ESS performed work on behalf of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to position our organization for a workforce grant. Joe Sprangel’s depth of knowledge and experience in the manufacturing environment assured two-fold results.  First, he spoke the manufacturing language and easily conversed with our manufacturers. Second, his depth of knowledge allowed him to analyze the manufacturing feedback and provide a concise and cogent report of our manufacturing situation and opportunities to address the circumstances.

My limited interaction with Joe has been two conversations and a review of his website and responsible manufacturing framework.  However, my initial impression is that he understands the needs of manufacturers that desire to become a more sustainable operation that can further contribute to their community's vitality and make the world a better place.

Joe has that rare combination of experience, practicality,and thought leadership required to drive transformational change.

Joe is a very rare and valuable combination of a strategic mind, a visionary outlook, and a practical implementer.  His deep understanding of people has been honed by his notable real-world /industry accomplishments and then further inspired by his academic endeavors.  His humble approach often hides the genius beneath, but spend a little time with him, and you'll quickly learn what capacity, perspective, and opportunity he can bring to your organization

I’ve known Dr. Joe Sprangel as a colleague, supervisor, and friend for more than 10 years. In that time, I have felt privileged to work beside someone who is skilled at balancing productivity and compassion all at once. Joe is efficient, thorough, and thoughtful in his approach to a challenge; he is process-oriented, yet he never forgets the human capital involved in the process. He is realistic about the obstacles but is tenacious about finding ways to problem solve, always seeking the best solution for all stake holders. I have a deep level of trust in Joe and his ability to guide and lead a large organization or a small team of colleagues, and would recommend him without hesitation.

So many theorists and consultants become specialists bound to one philosophy or one methodology. Joe Sprangel is a generalist in the best sense of the word. He understands the theory supporting the numerous methods that can be used to improve processes and businesses as well as our daily lives.  Instead of seeing Kaizen or Lean, he understands the solid ideas that make up process improvement. Joe embodies transformation in the way he has encouraged me to see the connections between different methodologies and to explore new ways of solving problems and improving the lives of our students.  His creation of the program that became the original MBA@MBU, as well as directing the structure of the MBA@MBU 2.0 has allowed us to offer some of the best and most cutting-edge classes in the field today. His views on transformation and sustainability go beyond the politically correct and the current buzz to embrace the true meaning of the words so that the power of those concepts can be embodied in today's organizations.  While his roots may be firm in manufacturing, Joe's grasp of business and human nature allows his skill set to be easily applied to help service, government, and non-profit organizations.  His understanding of business transcends the actual output to encompass the idea of systems thinking at its best.