Everyday Business Problems: Recent Episodes
the Crysler Club
Every entrepreneur has a different how and why. Hosted by Dave Crysler, each episode is a deep-dive into a new guest’s story to understand the person, the business, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the challenges they still face. Join in for fresh insights, real talk, and inspiration to grow your business!
Dave Crysler sits down with Mike O'Neill, founder of Bench Builders and host of the Get Unstuck and On Target podcast. After 25 years in corporate HR, Mike coaches senior leaders who need more than a sounding board, and trains the first-line supervisors most companies promote without ever preparing. Together they dig into why the top of the org chart is the most isolated seat in the building, and why the biggest leadership payoff lives at the bottom of it.
What You'll Discover:
• Why it really is lonely at the top, and how leaders end up surrounded by people who only tell them what they want to hear • The difference between a sounding board and a trusted advisor who pushes back when it matters • Why stepping into the C-suite is a whole new ball game, not just the next rung in the progression • How Mike's verbal 360 and leadership scouting report expose the gap between how leaders see themselves and how their teams see them • Why the hardest leadership transition is going from peer to supervisor • The real reason companies of every size skip supervisor training, from small shops to major automotive corporations • How untrained supervisors show up in turnover, safety numbers, and employee surveys • What happens between training sessions that makes new leadership skills actually stick • Why culture is the behavior you can observe, not the poster on the wall
If you've ever promoted your best operator and watched them struggle, or looked around and realized nobody in the building pushes back on your thinking, this conversation is for you. Mike's approach to building strength at every level pairs with Dave's clarity-first operations lens for a practical look at developing leaders who can actually run the floor.
Connect with Mike: Website: https://bench-builders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpauloneill/ Podcast: Get Unstuck and On Target
Dave Crysler has walked nearly a hundred plant floors over the last 30 years, and most of them have the ghost of a dead 5S program somewhere: faded tape outlines, a shadow board missing half its tools, an audit sheet nobody has touched in years. In this episode, he breaks down why these programs die at the Sustain step and why the failure has almost nothing to do with your team's discipline. Both the consultants selling cleanup blitzes and the software vendors selling audit apps are treating the symptom, and Dave is willing to say so from inside the industry, as someone who just built a 6S audit tool himself.
What You'll Discover:
• Why nobody ever calls a consultant about a failed cleanup, and what that says about where programs actually die
• How 5S gets sold as a project, and why the Sustain step is out of scope before the kickoff even happens
• Why the blitz is billable and the sustain isn't, straight from a consultant willing to say it plainly
• The real reason the messy floor keeps coming back: a missing rhythm, not missing discipline
• How Sort, Straighten, and Shine create clarity, Standardize creates consistency, and Sustain is the accountability step
• The hot-job-versus-audit moment, and what leadership's choice signals to the entire floor
• How surfaced gaps that die going up the chain erode trust one finding at a time
• Why culture is the output of a running system, not the input, and what people need to see before they start believing
• What to do Monday morning, whether your program is dead, dying, or hasn't started yet
If there's faded floor tape somewhere in your building, this episode is the honest autopsy and the restart plan. Start with one work center, build the audit rhythm before you expand anywhere, and give your team a reason to believe that raising their hand matters.
Dave Crysler unpacks what really determines the price of a business at exit, drawing on years spent on the buyer's side of acquisitions. Two owners with the same earnings can sell for wildly different numbers, and the difference has nothing to do with product, customers, or market. It comes down to whether the business runs without the owner, and buyers price that risk before the offer ever hits the table.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the risk in your business gets priced in before you ever see an offer • What buyers are really looking for beyond your financials, and why the shop floor tells them more than the books • How earn-out deals actually work, and why they turn owners into employees chasing targets they no longer control • The moment most owners first realize their infrastructure is not as strong as they thought • Why hiring a right-hand person relocates owner dependency instead of solving it • The fire drill exercise that shows you exactly what routes through you, and how strong your team really is • Why you can't reconfigure and systemize an entire business in six months, no matter what someone promises • How Planning, People, Process, and Technology, in that order, build a business that runs by design instead of by default • Why the same work applies whether you sell, hand it to the next generation, build an ESOP, or keep it 30 years
If everything in your business routes through you, that's not just a stress problem, it's a valuation problem. This episode shows you how to see your operation the way a buyer will, and why the sooner you start systemizing by design, the faster the multiple grows.
A client of Dave's had an incredible first quarter, then one of the worst months on their recent record. In this episode, Dave Crysler breaks down what almost always happens the week after a bad month: the panic pivot, where leadership changes everything at once and calls it decisiveness. He unpacks why changing too many things simultaneously destroys your baseline, why constant course corrections read as fear to your team, and how the flavor of the month cycle quietly erodes trust until your best people stop investing effort in any initiative at all.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the reaction to a bad month is almost always a total shift, and why that instinct is so hard to resist • The difference between feeling decisive and actually being strategic when results disappoint • Why changing too many things at once means you never establish a baseline, and never learn which changes move the needle • How constant pivots create whiplash inside your business, and what that does to trust over time • The real reason leadership teams overreact: measuring the business through lagging indicators that report what already happened • How leading indicators give you a peek into the future, including how Dave knew where the month would land two weeks in when he ran manufacturing operations • The rule for when a change is actually justified: materially new information versus simply reacting to a miss • Why most bad months call for taking a breath and staying the course, and how the 80/20 rule applies • What's really at risk with every strategic pivot: the trust you've built across your organization
If you just closed out a rough month or a soft first half, this episode is the pause button. Before you change everything, figure out what the numbers underneath the numbers are telling you. That's the difference between a leadership team that learns and one that starts over every quarter.
Every operator says they want to be more efficient, and Dave Crysler argues that's exactly the wrong goal. In this solo episode he unpacks the one-word distinction that quietly holds most operations back, the difference between efficiency and effectiveness, and why nearly 30 years on the shop floor taught him that the two are not the same thing. He walks through why the localized efficiency we're all trained to chase can look like progress on the inside while the customer never feels a thing, and shares a recent custom manufacturing client that cut lead times from 30 to 45 days down to 5 to 10, with no additional resources.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the word efficiency may be the reason your operation stays stuck • The difference between efficiency, utilization, and effectiveness, in plain language • How chasing efficiency inside every department quietly sabotages the whole system • The rowing team analogy that makes effectiveness click in ten seconds • Why increasing flow means some parts of your business should be less efficient on purpose • How a custom manufacturer cut lead times from 30 to 45 days down to 5 to 10 with the same, and eventually fewer, resources • The teeter totter effect, why fixing one bottleneck just moves the constraint somewhere else • Why buying scheduling software almost never fixes a scheduling problem • The real cost of solving at the symptom level, in margin and in cash
If your team feels busy but the numbers won't move, you're probably measuring the wrong thing. Start by looking at where the work actually waits, not at how busy everyone is. That's where your next real gain is hiding, and it usually doesn't cost a dime.
Every business is already running on a system. The only question is whether anybody actually designed it. In this solo episode, Dave Crysler breaks down the difference between running by design and running by default, and why the problems that keep coming back are not bad luck or bad people. They are the designed output of a system nobody chose. Dave explains how default systems quietly accrete over time, why you can't see yours from the inside, and the order you have to follow to rebuild it on purpose, without buying anything new.
What You'll Discover:
• Why firefighting is a system problem, not a discipline problem, and why you can't out-discipline your way out of it
• What a "default system" actually is and how it accretes one shortcut and one bolt-on at a time
• Why your recurring problems are the system working exactly as it was unintentionally built to work
• How your "lens of experience" keeps the real problem invisible from the inside
• Why swapping one CRM or ERP for another just extends the same broken system
• The hidden tax a default system charges your people, and why your best ones leave first
• Why the order matters: planning, then people, then process, then technology
• How to use a Cost of Chaos calculator to put a real dollar number on the problem
• The crawl, walk, run path from default to design you can start Monday morning
If you feel like you are running the same fire drill every week, watching your capacity stall every time you try to grow, and asking your team why the output isn't there, the problem probably isn't your effort or your tools. It's the system underneath, and it's fixable. Start by making it visible, then design it on purpose.
Dave Crysler sits down with Greg Harrod, a 30-year manufacturing leader and Certified Working Genius facilitator, to unpack a pattern that quietly drains operations teams: the most dependable person on the floor is often the closest to burnout. Because leaders trust their best people, they keep handing them more, until reliable becomes overloaded and the resignation nobody saw coming lands on the desk. Greg and Dave dig into why it happens, the early warning signs most leaders miss, and how to redistribute ownership without lowering standards or sacrificing accountability.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the people you trust most are the ones you unknowingly push toward burnout • The difference between being good at the work and being energized by it, and why it matters • A simple two-question check that surfaces burnout before a resignation does • How "just because you can doesn't mean you should" reshapes the way you assign work • The early warning signs that a dependable person is running out of road • Why overload is almost always a clarity problem, not a people problem • How to redistribute work across a team without lowering standards or accountability • The story behind the Working Genius model and what it reveals about overloaded leaders • What to actually do Monday morning if you recognize one of these people on your team
If you've got a go-to person who never drops the ball, this conversation is your early warning system. Greg and Dave give you the language and the questions to spot the strain before it costs you your best person. Greg's Leadership Clarity Scorecard is a ten-minute starting point you can find at leadershipclarityscorecard.com.
