Jim Cerra is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of PlanetTogether, an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) platform.
PlanetTogether was founded in 2004 and has grown to be the APS platform of choice for the world’s leading Supply Chain Planning and Manufacturing Execution platforms.
PlanetTogether’s software is used to optimize hundreds of billions of dollars worth of production output and resources for its manufacturing customers worldwide.
Jim has worked with many of the world’s leading manufacturers to improve their planning and scheduling systems and processes, including: Johnson & Johnson, Sony, Corning, Procter and Gamble, Guinness, Driscoll’s, and Saint Gobain.
Prior to starting PlanetTogether, Jim was the APS Product Manager at Epicor Software Corporation and earlier an APS Consultant at C-WAY Systems Inc, founded by Cornell University Professors and authors of Theory of Scheduling, Dr. Conway and Dr. Maxwell. Jim holds both a Masters and Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.
Ted joined PlanetTogether in 2021 and is based out of Portland, Oregon.
He has worked for tech-enabled services companies for more than 16 years. Throughout his journey, he has led global programs and teams responsible for serving Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Danaher, HP, Walt Disney, UPS, Starbucks, and Wells Fargo.
At PlanetTogether, Ted oversees all day-to-day operations and finances, including the build-out and management of PlanetTogether’s Partnership Channel.
Stephen Milano has over 20 years’ experience managing technology and customer engagements for software and professional services firms.
Most recently, Stephen played a key role in building and managing the SaaS infrastructure for Gimmal, Inc. Stephen joined PlanetTogether in 2021, where he is responsible for the PlanetTogether Cloud Service as well as internal technology and security initiatives.
Stephen has a degree in Computer Science from Rice University. He lives in Houston, Texas.
JD is a San Diego native. As a leader of our support team, he enjoys solving problems and making sure our customers have the tools they need.
Outside of the office, he enjoys playing guitar and exploring San Diego's best-hiking spots.
JD received his B.A. in Writing from California State University, San Marcos.
Over the course of his career, John has worked on many fascinating projects, e.g. writing cloud analysis software for Scripps Institute of Oceanography, where he learned the shortfalls of large project compartmentalization.
John worked on satellites focusing on the sensor arrays, which is where he learned Infrared Engineering and how to grow crystal cameras. He worked on the front of the Nautilus-class subs, which is where he learned about piezo- and pyro-electric ceramics.
John also worked on the nation's only Plasma Generator underneath the San Francisco Bay, which is
where he learned about the fourth state of matter and predictive software. He worked with experimental light-activated medicines, where he learned the pitfalls of Clinical Trials. He worked on implanted medical devices where he learned the importance of limiting the recall exposure.
"John is a top-grade technical talent who is a pleasure to work with and to learn from."
"Anyone who has John supporting them is in good hands."
Peter is originally from New Zealand, but has worked and lived in Asia for over 20 years. He enjoys watching the All Blacks along with his home town team the Crusaders in the Southern Hemisphere Super Rugby league. His idea of relaxing is trekking in the jungle in his four-wheel drive.
Peter’s background includes over forty years of industry and consulting experience in ERP, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Lean Manufacturing and Information Technology, with major organizations in the manufacturing and distribution sector.
Peter has considerable experience in Strategic Information Systems Planning, Project
Patti is a Certified General Accountant and a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor with an Advanced Certificate. Patti started her professional career on a manual assembly line at Nortel, the former Canadian telecom giant.
She watched in amazement as manual assembly was replaced by an entirely-robotic production line and modern manufacturing ideas such as Just-In-Time (Lean), TQC (TQM), Sigma Six, Kanban, etc. Patti's accomplishments include cross-functional nation-wide process improvement and manufacturing software implementation projects (Oracle, Baan, SAS)
Joseph is originally from Haiti, but has worked and lived in Dominican Republic for 6 years. He is an active learner, business enthusiast and process improvement addict, which made his integration in our team a natural fit. He is currently in charge of: software consulting, testing and system integration.
