Jon Geiser

• Family Business consulting.  Helping local business families navigate transitions in their businesses.

• Development of the “Pathways to Careers” program for undergraduate college students.   Helping students identify and explore possible career paths of interest and then helping them to prepare for those careers.

• Creation and promotion of educational workshops for local businesses.   Creation of a participative forum for next generation business managers to focus on leadership development, peer learning, best-practice sharing, and the ongoing development of managerial business skills.
• Helping students to better understand the philosophy and techniques of “lean manufacturing” by integrating lean concepts and tools into the curriculum of several of my courses.

Financial Management

Introduces students to the primary elements of organizational finance such as time value of money, stock and bond valuation, forecasting, working capital management, capital budgeting, and dividend policy.

International Business

Focuses on business activities that cross national boundaries. It includes exports and imports – the subject of traditional international trade discussions – as well as foreign direct investment, international banking, the international transfer of technology and global business strategies. The dynamic environment of international business is considered in some detail. The course presents the important activities of an international firm and a framework for analysis from a manager’s perspective. Case studies are used.

Investing

In this course students will learn how to research, formulate and implement investment plans through portfolios constructed and monitored by students. Analytical frameworks and investment strategies that target objectives will be established and utilized. Also, decision making tools such as security valuation and leverage analysis models will be explored.

Operations Management

Decision-making and analysis of production problems arising in areas of methods analysis, plant location, facilities design, production planning and control, inventory management, performance measurement, job design, materials handling and quality control. Incorporation of lean concepts, techniques and tools into operational processes.

Adventures in Business

Designed for first year students, this course will introduce students to the world of business and expose them to a variety of business models and business-related roles and career paths. The course includes visits to several local companies where students have the opportunity to interact and learn from experienced business professionals.

Career Planning

The course provides a framework within which to appraise career options, set goals and implement a plan to reach goals. Topics include self-appraisal, resumes, developing a job-search strategy, interviewing for jobs, choosing the first job and graduate-school opportunities.

Personal Finance

This course teaches students how to effectively manage their personal finances in order to achieve financial stability and security.

Learning to Lead

This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of leadership, and helps them to create their own personal action plan for developing leadership potential and becoming an effective leader.

Business in Spain

This three-week experience provides students with an opportunity to explore what it’s like to do business in another country and culture.  Through case studies, hands-on projects, company visits, and guest lectures by Spanish professors and business managers, students compare and contrast the business customs and practices operating in Spain and the European Union with those in America.  Students also get the opportunity to experience the charm and magic of Barcelona’s culture and cuisine while staying in the city.

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) – board chairman of Michiana MEDA chapter

The  “Launch Pad” Entrepreneurship Incubator  (Goshen Chamber of Commerce) – advisory board member

Awarded a Certificate in Family Business Advising by the Family Firm Institute (FFI) in October, 2010.

2008-Present (Goshen College, Goshen, IN)

• Associate Professor of Business,

• Director of the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Education (CBEE)

2007-2008 (Terra Group, Nappanee, IN)

• Chief Financial Officer

2004-2007 (Swartzendruber Hardwood Creations, Goshen, IN)

• General Manager

1999-2004 (Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chester, United Kingdom)

• Operations Director, European Financial Shared Services

1996-1999 (BICC Plc., Chester, United Kingdom)

• Treasury Manager

1994-1996 (Escola d’Alta Direció i Administració (EADA), Barcelona, Spain)

• Director of International Programs

1991-1994 (SEAT S.A. (Volkswagen), Barcelona, Spain)

• Capital Investment Coordinator (Martorell Plant)

1990-1991 (McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, Mesa, AZ)

• Trade Credit and Countertrade Intern

1983-1989 (Various language schools, Barcelona, Spain)

• English professor (TESOL)