Before anybody on your team makes a sale, builds a product, or delivers a service, they are logging into tools, running reports, and trying to piece together what to do next. Dave Crysler calls this admin overhead, the hidden time tax of figuring out what the work is before anyone can actually do it. In this solo episode, he breaks down how to flip the model: instead of making people pull information out of your systems, you push the contextualized action straight to them. It is technically a push, but as Dave explains, it is still working at the demand of the customer, and it is one of the cheapest ways to get capacity back without hiring anyone or buying anything.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the first hour of your team's day disappears before real work even starts • What admin overhead actually is, and why it never shows up on a report • The push versus pull reframe, and why pushing information is not the same as pushing work • How the full kit discipline from Theory of Constraints applies to office and sales work • What a pushed quote follow up looks like in practice, and the time it saved a two person team • The difference between automation and AI, and why accuracy is the trap most people miss • Where pushing goes wrong, and how to avoid creating a new firehose nobody reads • Why this is a process problem, not a software purchase, and where technology actually belongs • The one thing you can do Monday to start cutting admin overhead without spending a dime
If your best people are buried in busywork and you keep thinking the answer is more headcount or another tool, this episode offers a different lever. Stop making your team hunt for the work. Push it to them, and let their time go where it actually matters.
Every operations leader has heard the advice: capture your tribal knowledge before it walks out the door, write the SOP, get it out of people's heads. Dave Crysler breaks down why that advice keeps failing, and it is not the part you think. The hard part was never writing the document. It is pulling the knowledge out of the person in the first place, and that is the gap nobody talks about. Dave walks through a real story of a lab that solved a problem they had lived with for over a decade in a single conversation, then lays out the workflow that actually gets the knowledge out: capture, observe, synthesize.
What You'll Discover
• Why most SOPs end up as documents nobody uses, and what the format gets wrong
• The real reason your best people can't just write down what they know
• How experience makes your own knowledge invisible, even to you
• Why a blank screen kills knowledge capture before it starts
• The kinds of questions that actually pull tribal knowledge out of someone's head
• How "how deep is deep enough" works the same way a five whys does
• The capture, observe, synthesize workflow and why skipping a step breaks it
• How one captured insight can travel far past operations into sales and marketing
• Why technology comes last when you are documenting what your team knows
• What to do Monday morning to start capturing tribal knowledge with no tools at all
If you have a team where one person holds the knowledge everyone else depends on, this episode is for you. Stop telling people to "go document it" and start asking the questions that actually surface what they know. The knowledge that runs your shop already exists. The work is pulling it out the right way. To get a running start, the Operations Workbench we built walks you through this exact flow, capture, observe, synthesize, and it is free to use. The tool is optional. The questions are not.
Dave Crysler built his own AI email tool. He also tells clients not to build their own software. In this episode, he resolves the contradiction and lays out the honest skill ledger behind a build that costs three dollars a month to run, processes fifty to a hundred marketing emails a day, and required twenty years of self-taught coding background plus the one skill almost everyone underestimates: process clarity.
What You'll Discover:
• The four-part test for whether building beats buying for a specific tool in a specific context • Why the real maintenance bill on a homemade tool does not come due in month one • What actually leaves a Microsoft tenant on each AI API call and how to think about the data egress • Why commercial tools cost ten times what bespoke tools cost (and what the premium is actually funding) • How to evaluate an AI agent proposal sitting on your desk using Claude or ChatGPT in an afternoon
If you have an AI vendor pitch on your desk, an inbox you cannot keep up with, or a build-versus-buy decision you have been putting off, this episode gives you the framework to think it through honestly. Process clarity is the operational skill you already have. The technology has finally caught up to it.
A couple of weeks ago Dave Crysler sat in on a monthly leadership meeting where a metric on the dashboard was lying. The team caught it in fifteen minutes and changed how they measured. That moment is the entire problem with most manufacturing leadership dashboards. In this solo episode, Dave breaks down the difference between metrics that report the news and KPIs that drive action, why most weekly leadership meetings feel like theater, and the one question every KPI has to pass before it earns a spot on your weekly board.
What You'll Discover:
• Why most of your dashboard is probably decoration, and the one test that cuts it down to what actually matters • How to tell if a metric is "reporting the news" versus telling you what to do tomorrow • The reason consensus design fails when leadership teams try to build dashboards together • Why the dashboard should be built between meetings, not inside them, and how to do that • The version-five story: how one client moved from cycling-through-metric-ideas to a working dashboard in about five weeks • How to spot meeting theater in your own organization and what to do about it • The gaming risk every metric carries, and how to track behaviors and outcomes together to catch it • What to do Monday morning if your weekly leadership meeting has stopped driving action
If your weekly leadership meeting feels like an interrogation about numbers nobody can change, you are not alone. Most of the dashboards I see in mid-market manufacturing are stacked with metrics that tell you what already happened with no way to influence what comes next. The fix is not to add more discipline to the meeting. It is to cut the dashboard down to metrics that trigger specific actions and to do the design work in the right room.
Most leaders feel capacity tight and immediately start writing a job description. Dave Crysler pushes back on that reflex in this solo episode, drawing on a recent client engagement where synchronizing manufacturing flow more than doubled throughput, cut lead times from weeks to four days, and dropped work-in-process to almost nothing. The team got smaller during this period, not larger, because natural attrition was not backfilled. The capacity was already there, hidden behind a system nobody had ever synchronized.
Dave breaks down why the hiring reflex is so strong, why most "capacity problems" are actually synchronization problems wearing capacity problems' clothes, and why the constraint does not migrate between departments on a weekly basis the way most leaders think it does. If your bottleneck has been moving for six to twelve months, that pattern itself is the diagnosis.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the hiring reflex is older than the problem it tries to solve, and how operations training reinforces a local lens that misses system-level constraints • The three kinds of problems every "capacity-constrained" company actually has, and why synchronization is by far the most common • The bottleneck-chasing trap, and the conversation Dave had recently with a leader who had been moving people around for over a year without ever synchronizing flow • The counterintuitive reality that every touchpoint outside the constraint needs to be deliberately less efficient by design • A real client case where throughput at the control point doubled (and then doubled again) while the team got smaller through natural attrition • What the shop floor feels like when chaos becomes calm, and why the operations leader at this client said "I don't even know what to do. It's so quiet." • The three conditions where hiring really is the right call, instead of synchronizing first • Why this is not a job you can self-diagnose from a book, and what to actually do this week before writing another job description
If you are about to write a job description because capacity feels tight, this episode is the conversation worth having first. The lens of experience says you have a hiring problem. The lens of experience is almost always wrong about that.
Two customers ordered the same bolt. The ERP treated both as custom-engineered transactions, kicking off two full procurement loops that never needed to happen. The team built spreadsheets to compensate. Leadership wanted a new system. In this solo episode, Dave Crysler walks through a real mid-market manufacturing case study where the ERP was doing exactly what it was configured to do, and the configuration was wrong for the business model the division was actually running. He breaks down the audit conversation, the reconfiguration that fixed it without replacing the system, and the structural pattern that makes this misconfiguration so common after acquisitions and growth.
What You'll Discover:
• Why the impulse to replace your ERP is almost always the wrong first move, even when the frustration is real • The financial incentive behind the "you need a new ERP" conversation that vendors and consultants don't always disclose • The reframe of what an ERP fundamentally is, and why no software is "smart" on its own • The two-customers-one-bolt case study and what it reveals about configuration mismatch • How a custom-manufacturing ERP configuration crippled a spare parts and service division • The audit conversation that surfaces the structural mismatch in the first couple of hours • The reconfiguration work that fixed the system without replacing it • Three versions of the configuration-vs-business-model mismatch every mid-market manufacturer should know • When replacement actually is the right call, and the markers that signal it • Why this pattern repeats so often in mid-market manufacturing after acquisitions and growth
Most mid-market manufacturers don't need a new ERP. They need to go back to the configuration with fresh eyes and ask whether the system is set up for the business they are actually running today. If you're seeing the workaround layer build up around your existing system, this is the conversation to have before you start shopping for a replacement.
Dave Crysler unpacks why most change initiatives die on the shop floor and the sequence that makes them actually stick. Most rollouts answer one of three questions, sometimes two. Almost never all three, in the right order. Why, What, and How aren't just questions to cover in a kickoff deck. They're a non-negotiable sequence, and most leaders run them backwards.
In this solo episode, Dave breaks down the failure mode he sees every week: a trained team that reverts in six weeks, a leader who assumes resistance, and a rollout that started with How and never circled back to Why. He walks through what each layer of the sequence actually requires on the floor, and what to do Monday morning if you've already rolled something out that didn't stick.
What You'll Discover:
• Why leaders consistently default to How and skip the first two questions, and the leadership-perspective trap underneath that pattern
• What the Why actually sounds like when it's done well, including a real example from a $100M services business facing an AI-driven survival window
• Why the What isn't the description of the new process, it's the answer to "what about me" from the operator's perspective
• How to build the How with the people who have to live in it, instead of handing it down, anchored in a recent LinkedIn post that nailed the move
• Why skipping Why turns the What into a mandate, and skipping What turns the How into a punishment
• The exact admission script to use when you need to re-anchor a rollout that's already off the rails
• Where this sequence fits with Clarity, Consistency, Accountability, and why CCA is the universal diagnostic but Why/What/How is the change-specific instrument
If you've ever watched a well-trained team revert to the old way six weeks after launch, this is the episode. The fix isn't more training. It's running the rollout in the right order.
Most of the conversation around owner dependency in manufacturing happens through the lens of an exit. Buyers discount your business, your valuation suffers, your retirement plans take a hit. In this solo episode, Dave Crysler reframes the conversation. For founder-led manufacturers, owner dependency is a today problem first, an exit problem second. He breaks down what it actually looks like up close, why documenting your processes won't fix it, and the practical move you can run on yourself this week, without hiring anyone.
