The simpleQuE Spotlight is on Bob Dornhecker, ISO and IATF 16949® Consultant, Auditor and Trainer

In the spotlight is Bob Dornhecker, simpleQuE’s IATF 16949® consultant and automotive quality management system (QMS) expert. Bob enjoys sharing his industry knowledge and is a contributing writer for our blogs on a range of topics from automotive industry trends, to implementing IATF 16949® certification, to maintaining IATF® certification. With over 35 years of combined experience in auditing, manufacturing and certification, Bob has an extensive automotive quality background.  Additionally, he has taught and facilitated many quality related training classes for clients and has provided support to companies securing their own ISO/Quality Management Systems certifications. Learn more about Bob as he shares his life and business philosophies and see what makes him a successful IATF® consultant.

Thinking back over your career, what is the professional accomplishment you are most proud of achieving and why? Using the experience and knowledge I obtained over the decades to help organizations improve and develop auditors to help them reach their full potential.  When I see people or organizations, that I have worked with, grow and improve, I get a sense of personal joy and professional satisfaction.

Client satisfaction is pinnacle to your background. What are your client-focused approaches at simpleQuE? Understanding that there is a relationship between me and the client.  Any good relationship relies upon effective listening and ongoing communication.  Simply asking the client “what do you want to achieve with this activity?” and developing a strategy and deliverables based upon the answer to that question.

If you were an animal, what would you be? A greyhound in my house…they run the house, my wife and I are there to ensure their comfort.

What advice would you give a quality rookie? Always consider the big picture and how the puzzle looks completed.  Work to become a process thinker.  Value everyone’s input into the process, no matter how big or how small…the biggest issues sometimes occur from the smallest activities.

What is the best advice you ever received? Don’t assume people know what you are talking about…be clear and concise

How do you stay current in your areas of expertise? The automotive industry is in constant change and, now more than ever, staying current to all aspects of the industry is critical.  I stay current with market trends by discussing the market and trends with industry executives/leaders I am visiting during assignments, reading industry journals and attending industry conferences.  I stay current with the IATF® requirements by participating in industry training, attending certification body meetings and seminars, discussing current developments with collogues, and keeping up to date with IATF® modifications and communiques.

If you could have any superpower, what would that be? Captain Patience

Do you have a favorite quote? “Pride comes before the fall”

What is your favorite QMS standard and why?  I have been involved in the various automotive standards for over 30 years.  I feel comfortable with the requirements and the direction that the industry has taken.  I have seen organizational cultures morph and improve over the years, using the automotive standards as a change driver.  These changes have allowed many organizations to become better, and at the same time, fierce competitors in their product or commodity.  I have seen organizations winning in their market, in part due to the improvements made by the correct implementation of the automotive standards requirements.

Do you have a favorite line from a movie?  “Make work your favorite thing” – Elf

Explain how simpleQuE is different from their competition. simpleQuE has a client driven culture.  We listen to what the client wants.  From that understanding, we work hard to deliver an output that meets those needs using a straightforward and logical approach.  It may sound like a cliché, but it is true, we succeed when the client succeeds.  

Motto or personal mantra? The Golden Rule applies to everything. Treat others as you want to be treated.

How would other people describe you in three words? I never try to guess what others are thinking, but here is what I hope would be said…Focused, Helpful, and Caring.

As with all of our simpleQuE consultants, Bob loves to share his expertise to help companies implement and maintain efficient and robust quality management systems. He is featured in our IATF 16949® series of videos to share his perspective from his time as a Certification Body auditor.  He’ll be providing an overview for companies new to IATF 16949® on what they should know and expect. The videos will also examine the top problem areas and IATF 16949® nonconformances with examples of the good, the bad, and the ugly for insights on how to avoid them. (These helpful videos will be available on simpleQuE’s YouTube channel in Spring 2023.)

If you’re searching for an IATF 16949:2016 consultant, our team at simpleQuE is well positioned to support your IATF 16949® and MAQMSR consulting (Minimum Automotive Quality Management System Requirements), certification, maintenance, training and internal auditing needs. Our consultants are qualified, certified, competent and are experts on the automotive standards, customer specific requirements, and AIAG or VDA core tools. In addition, many are current or former 3rd party auditors who bring valuable insight because of the knowledge gained from auditing for Certification Bodies.

SimpleQuE is not associated with the IATF®, IAOB, ANAB®, IAQG®, and is not a Certification Body. SimpleQuE is an independent consulting, training, and second-party auditing service provider that assists a company on a path to obtain and maintain certification through accredited Certification Bodies.