THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY
June 4, 1999
22801 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 U.S.A.
(216) 481-8100
To Whom It May Concern:
In May, 1998, Jack Rex joined Lincoln
Electric Information Technology Department as a third-party consultant.
Specifically, he was brought in to serve as the Manager of the SAP Conversion
Team. At the time Jack joined Lincoln, we had committed to installing all
modules of SAP and three major "bolt-ons". The responsibilities
of the Conversion Team included the design, construction, and testing of all the
conversion programs, running mock conversions and planning and executing the
actual conversion cutovers.
Jack was an integral part of my Management Team. His leadership skills
were excellent. He selected talented contractors and built a loyal,
cohesive team. He kept them--and Lincoln employees interacting with him
under our matrix management system--highly motivated throughout the duration of
the SAP project. His expertise in project management, problem solving,
technology and communication helped us to meet our overall goals and
objectives. We had stringent time constraints; and Jack and his team
always met their deadlines.
Jack is also a very hard worker. He and his team averaged 14-hour days
during 1999. On several occasions, they worked through the evenings to
deliver promised results to their customers. The pace and intensity of
this SAP installation was arduous. The entire installation--from
conception to "go live"--took only 14 months. This had never
been done. In order to complete it, we needed very proficient, dedicated
resources--like Jack.
Jack was a proactive communicator, a team player and a true
professional. I wish him the best of luck in the future. If further
information would be helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me
(216-383-2888).
Sincerely,
Charles E. Mehlman
Vice President and CIO
World's Leader in Welding and Cutting
Products
Premier Manufacturer of Industrial Motors