What You'll Discover:
• Why most of the advice on owner dependency is missing the point, and what changes when you frame it as a today problem instead of an exit problem • The diagnostic patterns that show up before a meeting even happens, including "today it's blue, tomorrow it's green" and the favoritism trap • Why documenting your SOPs won't fix owner dependency, and the keystone problem nobody talks about • How Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability work in sequence, and why most owners try to skip straight to the third one • The "hold up a mirror" conversation and what it actually looks like when an owner faces what their day-to-day behavior is doing to the business • A practical exercise any founder can run this week with a sheet of paper and tally marks • What changes when an owner actually does this work, including the strange feeling of calm that catches most of them off guard • Why bringing people up doesn't remove your stress, it shifts it • The reason information is not the bottleneck and readiness is, and why the people who need this work the most are the least likely to hire someone to help
The work of fixing owner dependency goes deeper than documenting your processes. It's about Clarity, Consistency, Accountability, and the leadership development underneath all three. If you're tired of being the bottleneck in your own business, the right time to start is this week, while you're still in the building. Start with paper and tally marks. Track your time. Track your decisions. The size of the dependency you're sitting on will reveal itself.
Dave Crysler wraps the three-part series with Cody Fisher, President of Concordance Innovations, on transforming the healthcare supply chain. This episode zooms out to the bridge between today's operations and what's next, the leadership mindset required to stay nimble in a landscape changing by the hour, and why the real constraint on innovation isn't capability anymore. It's prioritization.
What You'll Discover:
• Why "can we" is no longer the hard question, and how "should we" and "how do we" are replacing it • The shift from great employees who do it all themselves to great employees who build virtual teams around them • Why three-year plans are getting completed in 60 days, and what that means for how leaders should plan • How the journey itself uncovers bigger problems than the ones you set out to solve • Why not innovating isn't standing still, it's falling behind, and how to reframe the conversation with your team • A tactical reframe for the vendor conversation: tell them the problem and what you can spend, not what you want them to build • Why the leaders winning right now are defining outcomes, not destinations, and staying flexible on the route
Whether you lead supply chain operations in healthcare or any industry navigating this level of change, this conversation gives you a practical framework for moving forward when the ground keeps shifting under you.
Dave Crysler welcomes Cody Fisher back for part two of their three-part series on transforming the healthcare supply chain. This episode gets tactical, digging into why supply chain teams stay stuck in firefighting mode, how leaders can build a culture of innovation without mandating it from a distance, and what it actually looks like to adopt AI and automation when your data is far from perfect.
What You'll Discover:
• Why most firefighting isn't caused by too many problems, but by no way to prioritize them • How Cody built a personal "shadow team" of AI agents to scale his own productivity • Why the gap between organizations embracing innovation and those resisting it widens by the hour, not by the quarter • The leadership principle that nobody is above the need to be more productive, and why it starts at the top • Why expecting AI tools to be 100% perfect is the fastest way to never use them, and how a 90/10 mindset changes everything • How to use automation to clean your data and leverage it simultaneously instead of waiting for perfect • Why the organizations thinking five steps ahead are stacking blocks in a different order than everyone else
Whether you lead supply chain operations or any team stuck in reactive mode, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for moving from firefighting to forward progress.
Dave Crysler kicks off a three-part series with Cody Fisher, President of Concordance Innovations, to unpack the real challenges facing the healthcare supply chain. In this first episode, they dig into why the industry struggles with data trust, how organizations get trapped in analysis paralysis, and what it actually takes to drive change in one of the most complex supply chains in the world.
What You'll Discover:
• Why healthcare supply chains can't benchmark themselves against retail or automotive, and what makes the stakes fundamentally different • How data distrust cascades through every decision, from ordering to inventory to forecasting • Why waiting to "clean your data first" is a trap that keeps organizations stuck for years • The real fear behind AI and automation adoption: are we just speeding up bad processes? • Why optimizing for cost and maintaining resiliency aren't tradeoffs in healthcare, they're both non-negotiable • How flipping the question from "why should we change?" to "what happens if we don't?" creates breakthrough moments • The shift from squeezing contracts and price to creating value through operational change • What leadership characteristics actually drive innovation, and why the best leaders are great storytellers
Whether you lead supply chain operations in healthcare or any industry wrestling with complexity, data challenges, and the pressure to modernize, this conversation will ground you in the realities that matter before the solutions make sense.
Dave Crysler breaks down one of the most expensive, invisible problems in manufacturing operations: competing sources of truth. Using a real example from a print manufacturer running three parallel systems, Dave walks through what happens when leadership never declares which system is the master, and why the resulting chaos costs six figures before anyone even notices.
What You'll Discover:
• Why "which number do we use" is probably the most expensive question in your organization • How a print manufacturer's MIS, accounting tool, and paper job tickets created a no-win invoicing nightmare • The two types of people who suffer most when sources of truth compete, and why both cost you on different timelines • Why this is a leadership decision, not a technology problem, and the critical difference between having one system and having one master • How people gravitate toward whichever system gives them the convenient answer in the moment • Why companies that grow through acquisition face a multiplied version of this same problem • The crawl step most leaders skip: why you audit before you decide, not the other way around • How to designate a master source of truth and enforce it through Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability
If your team spends more time questioning where a number came from than acting on what it means, this episode will change how you think about the systems running your business. The tools are rarely the problem. The absence of a decision is.
Dave Crysler sits down with Sharon Custer, founder of Inventory Optimization Pro, to unpack why so many manufacturers trust their system numbers while their warehouse tells a completely different story. Sharon spent years in inventory strategy inside a Fortune 100 manufacturer before launching her own practice, and she brings real examples of how misaligned data, inconsistent naming, and siloed thinking quietly erode cash flow and operational performance.
What You'll Discover:
• Why a 100% inventory count can still leave you with stock-outs and overstock at the same time • How SKU naming inconsistencies create ghost inventory that ties up cash and tanks your reporting • The real cost of "deferred explanations," inventory adjustments that never get to root cause • Why your demand forecast is probably built on false data, and how stock-outs and promotions distort the numbers • How to gold-tag a single order and track its full journey to expose hidden margin leaks • Why treating inventory like cash, and cycle counting like bank reconciliation, is the foundation for accuracy • Where AI actually helps with inventory operations, and why clean data has to come first • How siloed thinking between finance, operations, and purchasing means everyone is looking at the same system but drawing different conclusions
If you are running inventory-based operations and wondering why the numbers never quite add up, this conversation will help you see where the real problems are hiding, and what to do about them starting this week.
Dave Crysler breaks down the everyday cost of key person dependency, the kind that doesn't make headlines but quietly drains five to six figures from manufacturers and service businesses every year. This isn't about the catastrophic "what if someone gets hit by a bus" scenario. It's about what happens every Tuesday when the person who knows how everything runs is tied up in a meeting for two hours.
What You'll Discover:
• Why key person dependency is a systems design problem, not a people problem • How a project manager's wedding exposed a complete lack of handoff systems at one manufacturer • The software vendor story where weeks of escalations turned out to be a one-sentence fix • Why most organizations reach for technology first and end up amplifying dysfunction • How Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability connect directly to eliminating bottleneck decisions • The difference between blaming "operator error" and investigating what the system actually told people to do • Why "start in the micro" is the fastest way to document tribal knowledge without a painful months-long project • How to build escalation paths that empower your team without losing control • The fire drill approach to stress testing your systems before the real absence happens • What it actually costs when five, ten, or fifteen people are waiting on one gatekeeper to make a decision
If your operation slows down every time you step into a meeting or take a day off, this episode walks you through exactly where to start fixing it, one decision at a time.
Dave Crysler breaks down why constant firefighting in your business is not a workload problem, a people problem, or a busy season. It is a system you built. Through years of reinforcement, leaders unintentionally become the gatekeeper of every decision, every problem, and every task, and the organization learns to stop thinking for itself. The good news is, because you built it, you can rebuild it a completely different way.
What You'll Discover:
• Why firefighting mode is a system you designed, not a phase you are stuck in • How leaders unintentionally remove critical thought from their teams through reinforcement • The reactive maintenance trap, and how one equipment failure triggers a cascade that touches every part of the business • Why you never have time to be proactive, but always find time for emergencies • What firefighting culture does to your team, from turnover clues to people who stop contributing ideas entirely • The "Groundhog Day" question every leader needs to ask themselves in the mirror • Why the middle management layer faces the hardest version of this problem, with pressure from above and below • How Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability provides the sequential path out, and why the order matters • Where Planning, People, Process, Technology fits when you start rebuilding • How the Plan, Execute, Review, Revise, Repeat cycle replaces reactive fixes with real forward progress
If you are spending every day putting out fires and never getting to the work that actually moves your business forward, this episode lays out exactly what is keeping you stuck and the framework to start rebuilding.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler answers the most fundamental question about his consulting practice: why does The Crysler Club exist? Rather than a pitch or a company overview, Dave breaks down the real gap in the operations consulting world that mid-market manufacturers face every day, and why the dominant advice from SaaS vendors, Big 4 firms, and AI agencies was never built for them.
What You'll Discover:
- Why Googling "operational excellence consulting" returns almost nothing useful for a $15M manufacturer with 60 people
- How SaaS companies, Big 4 firms, and AI agencies all see your problems through the lens of what they sell, not what you actually need
- What operational excellence really means for a mid-market manufacturer (hint: it's not a program or a certification)
- Why your next operations hire will probably come from the same sized companies you're already running, and the experience gap that creates
- How The Crysler Club's Operations On-Demand subscription model works and why it's structured differently than fractional or traditional consulting
- The core frameworks behind everything Dave teaches: Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability, plus Planning, People, Process, Technology (in that order)
- Why Dave calls it "management by walking around" instead of using Japanese terminology, and what that says about his approach to operational excellence
- How nearly 30 years on shop floors (not in conference rooms) shaped a consulting practice built for practitioners, not academics
- Why every article, podcast episode, newsletter, and framework is published for free, and why clients still hire him anyway
- What Dave is building next to make operational excellence accessible to more businesses than he can personally serve
If you're leading a small to mid-market manufacturer that's outgrown its systems but can't find help that actually understands your world, this episode will show you that the gap you've been feeling is real, and that there's a different way to get the operational support you need.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles one of the most common patterns he sees in operations: the leader who has six critical problems and wants all of them fixed yesterday. Drawing from a recent conversation with a client and decades of shop floor experience, Dave unpacks the three traps that keep teams stuck in reactive mode and lays out a practical starting point for breaking the cycle, without overcomplicating it.
