Mentor Team: Darin Aaby

• Senior Principal Consultant at S3 Technologies, Adjunct Professor at Washington State University
• Darin Aaby on LinkedIn

Darin Aaby is a highly experienced business owner and consultant with over 30 years of expertise in Lean product design and manufacturing. He is a thought leader and innovator, particularly in integrating traditional Lean concepts into contemporary systems. Darin has authored and co-authored various publications, including the book “Advanced Lean in Healthcare,” which serves as an accessible model for implementing Lean concepts in the healthcare setting.

While Darin’s experience initially stemmed from manufacturing settings, he has effectively applied Lean principles in high tech and healthcare since 2006. He is comfortable working across all aspects of operations and business strategy, including IT, sales, design, service, customer satisfaction, supply chain, new product design, manufacturing, and revenue cycle management.

Darin served as the Senior Lean Sensei at Amazon, leading complete Lean transformations of fulfillment center operations globally. His tenure at Amazon provided valuable insights into the power of daily management systems, process metrics, and clear expectations in meeting strategic goals.  Darin’s career also includes roles such as Director of Product Design, and Advanced Manufacturing Director at Terex/Genie Industries, where he oversaw daily operations, led manufacturing plant startups, and implemented enterprise-wide improvements in their global operations.

Darin holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. His extensive industry experience spans aerospace, manufacturing, mining, supply chain, healthcare, and high-tech sectors. Darin has received numerous accolades, including the Chairman’s Worldwide Excellence Award at Terex and made the cover of American Manufacturing Excellence magazine.

His skills encompass communication, education, and human development, with a focus on fostering high-functioning team structures, structured problem-solving, and fostering a continuous improvement mindset. Darin’s passion for creating work environments that promote hard work, radical creativity, and fun is evident throughout his career.