TELE PLACE
March 28, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been involved in major SAP installations at two companies that were fortunate enough to have Jack Rex managing critical projects for their Information Technology conversion and implementation. In both cases, Jack built superior teams of highly skilled, dedicated business/technology professionals who met all goals in dynamic circumstances under significant pressure.
The Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, at 100+ years old, is the largest manufacturer of welders and welding supplies in the world. During mid-1998, management realized that the multitude and wide variety of archaic computers and systems being used by Lincoln were woefully inadequate; and with Y2K imminent, decisive action was needed. A new CIO was brought in, SAP was chosen as the enterprise-wide solution; Andersen Consulting was selected as the integrator; and the race against Y2K began in earnest. Jack Rex built and led the conversion team that was responsible for making certain that data from multiple antiquated computer systems involving many different types of obsolete databases were properly transported into the new SAP system on time. In order to accomplish their tasks in this huge undertaking, Jack and his team worked with high intensity and determination--sometimes around the clock. That team was, in fact, the only one on that 350+ person project to actually achieve every goal and meet every deadline.
In July, 2001, I asked Jack to provide consulting advise to TelePlace after SAP had been selected as the ERP. My purpose was simply for TelePlace to have someone I already knew to be an IT expert with high ethical standards working on behalf of TelePlace to ensure that SAIC (the chosen integrator) did not excessively expand the monetary resources of TelePlace. Jack was so effective in this role that he was hired as CIO on September 25, 2000. Jack exceeded everyone's expectations in reducing the implementation cost. He replaced most of the more costly SAIC IT consultants with a terrific team of IT professionals that he hand-picked and led through a record-breaking implementation of SAP. In fact, it was the fastest implementation on record according to SAP America, Inc.
In my over 20 years of Human Resources management experience, I can honestly say that Jack Rex is one of the most (if not the most) competent, business-oriented IT leaders with whom I have ever worked. He is also one of the most dedicated, ethical and congenial. I would never hesitate for a moment to recommend him to any company needing to achieve difficult goals within nearly impossible time limits while containing costs. If you have questions or if I can supply more information, please contact me. (Home: 561-477-3077)
Sincerely
PMorey
Penny Morey, Vice President
Administration & Human Resources
Convergent Technology Centers
1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 302, Boca Raton, FL. 33432
Phone: (561) 237-3000 * Fax (561) 347-9232 * www.teleplace.com