Joseph holds a B.S degree in Industrial Engineering from UTESA University. He likes volunteering and speaks 4 languages: Creole, French, English and Spanish. In his free time, he likes to watch movies, listen to music, and learn new languages. As a married man, Joseph dreams to grow a happy family. As an engineer, he strives to make an impact in the engineering world. His mantra: “Beat the Odds”
Gokhan is originally from Trabzon on the north side of Turkey in the Black Sea region. He has over twenty years of industry and consulting experience in ERP and he holds a B.S degree in Computer Engineering from the Black Sea Technical University.
Gokhan thrives on supporting innovative change by applying the most effective technological and manufacturing practices with the application of PlanetTogether APS and QAD ERP.
Gokhan enjoys watching the soccer team from his hometown whose
motto is “Trabzon Is Where We Are!”
Dr. Maxwell, or "Max" as his friends call him, sits on the PlanetTogether Advisory Board. Max has been on the engineering faculty at Cornell University since 1960 where he authored the groundbreaking book, Theory of Scheduling.
He was a Ford Foundation distinguished visiting professor at the University of Chicago in 1968-69, a visiting professor at the University of Michigan in 1977-78, a visiting professor at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1983-84 and a visiting professor at Stanford University in 1989-90. He was a consultant in residence at the RAND Corporation in 1965, at General Motors Manufacturing Development in 1977-78, and at SI Handling Systems in 1983-84.
Bob is a thought leader with vast global experience who likes to share his knowledge of operations and supply chain management to help companies get to the next level.
Bob brings years of hands-on experience in professional services and training/ education within manufacturing firms across multiple industry sectors to improve operational efficiencies and implement sustainable results.
He is recognized for turning around organizations and leading companies to success. He has held numerous leadership and executive roles for manufacturing organizations including Sony Corporation.
He is an expert in lean manufacturing, business optimization, global supply chain management and building organizations.
Bob has led the turnaround of seven distressed manufacturing and technology companies. He has developed global and domestic lean logistics and supply chains for consumer electronics, industrial products, aerospace, medical device and building materials companies.
He has collaborated and worked with more than 500 suppliers and contract manufacturers globally. Bob has taught business professionals at various universities and associations on Supply Chain Management, Lean Manufacturing and APICS. Bob is the Past President of APICS San Diego. He received a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering from CPSU and holds a Professional Certificate in Construction and Architectural Engineering from UCSD.
Moreover, Bob completed advanced Japanese manufacturing education, lean training, and Shingo Lean Six Sigma training. Bob enjoys public speaking and is often invited as the keynote speaker for a variety of professional associations and university events.
General Manager with extensive senior leadership experience building commercial relationships and extracting value from large, centrally-managed, multi-plant, make-to-order/make-to-stock manufacturing operations.
A creative strategic thinker guided by business acumen to manage teams and individuals with a strong vision and purpose. Energized by designing and implementing new and different approaches and organizational structures to tackle large, complex challenges that deliver sustainable financial results driven by informed and empowered associates.
Kevin Burrell is a technical-minded problem solver with a solutions-oriented approach.
He is a hands-on learner and enjoys tackling unique technical challenges. Kevin is committed to delivering fast and friendly service to provide the best possible customer experience.
He is currently overseeing Product Support, Development QA, and Technical Documentation.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys hiking and backpacking, with mountain summits and waterfalls as his main destinations. He is also an avid runner, golfer, tennis player, and snowboarder. Kevin's achievements include earning a B.A. in Digital Media from the University of Central Florida, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2019, and completing the Hood to Coast relay run in 2022, which covered approximately 200 miles as a team relay. Kevin's passion for solving complex technical challenges and his love for the outdoors make him a well-rounded and versatile individual
Nick Sorrentino has nearly 30 years of experience in customer-facing roles; managing sales, customer engagement and success teams.
Nick is proven with experience developing strong customer relationships through effective execution of strategy.
Most recently, Nick played a key role in building successful teams at two technology start-ups. He joined PlanetTogether in 2023 with responsibility for Global Enablement, Success, Marketing, and Learning & Development.
Nick has a degree in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. He currently resides with his wife Pam in Austin, Texas.
