About Johnson Stephens Consulting

Our professionals have served over 200+ retailers and consumer products distributors. The founders of Johnson Stephens Consulting and all members of our professional team advanced through roles in operations management prior to becoming supply chain operations consultants. That experience enables us to understand and address the real issues of supply chain operations – your issues.

Steve is co-founder and principal owner of Johnson Stephens Consulting (JSC), 25+ years of experience in operations consulting, industrial engineering management, operations management, and facility design/construction. Steve delivers extensive project experience in distribution & logistics strategic planning, engineered productivity improvement, labor management programs, Lean distribution, site selection, material handling equipment (MHE) systems design and implementation. He has consulted to numerous specialty retail, department store, order fulfillment, furniture retailers, wholesale, and consumer product companies. Steve has provided counsel to many senior executives, while also developing a strong “on-the-floor” relationship with operations management and associates. Being a frequent speaker at supply chain and distribution conferences at RILA, NCOF, ProMat, MODEX, The Operations Summit, WERC, E.CON, SEDC and serving as a co-author of the SUCCEEDsm Labor Management Program; this drives Steve’s passion to share his knowledge with industry leaders to make a difference in the supply chain industry. Steve has designed and implemented over 60 new or renovated distribution centers as well as provided logistics network strategic plans for over 25 companies.

Steve received his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering with Honors from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1983. He also received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Sewanee: The University of the South in 1982.

Sandy is co-founder and principal owner of Johnson Stephens Consulting (JSC), 25+ years of experience in distribution & operations consulting, operations management, and production planning. He provides broad experience in logistics network design, material handling equipment (MHE) systems design & implementation, labor management systems, process improvement / Lean distribution, and site selection. Sandy has assisted approximately 100 specialty retail, grocery, department store, wholesale, and consumer products distributors as well as third-party logistics services providers. He has also designed over 40 distribution facilities in 15 states. Sandy has completed Labor Management Systems for over 10,000 workers. Sandy is the author of “Dynamic Zone Picking” and “A Tale of Two Facilities,” as published by Multi-Channel Merchants. He is also the co-author of the SUCCEEDsm Labor Management Program and “What is Motivating Employees” as published by WERC. Lastly, he was published by WERC, MHIA, and IPMO as the author of “REWARD$ – A Look at Bonus Compensation in the Distribution Center.” Sandy frequently speaks at NCOF, The Operations Summit, ProMat, and WERC.

Sandy received his Bachelor of Science – Industrial Management degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1987.

Ray is responsible for leading the JSC Operations practice, which includes supply chain strategy, facilities planning/design, and process improvement services. These responsibilities include developing new, innovative supply chain solutions to expand the firm’s operations services offerings. DeMelfi is also responsible for project staffing decisions, project reviews, and professional hiring decisions for the Operations practice. He has more than 15 years of supply chain experience in the areas of strategic planning & network optimization; material handling equipment (MHE) systems planning, design & implementation; labor management programs & systems; lean process improvement; and project & operations management.

Ray earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, holds Six Sigma certification, and has extensive industry experience in operations management, engineering, and consulting.

Lori plays a major role in leading and developing our engineering consulting practice. With her extensive background and experience, Lori brings a wealth of supply chain knowledge to our team with 20+ years of supply chain experience which includes engineering leadership & management for a leading apparel and home retailer. Most of Lori’s history stems from numerous design and implementation projects, space/capacity analysis and conducted numerous time and motion studies to develop engineered standards.

Lori received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and further earned her MBA from the University of Tulsa.

Nick is responsible for overseeing the continuous development of Johnson Stephens Consulting’s brands while driving brand awareness, lead generation and marketing strategy for the firm. He is also responsible for inbound marketing programs, solution marketing, digital media, advertising, PR, partnerships, social media, events/trade shows, inside sales and business development initiatives. Before Nick transitioned to this marketing role full time, he served 5+ years as a Supply Chain Consultant while earning valuable field experience to better understand the supply chain industry.

Nick received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Mississippi in 2010.