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Stephen A. Ruffa

Founder and Lead Consultant

Stephen A. Ruffa is an aerospace engineer, a business researcher, and a Shingo Prize winning author. His distinctive observations on lean dynamics are framed by his unique government-industry study of aerospace producers, his projects demonstrating key underlying principles, and his research of today’s leaders across manufacturing and service industries.

Mr. Ruffa spent the first 25 years of his career with the U.S. Department of Defense engaged in everything from the design, manufacture, test and repair of cutting-edge aircraft to implementing major business improvement initiatives. He ultimately led a worldwide manufacturing benchmark study of 17 major aerospace manufacturers, demonstrating how “lean” concepts could break the cycle of escalating costs in aircraft production. His results were praised by the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, the Aircraft Industries Association, and academia.

Mr. Ruffa’s works have been widely recognized. He is the author of numerous articles and the following books: Going Lean: How the Best Companies Apply Lean Manufacturing Principles to Shatter Uncertainty, Drive Innovation, and Maximize Profits (AMACOM, 2008), The Going Lean Fieldbook: A Practical Guide to Lean Transformation and Sustainable Success (AMACOM, 2010) and Breaking the Cost Barrier: A Proven Approach to Managing and Implementing Lean Manufacturing (John Wiley & Sons, 2000). As the lead consultant for Lean Dynamics Research, Mr. Ruffa draws on his years of background engaged in researching and implementing lean manufacturing techniques within the challenges facing large, complex corporations and institutions.