What You'll Discover:
- Why listing six critical priorities in two minutes is a symptom, not a strategy
- The three traps that keep organizations in constant firefighting mode
- How chasing the loudest customer complaint creates a cycle that repeats with the next customer
- Why "take a beat" is not the same as analysis paralysis, and why leaders jump to that conclusion
- How problems that look separate on the surface are often connected at the root cause level
- Why throwing overtime at late shipments treats the symptom while the real problem grows
- How process flow mapping reveals connections that are invisible from inside the daily chaos
- The legal pad method: a low-tech, 30-day approach to collecting data when you have none
- Why picking one priority through the lens of the customer is the fastest way to move the needle
- How this work is simple, not easy, and what experience and outside perspective actually provide
If your team is stuck in a cycle where every week feels like a new fire drill and nothing ever gets truly fixed, this episode breaks down why that happens and where to start changing it.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles one of the most common questions growing companies ask: should we hire a fractional COO or a full-time COO? His answer might surprise you; you're asking the wrong question entirely. Drawing from nearly 30 years of operations leadership and his own evolution from traditional consulting to an Operations on Demand model, Dave breaks down why defining the problem you're actually trying to solve matters far more than filling a predefined role on your org chart.
What You'll Discover:
- Why "should I hire a fractional or full-time COO?" is the wrong starting question for most growing companies.
- How predefined roles and titles lead to compromises that don't actually solve the real problem.
- The difference between what a fractional COO actually does versus what most people marketing themselves as "fractional" deliver.
- Why the COO role looks completely different at $800K, $8M, and $80M in revenue, and why that matters for your hiring decision.
- How companies end up swapping tools (HubSpot to Salesforce, etc.) when the real issue is planning, people, and process, not the technology.
- The shipyard story: what a ball-peen hammer and a $15,000 invoice teach us about the value of experience.
- What "Operations on Demand" means and how it differs from fractional leadership or traditional consulting.
- How to use a crawl-walk-run approach to diagnose what your organization actually needs before making a hire.
If you're a growing company debating whether to bring in outside leadership help, this episode will reframe the conversation and help you focus on the problem first — before the title, the role, or the org chart.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler sits down with Sagar Pandya, founder, AI strategist, and cybersecurity expert, to unpack why most organizations are approaching AI adoption the wrong way. After selling his IT and cybersecurity company, Sagar launched Special AI to help businesses adopt AI with confidence, clarity, and real-world results. Together, they dig into why the rush to implement AI tools without foundational readiness leads to wasted spend, failed pilots, and frustrated teams.
Using real examples from manufacturing, finance, logistics, and service businesses, this conversation lays out a practical diagnostic framework and reveals why culture, not technology, is the true make-or-break factor in AI success.
What You'll Discover:
- Why most organizations skip the diagnostic and jump straight to buying AI tools and licenses, and why that backfires.
- The three foundational questions every business must answer before adopting AI: data governance, security posture, and leadership alignment.
- How AI is creating a massive identity crisis inside organizations, and why employee fear and resistance are valid and must be addressed.
- Why the C-suite is often the most disconnected from how work actually gets done, and the risks that creates during AI rollouts.
- Real-world examples of AI use cases across three maturity levels: crawling, walking, and running with AI.
- How a transportation company is using AI to build a dynamic pricing engine with external variables no human team could process at scale.
- Why celebrating failures and lessons learned matters more than showcasing wins during change initiatives.
- The single most important piece of advice for operations leaders heading into 2026: talk to your employees, your AI strategy already lives inside their heads.
If your organization is feeling the pressure to "do something with AI" but doesn't know where to start, this episode will help you slow down, ask the right questions, and build a foundation that actually leads to sustainable adoption.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down a root issue that quietly derails improvement efforts across organizations, weak problem statements. Drawing from decades of root cause analysis work in manufacturing and service businesses, Dave explains why vague declarations like "we want to implement AI" or "we have a quality issue" lead teams to chase symptoms instead of solving real problems.
Using clear, real-world examples, this episode shows how stronger problem statements create clarity, alignment, and better decisions, before tools, solutions, or fixes ever enter the conversation.
What You'll Discover:
- Why most teams confuse problem statements with goals or solutions.
- How vague problems lead to wasted time, money, and energy.
- The difference between symptoms and true root causes.
- Real examples of weak vs. strong problem statements from operations and services.
- Common traps like mixing in solutions, outcomes, or assumptions too early.
- How overly detailed problem statements can be just as harmful as vague ones.
- Simple tests to know whether your problem statement is clear enough to act on.
- Why strong problem definition is the foundation of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
If your team keeps fixing the same issues over and over, or if new tools and initiatives never seem to deliver the impact you expect, this episode will help you slow down, sharpen your thinking, and start solving the right problems first.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into a theme that keeps resurfacing across leadership conversations, client work, and personal experience: focus and clarity. Dave explains why many organizations struggle not because of a lack of effort or intelligence, but because attention is scattered, priorities shift too often, and expectations are never fully clear.
From lost customers and shiny new initiatives to AI distractions and leadership avoidance, this episode breaks down how a lack of focus quietly compounds problems, and how getting clear can reverse the trend faster than most leaders expect.
What You'll Discover:
- Why focus and clarity fix more issues than new tools or hires.
- How distractions like AI initiatives pull teams away from core priorities.
- The difference between being effective and being efficient, and why it matters.
- Why avoiding hard conversations creates confusion and misalignment.
- How clarity enables consistency, and consistency makes accountability easier.
- Why accountability fails when expectations are vague or constantly shifting.
- How focus applies at both the organizational and individual level.
- A simple way to audit where your time and energy are really going.
If your business feels busy but unfocused, or if progress feels harder than it should, this episode will help you step back, simplify, and refocus on what actually moves the needle.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down a pattern he's seen over and over again in leadership, defaulting to escalation instead of creating space to solve the real problem. Using real client stories and personal leadership lessons, Dave explores how emotionally charged reactions shut down learning, block root cause analysis, and quietly erode culture.
This episode isn't about avoiding tough conversations. It's about knowing when escalation actually helps, and when it makes everything worse.
What You'll Discover:
- Why escalation often feels productive but rarely solves the real issue.
- How emotional reactions push teams into defense and justification instead of problem-solving.
- The hidden risks of over-de-escalating and trying to appease everyone.
- How to slow down tense moments without ignoring accountability.
- A practical way to handle the "hot potato" when someone drops an urgent issue on your desk.
- Why gathering facts and setting the room matters more than immediate action.
- How repeated escalation shows up later as turnover, stalled growth, and customer churn.
- What leaders can do to reset after escalation and rebuild trust.
If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of fires, frustration, and repeat problems, this episode will help you rethink how you respond under pressure, and how small changes in behavior can create calmer teams and better outcomes.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down a lesson most leaders learn the hard way, going too fast often creates more problems than it solves. Using real examples from client work, technology initiatives, and even a home renovation gone wrong, Dave explains why rushing decisions, skipping steps, and chasing efficiency too early leads to rework, frustration, and stalled results.
This episode challenges the instinct to "just move faster" and reframes what it really means to build momentum, align teams, and create lasting impact.
What You'll Discover:
- What "slow down to speed up" actually looks like in real businesses.
- Why rushing implementations often leads to rework and hidden costs.
- How chasing efficiency inside silos hurts overall system performance.
- The difference between being efficient and being effective.
- Why clarity on the problem matters more than picking a solution.
- How FOMO-driven initiatives like AI and new tools fail without alignment.
- Practical ways to stay focused without trying to do less, just doing the right things first.
If your team feels busy but stuck, or if every new initiative creates more chaos instead of momentum, this episode will help you pause, refocus, and move forward with intention.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler continues the Best of 2025 series with a curated set of clips that highlight what really drives sustainable growth. This volume brings together lessons on scaling through systems, choosing effectiveness over efficiency, and having the leadership conversations most people avoid—but shouldn't.
From building one of the fastest-growing franchise systems in the country to unpacking why efficiency without alignment backfires, this episode connects real-world stories with practical leadership insights you can apply immediately.
What You'll Discover:
- How Aaron Harper helped transform a 35-year-old business into one of the fastest-growing franchise systems, and the systems that made it possible.
- Why scalable growth depends on removing variables, not adding complexity.
- The difference between efficiency and effectiveness, and why confusing the two slows growth.
- How local optimization can actually hurt overall performance.
- Why leaders must address missed expectations with clarity instead of avoidance.
- How to define success, close gaps, and create accountability without damaging trust.
- When a role is no longer a fit, and how to approach that conversation the right way.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler pulls together key clips from multiple episodes throughout 2025 to highlight the systems leaders need to drive sustainable growth. From SOPs and custom software decisions to roles, responsibilities, and job clarity, this episode connects the dots between structure, execution, and accountability.
Dave revisits his core framework of clarity, consistency, and accountability, sharing practical examples of how these principles show up in real businesses and where most organizations quietly drift off course.
What You'll Discover:
- Why documented SOPs only work if leaders inspect what they expect.
- How clarity breaks down when processes aren't reviewed, tested, or reinforced.
- The real risks behind building custom software without a clear roadmap.
- Why buy vs. build decisions often fail due to maintenance, security, and ownership blind spots.
- How unclear roles, responsibilities, and org charts create friction and overlap.
- Why most job descriptions fail to define what success actually looks like.
- How simple time-tracking exercises uncover hidden inefficiencies and misalignment.
- Why clarity enables consistency, and consistency makes accountability possible.
