Meet Geoff Gilmore
Geoff Gilmore, Ph.D., P.E., is a seasoned expert in fostering creativity, innovation, and executive leadership. As the founder of Extraordinary Systems, LLC, Geoff has dedicated his career to advancing “The Spirit, Science, and Art of Creating the Extraordinary.” With a rich history of working with executive teams globally, Geoff is known for his ability to drive rapid learning and apply those insights to achieve exceptional, record-breaking results year after year.
Geoff’s distinguished career includes notable leadership roles such as CEO and President of Climax Portable Machining & Welding Systems (CLIMAX), where he steered the company to industry-wide recognition and multiple prestigious awards, including the US Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Award and Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America Award. Prior to CLIMAX, Geoff served as President & COO of Electronic Controls Design (ECD) and as General Manager for multiple divisions at Warn Industries.
Beyond his professional achievements, Geoff is an active Rotarian, contributing to his community through leadership roles and philanthropic efforts, including raising over $1.2 million for various programs. He also co-founded the Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium (NWHPEC), a recognized continuous improvement and lean enterprise consortium.
Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Systems Science from Portland State University, where he studied under the legendary Dr. W. Edwards Deming. He also earned an MBA from the University of Portland and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Idaho. Geoff’s professional credentials include being a Registered Professional Engineer and a past Certified Quality Engineer by the American Society for Quality.
Helping People Be Extraordinary
“When I was growing up, I moved 13 times in 15 years. It was tough and sometimes exciting - being introduced to new people, new places, and new things while in school and on vacations. I became fascinated by why some humans would learn and change but others would not, especially WHO learns, WHY we learn, WHAT we decide to learn, HOW we learn and HOW we apply that new learning to create new experiences.
Driven by my curiosity I studied mathematics, sciences, and engineering to learn how to think, how to organize, and how to make things happen. I soon recognized that all answers to questions weren’t explained by numbers being too big or too small - decisions weren’t always black and white. So I studied Leadership, organizational decision making and why people make certain choices, and how to build both great relationships and great teams. Doctoral studies and further Leadership experiences helped me understand what conditions create HIGH PERFORMANCE versus average performance groups. I considered what does EXTRAORDINARY look and feel like, how does it affect us, and how do we create and sustain it?
I remain fascinated by our human brains and our practices to create not only linear continuous improvements but also, especially now, non-linear CREATIVITY and INNOVATION breakthroughs both for our organizations and our communities.
After decades of successfully leading and growing highly ethical, people-oriented, for-profit and non-profit organizations, I currently mentor and coach leaders and executive groups interested in creating extraordinary high-performance results through the use of Leadership skills and non-linear CREATIVITY and INNOVATION best practices.”
Experience
-
Geoff served as President, CEO, and Director, where he developed a high-performance culture, driving significant growth with a 13.8% net revenue CAGR and a 40% after-tax income CAGR over nine years. He expanded the company's global reach and brand recognition, leading to industry dominance and pioneering significant engineering innovations that increased the patent portfolio by 242%. His implementation of major lean enterprise initiatives dramatically enhanced manufacturing capabilities.
-
As President and COO, Geoff turned around the company by instilling a new corporate culture and strategic planning. This resulted in a 16% annual growth in international business and a substantial increase in profitability. His leadership in cost controls and market expansion played a crucial role in the company's success.
-
Geoff's role as Strategic Business Unit Manager involved driving rapid sales and profit growth through the development of a strong quality culture and the successful entry into new market segments. His efforts earned the company several prestigious awards and established new business units that continue to impact the company's success.
-
In his position as Division Quality and Technology Director, Geoff enhanced quality and productivity systems, leading to a significant reduction in customer returns and scrap levels. His work increased profitability, successfully preparing the metals manufacturing division (ComTek) for divestiture.
-
As Plant Quality and Technology Manager, Geoff implemented quality and lean systems, resulting in substantial reductions in scrap and customer complaints, which earned the Chairman’s Award. His leadership in engineering cost reduction projects saved over $1 million annually and led a $27 million plant-wide modernization project.
Education
Ph.D. in Systems Science, Portland State University
Master of Business Administration, University of Portland
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Idaho
Awards
Rotarian of the Year Issued by Rotary Club of Newberg, Jan 2019
Oregon’s Healthiest Companies (Second Place) Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2013 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
USA’s Top 100 Healthiest Companies Issued by Healthiest Employers
Jan 2013 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Oregon’s Healthiest Companies (Third Place) Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2012 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Oregon’s Healthiest Companies (Third Place) Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2011 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Manufacturer of the Year (Medium Business Category) Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2010 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Outstanding Business of the Year Issued by Enterprise for Education and Employment
Jan 2009 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Top 100 Fastest Growing Oregon Companies Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2009 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America Issued by Inc Magazine
Jan 2008 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Top 100 Fastest Growing Oregon Private Companies Issued by Portland Business Journal
Jan 2008 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Innovative Product Award Issued by SEDCOR
Jan 2007 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Workforce Leadership Award for Commitment to Workforce Training Issued by Mary Pearmine
Jan 2006 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Export Achievement Award Issued by US Department of Commerce
Jan 2004 · Associated with CLIMAX Portable Machining & Welding Systems
Unlock Extraordinary Potential with Geoff Gilmore
Working with Geoff means partnering with a leader and coach who understands the Spirit (Why), the Science (What), and the Art (How) of creating extraordinary personal and organizational transformations.
His unique approach combines clear strategic purpose and mission understanding with practical tactical implementation advice and processes.
Leaders become much more effective and efficient ensuring that their organization not only sets ambitious targets but also achieves them.
Geoff is deeply committed to helping people and organizations be extraordinary. He provides high-performance leadership training and supports your learning and practicing of this new knowledge until they’ve become ingrained life-long skills, helping to ensure both your personal and professional success.
Geoff is also committed to both your and his ongoing continuous improvement and step-function innovation, so expect both personal and organizational transformational change and truly extraordinary results.