Claudia L. Obertreis

Vice President

Claudia Obertreis has enjoyed a dynamic management career providing operating, technical, strategic business leadership to various industries and non-profits. Experienced in both turnaround and high-growth corporate settings, Claudia has been successful in identifying and capitalizing on critical development phases, creating market-driven synergies, and generating revenue in diversified manufacturing environments. Claudia is notably proficient in the management of multi-unit, international business operations

In March 2012, Claudia joined Stoffer Management Consultants, Inc., as Vice President. Claudia brings over 25 years of experience in translating business ideas and corporate visions into feasible, well-defined strategic plans and developing the leadership qualities to ensure their successful implementation. Having integrated many organizational cultures, Claudia has the vision and expertise to design and execute business plans from start up to exit. Her diversity lends the ability to quickly assess the plans and processes of operating companies to strengthen immediate outcomes and ensure long-term improvement.

In November 2002, Claudia joined Ability Center as Vice President. In October 2007, she was asked to lead the company as President of Ability Center. At the time, Ability Center, headquartered in San Diego, was a mobility company providing products and services to the disabled communities of San Diego and Orange County. Claudia was appointed President to steward the growth and professionalism of this small, growing company.

Under Claudia's professional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Ability Center grew to become the largest mobility company in the West Coast. Growing both organically and through acquisition, Claudia steered Ability Center's dynamic expansion to include locations in Las Vegas, Sacramento, Tucson and Phoenix. During this time, Claudia transformed Ability Center's service strategy to a "One Stop Shop" concept, evolving from the provision of accessible vans to a full line of wheelchairs, adaptive driving equipment and home care medical supplies.

In 2003, the Bush Administration and the SBA appointed Claudia to the National Women's Business Council. The council serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress and the government's Small Business Administration. Claudia served on the National Women's Business Council for three years.

In 1979, Claudia brought her innovative entrepreneurial spirit and manufacturing expertise to LIDCO, Inc., a subsurface drainage pipe manufacturing and construction company with over 100 employees in the United States and Mexico. Over a seven-year period, Claudia increased sales from $2 million to $8 million by building a motivated sales team, designing operational systems to capitalize on market opportunities, and ensuring high customer satisfaction. Claudia continued to drive revenue growth by establishing strategic relationships and identifying new distribution channels, including an unprecedented contract with Home Depot in which she negotiated a price structure 5% higher than that of LIDCO's competitors.

In 1999, Claudia negotiated and structured a favorable merger between LIDCO, Inc. and Plastic Services & Products, Inc. In her new role as Corporate Transition Executive, she constructed a relocation program for 50 employees, implemented a seamless transition for customers and vendors, and managed the successful transfer of technologies and equpment from Mexico to the United States overcoming international regulatory barriers.

Claudia attended California State University at San Luis Obispo and the University of Phoenix where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is a board member of various civic and non-profit organizations, the Past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the recipient of the BRAVO Award in recognition of her service to the business community. Claudia is on the Executive Board of HeadNorth, a non-profit providing help and hope to those with spinal cord injuries. She has been a Rotarian in San Diego for over 20 years.