In this follow-up episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined again by Sean Stormes, founder of the Demand Creation Institute, to go deeper into variation, systems thinking, and why most leaders chase the wrong problems. Building on their first conversation, this episode focuses on how to recognize real signals versus noise, why rushing to solutions makes things worse, and how purpose, culture, and continuous improvement actually work together.
Sean shares practical examples from decades of leadership experience, including how Deming's principles still apply today, why most organizations unintentionally reward the wrong behaviors, and what it really takes to slow down, reduce chaos, and build durable growth systems.
What You'll Discover:
- How to tell the difference between normal variation and real system problems.
- Why reacting too quickly to spikes and dips often creates more chaos.
- How Deming's thinking applies to modern leadership, culture, and decision-making.
- Why most companies celebrate problem-solving instead of problem prevention.
- How fear shows up in organizations and quietly blocks improvement.
- The role of purpose and mission in breaking down silos and aligning teams.
- Why continuous improvement is a force multiplier when it's done right.
- How slowing down actually leads to faster, more sustainable results.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Sean Stormes, founder of the Demand Creation Institute and creator of a proven growth advisory framework that helps B2B companies achieve profitable, sustainable growth. Sean shares insights from decades of leading and advising organizations on how to eliminate randomness in results, uncover root causes of underperformance, and build systems that compound value over time.
What You'll Discover:
- Why most leaders mistake random variation for real growth, and how to fix it.
- What Deming's principles reveal about the forces behind performance swings.
- How to identify and apply force multipliers that drive profitable demand.
- Why chasing tactics widens variation instead of reducing it.
- How operational precision, organizational fitness, and customer value work together as an ecosystem.
- The importance of defining purpose, mission, and core behaviors that customers can feel.
- Real-world stories of companies that achieved growth by simplifying systems and aligning around purpose.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down one of the most common mistakes leaders make, tracking the wrong metrics. He explains why most KPI reports simply "tell the news" instead of helping teams act, and how shifting focus to leading indicators creates real visibility, accountability, and proactive decision-making.
What You'll Discover:
- The difference between leading and lagging indicators, and why it matters.
- Why "more data" isn't better if it's not actionable.
- A simple example of how leading indicators can predict outcomes and improve profitability.
- How to move from reactionary reporting to proactive management.
- Why manual tracking can be more powerful than a fancy dashboard, at least at first.
- How to test and validate new KPIs before automating them.
- The mindset shift that turns metrics into meaningful action.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles a question every leader should be asking, are you building real systems or just layering new tools and workarounds on top of old problems? Drawing from client stories and his own experience leading operational transformations, Dave breaks down why technology alone doesn't fix process issues, how poor change management drives inefficiency, and what it really takes to create smoother, more scalable systems.
What You'll Discover:
- Why tools aren't systems, and what's missing when you treat them that way.
- How to recognize when you're solving symptoms instead of root causes.
- The difference between workarounds and true process improvement.
- Why most tool issues come down to configuration and implementation, not functionality.
- How avoiding tough conversations leads to costly inefficiencies.
- Why systems that integrate planning, people, process, and technology always outperform software swaps.
- What it means to lead with ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler sits down with Josh Notes, serial entrepreneur, CFO, and dealmaker, to unpack how financial storytelling connects the dots between operations, cash flow, and sustainable growth. Together, they explore how leaders can use numbers to forecast what comes next, make smarter decisions, and unlock opportunities hiding in plain sight.
What You'll Discover:
- What financial storytelling really means and how it ties operations to financial health.
- Why so many growing businesses struggle with cash flow visibility, and how to fix it.
- The difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO, and when you need each one.
- Why neglecting finance limits your creativity and flexibility as an entrepreneur.
- How forecasting tools and rolling projections help you make confident, informed decisions.
- Why collaboration between operations, finance, and sales creates real momentum.
- The truth about scaling, leveraging debt, and knowing when it's time to bring in help.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down why most technology issues aren't really tool problems, they're planning, people, and process problems in disguise. Drawing from years of leading ERP implementations across multiple facilities, Dave explains how configuration and implementation often make or break success, and why chasing the next shiny system rarely solves the root cause.
What You'll Discover:
- The two biggest factors that determine whether any tool, ERP, CRM, or otherwise, actually works.
- Why configuration and implementation failures cause most technology frustrations.
- How one company's ERP setup broke down when they tried to run two business models in one system.
- When it really does make sense to replace or upgrade your tool (and when it doesn't).
- The difference between tool problems and process or adoption problems—and how to spot the difference.
- How to start fixing your systems by asking the right questions about what's slowing your team down.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles one of the most common leadership questions: "How fast can we make this change happen?" Drawing from real-world client stories and decades of operational experience, Dave breaks down why most change efforts stall, not because of strategy or tools, but because leaders underestimate the time, clarity, and consistency real change takes.
What You'll Discover:
- Why change management timelines matter, and how to build them for real progress.
- The difference between focusing on actions versus dates when planning change.
- How to create milestones and measurable behaviors that show change is taking hold.
- The importance of clarity, consistency, and accountability from leadership.
- How to coach and upskill your team through change instead of overwhelming them.
- Why technology moves faster than culture, and how to bridge that gap.
- Simple ways to stay flexible, give progress time to breathe, and know when to adjust.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into what strategic planning really means, and why most businesses mistake goals for strategy. Drawing from his experience leading multi-facility operations and growing small businesses, Dave breaks down how to create alignment around your "North Star," connect data with action, and build a plan that drives clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth.
What You'll Discover:
- Why understanding your North Star matters more than a spreadsheet full of goals.
- How to move from spot treatment to systems thinking in your planning process.
- The six key characteristics of an effective strategic plan—from data and ownership to cross-functional collaboration.
- Common signs your planning process is broken (and how to fix them).
- How to create feedback loops and review cadences that drive continuous improvement.
- The difference between wanting to grow and actually building a system that sustains it.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler takes a fresh look at root cause analysis through the lens of chain of custody. Borrowed from legal and logistics contexts, this concept helps leaders trace every handoff, touchpoint, and variable to get to the bottom of complex or intermittent problems that never seem to stay solved.
Dave shares how he first learned about chain of custody, how it connects to real-world problem-solving in manufacturing and service environments, and the five-step approach you can use to uncover and eliminate hidden process issues for good.
What You'll Discover:
- What "chain of custody" means, and why it's a powerful mindset for operational problem-solving.
- Why intermittent problems are the hardest to solve (and how this approach helps).
- The five steps to apply chain of custody thinking to your root cause analysis process.
- How to build visibility across inputs, outputs, and controls to pinpoint hidden gaps.
- When to use manual data collection vs. automated systems for smarter troubleshooting.
- How this approach strengthens cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler unpacks one of the most common traps leaders fall into, chasing revenue at the expense of profit and cash flow. Drawing from his experience leading multiple print and manufacturing operations, Dave breaks down why “good” revenue isn’t always good for your business and how to evaluate whether your top customers are fueling growth or creating unnecessary risk.
What You’ll Discover:
- The real difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow, and why it matters more than most realize.
- How to spot the revenue trap that leaves even growing businesses cash-strapped.
- Why extended payment terms and customer concentration can quietly destroy your financial health.
- How to evaluate your customer mix to ensure partnerships drive sustainable growth.
- Practical ways to shift from reactive to proactive financial management.
- A simple challenge to help you identify whether your biggest customers are true partners or hidden liabilities.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into KPI reports, what they are, how to build them, and why most fall short of driving real value. He breaks down the differences between dashboards and reports, explores the roles of leading and lagging indicators, and offers a practical approach to building reports that don’t just deliver the news but actually help move the needle. Whether you're starting from scratch or inheriting a reporting process, this episode will help you rethink how you use data to influence outcomes.
What You’ll Discover:
- What separates a dashboard from a KPI report, and why both matter.
- The difference between leading and lagging indicators (with real examples from ops and sales).
- Why asking “Who owns this KPI?” is just as important as “What are we measuring?”
- A simple framework for building reports that drive clarity, accountability, and customer value.
- How to collect data the right way, whether long-term or temporary, without overcomplicating it.
- Why “more data” isn’t better, and how to push back on ineffective reporting habits.
- Tips for refining your reports over time to support continuous improvement and better decision-making.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the foundational role clean data plays in leveraging advanced analytics and AI tools. Sharing real-world client stories and personal insights, Dave unpacks how poor data governance and integrity issues can derail even the best tech investments. He outlines a practical five-step framework to help you clean up your data, tighten your systems, and future-proof your business for smarter decision-making.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why clean, reliable data is a non-negotiable for successful AI and analytics adoption.
- How to identify common signs of data integrity and governance problems.
- Real examples of how siloed systems and duplicate records damage trust in reporting.
- The difference between data cleanup and governance, and why both matter.
- A five-step framework: standardize, assign ownership, centralize, validate, and maintain.
- How to shift from siloed efficiency to cross-functional value creation.
- Why defining a clear outcome is just as important as selecting the right AI tool.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles a classic leadership question: is it a people problem or a system problem? Drawing on stories from his early days in leadership and recent client work, Dave unpacks why what looks like a “people issue” is often a symptom of broken or missing systems. From unclear expectations to a lack of tools and accountability loops, this episode explores what leaders can do to avoid jumping to conclusions and start building better outcomes.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why most “people problems” are actually system problems in disguise.
- A practical 3-part test to determine whether your team is set up to succeed.
- Common traps leaders fall into, like vague feedback and avoiding hard conversations.
- Real-world stories of both overreaction and inaction, and the costly outcomes of each.
- How to create clarity, consistency, and accountability without overcomplicating your operations.
- Why investing in your team doesn’t just mean hiring better, it means building better systems around them.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles one of the most common and costly issues in business operations, tribal knowledge. Based on insights from a recent LinkedIn poll and decades of real-world experience, Dave breaks down where tribal knowledge causes the most friction and how businesses can start building what he calls a “Company Brain.” He shares personal stories, client examples, and tips for leveraging today’s tools to transform undocumented know-how into accessible, scalable systems.
