Meet The Team
Doug Caywood
Co-Founder
Doug's has over 30 years working for Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. His first years were focused on Global Manufacturing Customers to deliver high value solutions. During his last years with Microsoft, he helped develop a focused CPG Manufacturing Customer Engagement Team, and ultimately led the Global CPG Industry for Microsoft. He has been published by Gartner, CGT, and participated and presented at numerous industry bodies.
Doug helped lead Microsoft's participation in Smart Manufacturing via partnering with organizations such as SMLC and CESMII. Since leaving Microsoft he partnered with long time customer, friend, and mentor, Jim Wetzel to form The NxGen Group, LLC.
NxGen's focus is on developing quick hit, practitioner focused approaches to helping manufacturers realize business value associated with Smart Manufacturing.
Jim Wetzel
Co-Founder
Jim's career has centered around innovation and improving things. He is known as a visionary in Smart Manufacturing and was one of the early champions nationally.
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Jim spent most of his career at General Mills and retired as Director of Engineering - Global Reliability. He was responsible for improving the existing asset base in GMI manufacturing across the globe.
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Jim was Chairman of the Board of the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition ( SMLC) and was the interim CEO of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute.