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About Dan Krouse

My journey in supply chain

I’ve spent four decades building and fixing supply chains around the world. Today, I use that experience to help mid-market manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers uncover margin leaks, improve service, and build resilience without the bureaucracy of big-firm consulting.

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Milestones that shaped my career

A career shaped by scale, change, and tough decisions

From my first assignment in Hong Kong to becoming a Corporate Officer at Hallmark, each step of my journey added perspective on scale, risk, and resilience.

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  • First leap abroad

    In my mid-20s, I moved to Hong Kong to run sourcing and product development. Built supplier diversification strategies across Asia

    1980's
  • Expanding global leadership

    Served in senior roles back in the U.S., then returned to Asia as Managing Director, expanding Hallmark’s global procurement and operations footprint. Built supplier networks across the region, leading 200 factories and 9,000 workers.

    1990's
  • Enterprise spend and logistics

    Promoted to Vice President, managing $1.5B in global spend and later leading a 2,000-person logistics team supporting $2.5B in revenue.

    2000's
  • Corporate Officer, hard calls

    Named Corporate Officer at Hallmark. Delivered $200M+ in savings, drove e-commerce transformation, and made the tough calls to consolidate the distribution footprint.

    2000's
  • Supplychainalytics

    Fractional executive and advisor, helping SMB and mid-market leaders see the invisible problems, act decisively, and capture results without bureaucracy.

    Today

How it started

I didn’t plan on a career in supply chain. In the early 80s it was still called operations or materials management. Two weeks into my management development program at Hallmark, someone asked if I’d ever thought about living overseas. A year later, I was on a plane to Hong Kong, newly married, with no passport stamps and no idea what was ahead. That decision shaped the rest of my career.
Exterior view of the Hallmark Cards headquarters building with American flag at dusk

Hallmark Cards Headquarters

30+ years at Hallmark

Across more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege of shaping supply chains from the factory floor to the boardroom. Those years taught me how complexity hides inefficiencies, and how the toughest calls are often the ones that create resilience and growth.

Post-Hallmark

When I left Hallmark, I wasn’t finished — I wanted to contribute differently. Instead of large teams and complex committees, I chose to work directly with SMB and mid-market operators. My focus is helping leaders see what’s really happening in their supply chains, act decisively, and capture results without unnecessary complexity.

Through Supplychainalytics, I combine structured assessments with targeted execution, while also coaching and mentoring teams along the way. Clients call me the truth-teller because I provide clarity and a practical path forward — ensuring change that lasts, not theater.

What others say

Straight talk, real impact

*Testimonials are anonymized to respect client confidentiality, but all quotes are from real engagements and colleagues.

“I received an offer from a Chinese supplier that seemed too good to be true — and it was. Dan quickly revealed hidden risks in the quote, from transshipment exposure to customs liability, saving me time, cost, and major supply disruption.”

“Dan introduced a total cost-to-serve approach that revealed which customers and items were truly profitable. His insight reshaped our pricing and strategy, driving millions in bottom-line improvement.”

“Working with Dan for nine months had a lasting impact on my growth and the company’s success. Dan delivered results while empowering me with skills I’ll carry throughout my career.”

“Dan embodied Level 5 Leadership, earning trust across the organization and the C-suite. His integrity, empathy, and commitment to people were clear in the way he mentored and developed talent, especially in the later stages of his career.”

Free, 60-minute Intro Call

Introductory Call

A conversation to understand your supply chain challenges, share initial perspectives, and explore if there’s a fit. No obligation, no preparation needed. If we both see value, we can scope the next steps together.

Schedule an Intro Call
  • A focused conversation

    Share your goals and challenges in supply chain or operations.

  • Initial observations

    I’ll highlight what typically drives margin pressure or hidden costs.

  • Options to explore

    From quick wins to deeper assessments, depending on your priorities.

  • Clarity for next steps

    Decide together if we move forward: or if no action is the best call.