What You’ll Discover:
- The top 3 ways tribal knowledge hurts your business: when people are out, inconsistent output, and slow training.
- A real story of how one employee’s performance led to the creation of a documented best practice.
- Why older SOP binders and static process docs fail, and what to use instead.
- How to start building your own Company Brain using video, visual references, and searchable systems.
- What to look for in tools that support knowledge capture and learning retention.
- Why tribal knowledge impacts both culture and customer experience, and how to close the gap.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down the difference between lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and why understanding both is critical to long-term success. Drawing from personal experience and real-world client work, Dave shares how focusing only on tools like 5S without building the underlying habit of continuous improvement leads to short-lived results. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to move from check-the-box initiatives to lasting cultural change.
What You'll Discover:
- The key difference between lean (tools and systems) and continuous improvement (habits and mindset).
- A cooking analogy that simplifies how lean supports continuous improvement.
- Why starting with lean tools is common, but often misses the bigger picture.
- A story from Dave’s early days that shows what happens when you skip the “why.”
- How try-storming and prioritization tools can drive quick wins and build buy-in.
- The three leadership elements required for sustainable growth: clarity, consistency, and accountability.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles the myth of “best practices” and why blindly copying what works for someone else rarely delivers the same results. Drawing on a story from early in his leadership career, Dave shares how a borrowed quality system fell flat until it was adapted to fit the real-world needs of his team. If you’ve ever felt frustrated that a proven method didn’t work for your business, this episode will show you how to turn best practices into better outcomes through clarity, consistency, and accountability.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why best practices aren’t a silver bullet, and what to do instead.
- A real-world story about adopting and adapting a quality system from another company.
- How timing, context, and resources impact the success of any process.
- A practical way to use best practices as a foundation, not a finished product.
- The importance of involving your team to uncover the most critical tasks and hurdles.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler digs into three difficult conversations leaders tend to avoid, but shouldn't. Drawing from nearly 30 years of leadership experience and stories from the shop floor to the boardroom, Dave walks through the conversations that can make or break your team’s clarity, alignment, and long-term success. If you've ever hesitated to say what needs to be said, this episode gives you practical tools to lead with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why “You’re not meeting expectations” needs more than vague feedback.
- How to handle when a role is no longer a fit, without diminishing the person.
- Why sharing what’s changing (and why) early matters more than having all the answers.
- Real-world examples of change gone wrong, and how to prevent it.
- Communication tips that improve clarity, reduce turnover, and build trust.
- A mindset shift that separates high-performing leaders from the rest: leaning into the hard conversations.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles a common operational challenge: how to build a standardized process when everyone does it differently. Dave shares a five-step approach to defining your organization’s best practices while allowing for necessary flexibility. From observation to mapping, gaining consensus, testing, and continuous improvement, you’ll learn how to create repeatable outcomes that improve efficiency, culture, and customer experience.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why observing and asking questions should come before documenting processes.
- How to map processes effectively using simple, accessible tools.
- Strategies for gaining team consensus and balancing flexibility with standardization.
- The importance of testing changes to ensure they deliver the intended results.
- How to embed continuous improvement loops to keep processes relevant and effective.
- Why standardized processes improve financial results, culture, and customer experience.
Boomerang employees, those who leave and later return are on the rise, but should you really rehire them? In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave talks with Jeannette Seibly, award-winning talent advisor and author of Hire Amazing Employees, about the strategic pros and hidden pitfalls of bringing former team members back on board. They explore how to avoid hiring mistakes, build smarter systems, and treat returning employees with the same rigor as new hires.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why 35% of new hires today are boomerangs
- Risks of relying on memory instead of process
- How to use strategic job fit analysis and assessments
- Red flags to watch for in returning candidates
- How onboarding can make or break rehires
Whether you're considering a return hire or just want to tighten up your hiring system, this episode delivers practical tips to help you make better decisions, reduce turnover, and build a more resilient team.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler unpacks the importance of risk assessment exercises, and why they’re often overlooked until it’s too late. From lightning strikes and power outages to theft and server failures, Dave shares real-world stories that highlight just how vulnerable businesses can be without a disaster recovery and continuity plan. You’ll learn a simple, repeatable process for identifying risks, prioritizing responses, and creating systems that help your business bounce back quickly when the unexpected hits.
What You'll Discover:
- Why most businesses underestimate the likelihood and impact of disruptive events.
- A 3-part framework for conducting risk assessments: identify, assess impact, and evaluate likelihood.
- Examples of internal and external threats, from employee theft to natural disasters.
- How to evaluate operational, customer, and data vulnerabilities across your organization.
- Real-world stories of backup failures and business disruptions caused by missing recovery plans.
- Why testing and reviewing your disaster plan regularly is just as important as having one.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores how applying continuous improvement principles to customer onboarding can drive serious value, both internally and for your customers. Dave shares stories from his experience in business transitions and breaks down a simple three-step process to eliminate waste, prioritize changes, and sustain improvements in the front-end of your business. Whether you’re in manufacturing or services, this episode will help you uncover quick wins and build lasting systems.
What You'll Discover:
- Why customer onboarding is often the best starting point for operational improvement.
- A 3-step framework: process mapping, prioritizing ideas, and implementing/testing improvements.
- Real-life examples of reducing wait times and eliminating bottlenecks with simple tweaks.
- How to build a continuous improvement wall and use tri-storming to crowdsource ideas.
- The hidden risk of “siloed efficiency” and how to prevent front-end improvements from overwhelming your ops.
- Why sustainable change requires both strategic vision and cross-functional collaboration.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down why the words we use matter, especially when working across departments or launching new initiatives. Dave shares real-world examples of how misaligned language leads to confusion, inefficiency, and siloed thinking, even when everyone thinks they’re on the same page. He also offers practical tips to create a shared vocabulary and collective vision that drives clarity, communication, and better results across your organization.
What You'll Discover:
- Why miscommunication often stems from different departments using the same words with different meanings.
- How to avoid siloed thinking and align your team with a shared definition of success.
- The power of creating a glossary of terms for cross-functional collaboration.
- Tips for simplifying language and eliminating unnecessary jargon in your organization.
- A simple pulse-check question to use in meetings to ensure alignment: “Are we all talking about the same thing?”
- How to build bridges across teams by focusing on collective effectiveness over siloed efficiency.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explains why walking the process, also known as a Gemba walk, is one of the most overlooked yet powerful habits leaders can adopt. From manufacturing floors to office environments, Dave shares real-world stories and lessons learned from skipping this critical step. He outlines how walking the process reveals hidden inefficiencies, improves decision-making, and builds trust with your team.
What You'll Discover:
- What a Gemba walk really is, and why it's essential in any business environment.
- Real-life examples of how walking the process uncovered unexpected bottlenecks.
- Why dashboards and process maps can’t replace firsthand observation.
- The dangers of making decisions without context and frontline input.
- A practical prioritization tool and free download to help you turn observations into action.
- How to avoid the "change whiplash" that kills morale and stalls improvement efforts.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Chad Bareither, Principal Consultant at The Bareither Group and author of Improve Less. Chad shares his Focus and Align framework, a strategy for narrowing your improvement efforts to achieve sustainable business results. Together, they unpack why most organizations take on too much change at once, and how to shift your approach to focus on the work that truly matters. From daily management to cultural transformation, this episode is full of practical advice for leaders looking to stabilize costs, expand capacity, and grow profitability.
What You'll Discover:
- Why “doing less” can lead to more meaningful and sustainable improvements.
- How the Focus and Align framework helps leaders prioritize, align, and take action.
- Real-world examples of reducing project overload and increasing momentum.
- How to build buy-in by making process changes meaningful to frontline teams.
- The importance of consistent updates, clear communication, and avoiding initiative fatigue.
- How small and large businesses can overcome different obstacles to operational excellence.
- Tips for embedding tools like 5S and problem-solving in a way that actually sticks.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down one of the most popular lean tools in operations, 5S. Dave walks through the 3S, 5S, and 6S versions of this system, explaining what each step means and how to actually make it stick. Through personal stories, client examples, and a trip to Toyota's factory, Dave explores the difference between implementing a tool and embedding it into your culture. If you've ever struggled to sustain workplace organization efforts, this episode will help you rethink your approach and start with the right why.
What You'll Discover:
- The difference between 3S, 5S, and 6S, and why “sustain” and “safety” matter most.
- Why workplace organization fails without a clear why, what, and how.
- How tools like 5S support efficiency, quality, and safety when used intentionally.
- A behind-the-scenes story from Dave’s tour of Toyota’s Kentucky plant.
- How to avoid the common trap of short-term cleanup efforts that backslide over time.
- Practical tips to involve your team, build buy-in, and roll out 5S one step at a time.
- A free 5S audit template to help you get started or sustain your progress.
6S Audit Tool
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler makes a clear case for why effectiveness should always come before efficiency. Dave unpacks the differences between the two concepts and shares real-world examples that highlight how focusing too heavily on efficiency can actually create bottlenecks, waste resources, and frustrate customers. From manufacturing floors to tech stacks, Dave explores why speed and automation aren’t always the answers, and how zooming out can help teams solve the right problems the right way.
What You'll Discover:
- The fundamental difference between being efficient and being effective.
- Why improving the wrong thing, even efficiently, won’t move the needle.
- Real-world stories from manufacturing and client work that illustrate hidden pitfalls.
- How over-automation and poor cross-functional communication can derail operations.
- A rowing team analogy that simplifies this powerful concept.
