conglomerate holding company that managed over 30 very diverse companies. HR Management Trainee. Promoted to Badger Powhatan as Director of Industrial Relations.

Education:

B.S.B.A. Degree, Human Resources, Industrial & Labor Relations, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

Member:

Society For Human Resource Management; Management Resources Association, Rotary International

Personal:

Board President of Balance Inc. that is a non-profit organization providing healthcare and support services to people with many types of developmental disabilities. Enjoy a variety of activities including scuba diving, hiking, camping, target shooting, biking, and golf.