About Our Company and History

Decades of

Inspiring Excellence

Lisa Rawcliffe came to the manufacturing industry by happen-stance. To quote the great painter Bob Ross, this was a “happy little accident” that has provided endless joy and excitement through extensive leadership experience in the manufacturing industry focusing on continuous improvement, sales, operations, and quality assurance.  These experiences inspired Lisa to create Engage Forward to 1) advocate for manufacturing as a career of intention, and 2) to work with employers to provide a workplace that people look forward to coming to every day. Lisa believes that every person can have a Good Day at Work: know they are part of a team that respects each other, work with leaders worth following, are able to lead others in achieving goals and solving problems in a way that prevents recurrence, and able to return home safely each day ready to share exciting learnings and achievements with family, friends and community.

A proud graduate of her local community college and state university system, Lisa holds additional certifications from the TWI Institute, Personify Leadership and various other programs. Lisa enjoys time outdoors (especially when dogs are involved), as well as watching plants and people grow.

George Sobota has nearly 20 years of experience in process improvement, supply chain/logistics, continuous improvement, and operations management within the manufacturing sector. He has a proven track record of significantly increasing operational output, reducing costs, and implementing Lean best practices. George’s experience includes managing full plant P&Ls, stabilizing morale and reducing turnover, and developing strong partnerships with industry organizations. He holds an MBA in Global Business and a BS in Industrial Engineering. George is passionate about improving company culture and performance and has successfully aligned teams to achieve common goals using Lean manufacturing principles and Toyota Kata. He is also skilled in developing front-line leaders through TWI Job Instruction and 21st Century Soft Skills training.

Jared Ragozzine (“rhymes with magazine”) is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, bringing a unique blend of process expertise and a genuine commitment to people. His passion for Continuous Improvement is grounded in the idea that small, incremental changes—what he calls the “drip system”—are what drive sustainable, long-term progress. His “Good, Better, Best” approach keeps teams focused on his favorite Lean phrase, “flowing value to the customer”. At the heart of Jared’s approach is the “A6”, a mini A3 that invites employees at every level to engage in critical thinking and problem solving, even those who might be more reserved. The A6 facilitates efficiency, safety, and ease, creating a culture where improvement is everyone’s responsibility. Leading with P.I.E. (Praise, Information, and Encouragement)—and reminding people that “everybody loves P.I.E.”—he fosters a learning environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to make an impact. With a solid foundation in strategy deployment, Jared aligns the entire organization around a shared vision and measurable goals. By applying Lean principles with integrity and respect, he cultivates both a productive work environment and a culture where people are motivated to excel and innovate.  Jared enjoys photography, drums, and snowboarding.

Mara Gillani is an experienced business developer and project manager, with the ability to organize complex situations and implement systems that empower teams to succeed. Her keen attention to detail, thorough project management, and creativity have been instrumental in maintaining smooth operations even when juggling multiple projects and clients at various stages. Furthermore, Mara’s authentic and nurturing personality has fostered success in business development, driven by her genuine enthusiasm for sharing things that inspire her.

 

Through our tailored solutions and proven strategies, we’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous companies—both large and small—in transforming their workplaces. From reducing waste to fostering stronger team dynamics and implementing innovative employee engagement initiatives, we’re dedicated to helping production teams unlock their full potential.

Engage, Inspire and Empower your team

Why Choose Engage Forward

Results are inevitable as we build a culture where improvements are applied daily within your business’s foundation.

Purpose

We define and refine company purpose to serve as a focal point that aligns the team and fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement.

People

Developing leadership and nurturing talent are at the heart of what we do. We ensure your people are equipped to drive your business forward.

Process

By integrating problem-solving techniques and workforce management strategies, you can achieve measurable process improvements that support your growth strategy.

We Will guide You Every Step Of The Way

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