- How to slow down, zoom out, and drive long-term, customer-focused improvements.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler chats with Anders Green, founder of ALOX4 ERP, about the journey from custom tools to scalable, flexible software solutions. Anders shares how his engineering background, experience in the fastener distribution business, and a side hustle in rally racing helped shape his vision for a modern ERP system. They dive into the importance of designing tools for real-world flexibility, the power of understanding scale in ERP selection, and the risks and rewards of adopting emerging tech.
What You'll Discover:
- Why scale should guide your ERP decisions, and what happens when it doesn’t.
- The difference between building a solution for one business vs. building a platform others can use.
- How ERP should evolve from “just transactions” to a true growth enabler.
- Where AI fits into ERP today (and where it doesn’t), including examples of real value vs. hype.
- The importance of balancing structure and flexibility when designing tools for operations.
- How rally racing taught Anders lessons about adaptability and configuration in software.
- A refreshingly honest take on the risks of working with early-stage platforms, and why it might still be worth it.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the all-too-common challenge of change fatigue, why teams get burned out by constant shifts and how to avoid it. Dave unpacks the results of recent LinkedIn polls on change management and shares the key drivers behind inconsistent leadership messaging and lack of follow-through. Through real-world examples, he offers practical steps to help leaders slow down, clarify direction, and implement sustainable change strategies that actually stick.
What You'll Discover:
- Why inconsistency from leadership is the #1 cause of failed change initiatives.
- The critical role of clear communication in avoiding "flavor of the month" whiplash.
- How to align your team with changes in direction by explaining the “why” behind pivots.
- Common mistakes in process automation and tech adoption, and how to avoid them.
- Why slowing down and taking a strategic approach can help your team move faster in the long run.
- A reminder that effective planning, not just people, process, and technology, is the foundation of sustainable growth.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler revisits the often-overlooked fundamentals of roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure. Drawing from recent client work, Dave explains how clear job descriptions and updated org charts are key to driving clarity, consistency, and accountability—especially during major change initiatives. Whether you're a small business or part of a larger organization, this episode will help you better align your team and simplify your day-to-day operations.
What You'll Discover:
- Why org charts and job descriptions are essential tools—not just paperwork.
- How clarity in roles supports smoother change management across your organization.
- A practical breakdown of what makes a job description good vs. great.
- The three pillars of sustainable growth: clarity, consistency, and accountability.
- How outdated documentation creates chaos in hiring, onboarding, and leadership expectations.
- Simple ways to review, update, and manage these documents without adding complexity.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles the challenge of exponential cost increases, especially those tied to ongoing tariff conversations. With decades of experience in manufacturing and operations, Dave breaks down the real-world choices businesses face when navigating rising costs: absorb, pass along, or a combination of both. He shares examples from the past and present, including how companies can strategically leverage operational efficiency and supplier relationships to stay competitive and protect margins.
What You'll Discover:
- The three real options businesses have when facing major cost increases.
- Lessons from past fuel surcharge trends and how they relate to today's tariff impact.
- Why absorbing cost increases can be a strategic play to capture market share.
- The importance of understanding your cost structure before making pricing decisions.
- How supply chain adjustments and vendor consolidation can help offset cost pressures.
- Why financial and operational visibility are critical to informed decision-making during times of economic volatility.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler takes a deeper dive into the “What” of his Why, What, and How change management framework. Drawing from recent client experiences, Dave explains why addressing "What about me?" is often overlooked during change initiatives, and why it’s critical for both frontline employees and leadership. He shares practical examples of how to navigate fears about job security, role clarity, and cultural shifts to keep teams engaged and aligned during times of transformation.
What You'll Discover:
- Why the “What” in change management is really about answering, “What about me?”
- Real-world examples of addressing employee and leadership concerns during change.
- How to communicate future roles and responsibilities clearly to reduce uncertainty.
- The importance of including all impacted team members in the change conversation.
- Why this step is vital for building long-term organizational culture and trust.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Dan Bennett, founder of Video For Entrepreneurs, for a follow-up conversation on all things video, storytelling, and digital authenticity. Dan shares what’s changed in video content over the past few years, the power of storytelling as a business tool, and why now more than ever, looking and sounding great on camera is a key differentiator. From the rise of AI to crafting intentional content strategies, this episode is packed with practical tips and powerful insights for anyone looking to level up their video presence.
What You'll Discover:
- How the tipping point in video adoption has changed how businesses show up online.
- Why storytelling is more than a buzzword, and how to apply it with intention and impact.
- How to stand out in a world flooded with AI-generated content.
- The biggest challenges creators and entrepreneurs face when it comes to video content.
- Why strategy, not just gear or scripting, is the key to long-term video success.
- Essential tools and exercises to improve how you look, sound, and connect on camera.
- How Dan’s “story bacon” method and solar system content strategy can help you tell more compelling stories.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into one of his favorite problem-solving tools, the 5 Whys. While the concept seems simple on the surface, Dave unpacks the nuances of using this root cause analysis technique the right way. Through real-world stories from both manufacturing and service-based businesses, he explains how to dig deeper, test your assumptions, and avoid surface-level fixes that don't truly solve the problem.
What You'll Discover:
- Why simply asking “why” five times isn’t enough without proper testing and validation.
- A real-world example from Dave’s early career that uncovered a hidden mechanical issue.
- How to apply the 5 Whys framework outside of manufacturing to improve customer experience.
- The importance of turning insights into preventative actions and measuring success through KPIs.
- Common pitfalls in root cause analysis, and how to avoid jumping to the wrong conclusion.
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In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler sits down with Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, to explore how he took a family-run power washing company and transformed it into one of the fastest-growing franchise systems in the country. Aaron shares his journey from the entertainment industry to franchising, his experience scaling Patch Boys to over 400 territories, and how Rolling Suds hit nearly 250 units in just 18 months. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a scalable, successful franchise—from operational systems to funding strategy.
What You'll Discover:
- How Aaron transitioned from the world of TV and film to building high-growth franchise brands.
- The critical differences between a franchisee and franchisor business model.
- What makes Rolling Suds’ franchise approach unique and how it supports franchisees with systems, tech, and pre-launch momentum.
- The common misconceptions about franchising—both for potential franchisees and business owners looking to franchise their own operations.
- How Aaron funded the business, the infrastructure needed to support scale, and why he focused on raising “smart money.”
- The key traits Aaron looks for in franchise partners—and why franchising is not a passive investment.
- Aaron’s vision for reaching $1 billion in systemwide sales and building a brand legacy from the ground up.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores how time tracking worksheets can help uncover where your day actually goes. He shares personal stories, including his early skepticism about timesheets, and explains how they’ve become one of his most effective tools for improving productivity and identifying opportunities to eliminate, delegate, or automate tasks. Whether you're a business owner or team leader, this episode gives you practical tips on how to take control of your time and boost efficiency.
What You'll Discover:
- Why time tracking isn’t about micromanagement but uncovering hidden inefficiencies.
- A simple, three-step method to track, analyze, and improve how you spend your time.
- The difference between tasks you love, time wasters, and things you hate—and how to handle each.
- Why starting with paper worksheets can lead to more accurate insights than jumping to software tools.
- How to test whether recurring tasks (like report creation) are even necessary.
- The right order to approach improvement: eliminate, delegate, then automate—and why starting with automation can backfire.
Free access to a printable time tracking worksheet to help you get started
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In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler unpacks what it means to build an intentional culture—and why it’s one of the most challenging and impactful things a leader can do. Drawing from over 25 years of leadership experience, Dave shares personal stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies for transforming toxic or fractured company cultures. Whether you're leading change after a leadership shift or experiencing a change of heart yourself, this episode gives you a real-world framework to start shaping a healthier, more effective workplace culture.
What You'll Discover:
- Why culture isn’t your mission statement—it's how your people feel on Sunday night.
- Three key pillars for intentional culture: empathy, kind candor, and clarity before action.
- How to rebuild trust in organizations with siloed departments and poor communication.
- Tips for leading with empathy and owning mistakes to earn buy-in from your team.
- How to respond when you’ve been part of the problem and are ready to change.
- The power of involving your team in shaping a shared vision for culture and performance.
- Book recommendation: Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet for leadership inspiration and practical culture transformation.
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In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler takes a deep dive into process checklists—why they often fail and how to create ones that actually work. Drawing from personal experiences, including a memorable story about a standout machine operator named Tony, Dave shares a simple, three-part framework for building effective process checklists. Whether you're in manufacturing or managing remote teams, this episode provides practical steps for turning checklists into high-impact tools that drive real results.
What You'll Discover:
- Why most checklists fail to improve performance or reduce errors.
- A three-part framework (Identify, What Can Go Wrong, Decide & Document) for building better process checklists.
- How to define “key steps” and avoid bloated, ineffective checklists.
- Tips for adapting your checklist based on desired outcomes—like reducing errors or improving efficiency.
- The benefits of involving your team in the checklist creation process to boost buy-in and sustainability.
- Why starting with manual checklists can build better habits before investing in technology.
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In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the key lessons from The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, a foundational book in operational excellence, systems thinking, and continuous improvement. Dave breaks down the core concepts of the Theory of Constraints and how it applies to real-world business challenges. Whether you’re in manufacturing, service-based industries, or professional services, this episode provides actionable insights on how to optimize your operations and increase throughput.
What You'll Discover:
- The core lessons from The Goal and why it's a must-read for business leaders.
- How the Theory of Constraints helps identify bottlenecks and improve workflow.
- Why efficiency and effectiveness are not the same—and which one matters more.
- Real-world applications of Goldratt’s principles in manufacturing and service-based businesses.
- The importance of subordinating processes to constraints to maximize throughput.
- Why small changes in workflow management can lead to massive improvements in output.
- Practical examples of applying The Goal to optimize business operations.
