Okay, let’s calculate Kathy’s rate. She has 36 years of experience in operations management, which is a significant amount. Her skills in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and strategic planning are also in demand. However, her role as Director at Ace Precision, a mid-sized company, might not command the highest rates. Location is Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, which is a smaller market. According to national averages, operations managers with similar experience and skills can earn between $80 and $120 per hour. Considering her experience and skills, I would estimate her hourly rate to be around $125, slightly below the average.