Don Orton is a serial entrepreneur and has held senior executive positions with several successful startup ventures as well as a number of publicly held corporations. Don is an expert in project management and business process improvement in all areas of business operations.
An experienced business leader with over 35 years in Senior Executive and Leadership positions, Don has helped many of the leading Healthcare, Medical Device, Computer, Semiconductor, and Automotive Equipment companies to transform their operations. He has served in leadership roles in 3 successful technology-driven start-up companies, as well as in Fortune 500 corporations.
Don’s broad business experience includes operations and new product development leadership, sales and marketing leadership, financial management, organizational development, business process improvement, technology management, and product delivery. He possesses a depth of experience in successfully managing start-ups, acquisitions, restructurings, and spin-offs.
Don possesses specialized training and experience in Total Quality Management, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques, Project Management, Business Plan development, and Financial Budgeting. Don has earned an MBA from the University Of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He is an Accredited Executive Associate of the Institute for Independent Business, is a CMT Mentors Certified Business Diagnostics Coach, and is a Certified Business Process Improvement Facilitator.
Don believes in giving back to his community, and has served in a variety of volunteer capacities. He is a Past President of the White Bear Lake, MN Jaycees, and served as a State Director of the Minnesota Jaycees. He served for many years in leadership roles in his college alumni association. He has served as a United Way volunteer, as well as a volunteer with SCORE. He also served as a volunteer Scoutmaster, and as a Youth Baseball and Basketball coach, serves as a mentor and coach for professionals between jobs, and continues to serve in a leadership role in his local church men’s group.