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In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler introduces the IDEAL framework, a structured approach to process improvement that helps businesses optimize workflows, increase efficiency, and drive profitability. Dave walks through each step of the framework—Identify, Determine, Enact, Assess, and Learn—while sharing real-world examples of how businesses have successfully used this method to solve operational challenges. Whether you're looking to improve cash flow, streamline processes, or enhance company culture, this episode provides actionable steps to get started.
What You'll Discover:
- How the IDEAL framework helps businesses systematically improve processes.
- Why identifying symptoms before jumping to solutions leads to better outcomes.
- The importance of process mapping and gathering input from cross-functional teams.
- How to prioritize improvements and implement them effectively.
- The role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in tracking success.
- Why a continuous improvement cycle is essential for long-term business growth.
- A free downloadable guide to help you apply the IDEAL framework to your business.
Grab Your Free Copy of the IDEAL framework: https://thecrysler.club/guide/
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Jennifer McConnell, Director of Operations at Royal Printers in British Columbia, Canada. Jennifer shares her journey in the print industry, from growing up in a family-owned business to becoming an advocate for workplace culture, mentorship, and the next generation of print professionals. She discusses the challenges of attracting young talent, the importance of mentorship, and how leadership plays a key role in shaping the future of the industry.
What You'll Discover:
- How Jennifer’s journey in print led her to leadership and advocacy roles.
- The importance of mentorship in shaping careers and bridging generational gaps.
- Strategies for attracting and retaining young talent in the print industry.
- How the Help Program introduces new professionals to career opportunities in print.
- The role of company culture in fostering long-term employee engagement.
- Insights into the future of the print industry and how companies can adapt to evolving technology.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler breaks down the fundamentals of effective change management. He shares lessons learned from years of experience, including why so many change initiatives fail and how leaders can ensure their teams successfully adopt and sustain new processes. Dave introduces his three-part framework: Why, What, and How of Change, along with a practical continuous improvement cycle to help businesses implement change effectively.
What You'll Discover:
- The critical role of explaining the "Why" and "What" before introducing the "How."
- How to anticipate and address employee concerns about organizational changes.
- Strategies to gain buy-in from teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Why involving cross-functional stakeholders leads to more successful change initiatives.
- A step-by-step framework for planning, executing, reviewing, and refining change processes.
- Real-world examples of how businesses have successfully navigated operational change.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Martin Cunningham, a senior financial executive with extensive experience in financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and operational optimization. They dive into key financial metrics that drive business growth, the importance of strategic financial planning, and how companies can prepare for acquisitions or exits. Martin also shares insights into the impact of economic trends, supply chain disruptions, and technology on financial decision-making.
What You'll Discover:
- The essential financial metrics that indicate a company’s growth potential.
- How businesses can determine if they need to adjust their operating model.
- Key financial considerations when preparing for an acquisition or exit.
- The importance of leadership assessment in M&A transactions.
- How businesses can optimize cash flow in uncertain economic conditions.
- The role of AI and financial technology in improving business intelligence.
- Why strategic financial planning is critical for long-term success.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler takes a deep dive into the importance of clearly defining roles and responsibilities within an organization. He explores why businesses of all sizes and maturity often neglect to review and revise these critical elements, leading to confusion, inefficiencies, and misalignment. Dave also shares practical strategies, including his favorite time-tracking exercise, to help leaders create clarity, consistency, and accountability within their teams.
What You'll Discover:
- Why roles and responsibilities often get overlooked, even in well-established businesses.
- The key role of organizational charts in maintaining clarity and structure.
- How to craft job descriptions that define success and set clear expectations.
- The importance of documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for consistency.
- How time-tracking exercises can reveal hidden inefficiencies and help optimize workload distribution.
- Practical tips for aligning team responsibilities to drive sustainable business growth.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Casey Winans, founder and CEO of Full Stride, to discuss the critical decision of whether to buy or build software solutions for warehouse management systems. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Casey shares insights into the challenges of custom development, the benefits of off-the-shelf software, and how clarity in process flows can make or break implementation success. This episode is packed with practical advice for business leaders navigating this complex decision.
What You'll Discover:
- Key factors to consider when deciding between buying or building software.
- The hidden costs and risks of custom software development, including maintenance and security.
- Why clarity in process flows and organizational requirements is essential before implementing technology.
- Real-world examples of businesses that successfully navigated the buy-vs-build decision.
- How poor documentation and brain drain can derail in-house software projects.
- The importance of aligning technology decisions with long-term business strategies.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the vital role of administration systems in retaining top talent and fostering organizational growth. By focusing on planning, people, processes, and technology, Dave provides actionable strategies for assessing and improving the systems that support your workforce. Whether you’re a small business or a growing organization, this episode offers insights to help you bridge gaps and create sustainable processes.
What You'll Discover:
- The four key elements of administration systems: planning, people, processes, and technology.
- Why regular reviews and updates to employee manuals, organizational charts, and job descriptions are essential.
- The importance of defining success within roles to enhance clarity, consistency, and accountability.
- How standard operating procedures (SOPs) support roles and responsibilities and improve workplace efficiency.
- Tips for auditing your current systems to identify and close gaps in your processes.
- Strategies for smaller organizations using outsourced HR services to maintain strong administration systems.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler introduces his three-part framework for achieving sustainable business growth: Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability. Dave dives into the importance of clear communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and structured processes to drive organizational success. With actionable insights and real-world examples, this episode offers a practical roadmap for leaders looking to enhance efficiency and accountability within their teams.
What You'll Discover:
- How the framework of Clarity, Consistency, and Accountability drives sustainable growth.
- The importance of auditing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and updating them regularly.
- Why clear job descriptions, including definitions of success, are critical for team alignment.
- Practical tips for improving organizational communication and collaboration across departments.
- How to bridge the gap between leadership expectations and team execution.
- Steps for conducting an organizational audit to identify areas for improvement.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the best business mapping tools and techniques to optimize workflows and drive continuous improvement. Dave unpacks the key differences between process mapping and value stream mapping, highlighting their unique purposes and benefits. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, improve quality, or increase collaboration, this episode offers actionable insights and practical tools to get started.
What You'll Discover:
- The difference between process mapping and value stream mapping, and when to use each.
- Why starting with manual tools like sticky notes and legal pads can lead to better results.
- How mapping activities facilitate collaboration and uncover hidden inefficiencies.
- Recommended software tools, including Lucidchart and Visio, for collaborative mapping.
- Practical tips for leveraging business mapping tools in small businesses.
- Why the collective brainpower of your team is critical for successful process improvement.
In this final episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast for 2024, Dave Crysler wraps up the year with Volume 5 of the "Best of 2024" series. This collection features standout moments and actionable insights from episodes on change management, company culture, and operational excellence. If you're looking to set your business up for success in 2025, this episode delivers practical advice and strategies to implement immediately.
What You'll Discover:
- The importance of addressing the "why" and "what" before the "how" in change management initiatives.
- How company culture impacts sales, marketing, and employee morale, with insights from Kelly Mallozzi.
- The role of cross-generational and cross-functional teams in solving business challenges and fostering innovation.
- Why focusing on effectiveness over efficiency is the key to achieving operational excellence.
In this forth volume of the "Best of 2024" series on the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler showcases standout moments and insights from the year's most impactful episodes. Covering topics from onboarding and lean transformations to fiduciary risk management, this compilation delivers actionable advice and powerful lessons for business leaders, HR professionals, and operational teams.
What You'll Discover:
- The importance of post-hire onboarding and how it ensures long-term success for new hires.
- How lean transformations simplify workflows and empower employees to perform at their best.
- Practical strategies for implementing visual management and continuous improvement tools.
- Key insights into fiduciary risk and how to protect your business from liability through proactive processes.
- Why understanding your team's values and building flexibility into the workplace attracts and retains top talent.
In this special volume of the "Best of 2024" series on the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler revisits key moments and highlights from some of the most impactful episodes of the year. From uncovering hidden inefficiencies to embracing continuous improvement and retaining top talent, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for business leaders striving to optimize operations and lead with purpose.
What You'll Discover:
- The importance of addressing hidden inefficiencies by adopting a systems-thinking perspective.
- How effective communication can bridge gaps and eliminate redundant processes in any organization.
- Insights into the power of Kaizen and continuous improvement across various business functions.
- Lessons from Steve Penkala on how flexibility and creativity can attract and retain top talent in today's workforce.
- Practical tips on using employee referrals and understanding team values to foster a positive work culture.
In this special year-end episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler revisits some of the most impactful moments from 2024. These curated clips highlight key insights into critical topics such as the risks of over-specializing business systems, the hidden costs of efficiency, and the nuances of leadership styles. Whether you’re tackling operational challenges or seeking inspiration to refine your approach, this episode delivers practical advice and thought-provoking stories to guide your journey.
What You'll Discover:
- The long-term risks of over-specializing business systems and how to avoid them.
- The hidden costs of efficient systems, including employee burnout and technology complications.
- Insights into authoritative vs. authoritarian leadership styles and their impact on organizational culture.
- Lessons learned from major brands like Chipotle about leadership, value perception, and customer satisfaction.
- Why collaboration and clear direction are essential to effective leadership in today’s workplace.
In this special year-end episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler revisits some of the most impactful moments from 2024. From finding the balance in quality management to eliminating downtime, Dave reflects on lessons learned and shares insights into creating sustainable improvement across various business functions. This episode features highlights from earlier conversations, offering practical advice for business leaders and operators alike.
What You'll Discover:
- The importance of balancing cost and customer value in quality management.
- How zero defects can apply to both product and service-based businesses.
- The role of leadership in creating cultures that foster continuous improvement.
- Key takeaways from the 8 wastes of lean manufacturing and how to apply them in non-manufacturing settings.
- Practical examples of how businesses can use cycles of improvement to drive efficiency and eliminate downtime.
- Why leadership with empathy and care leads to higher productivity and employee engagement.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Michael DeLon,The Credibility Coach™ and President of Paperback Expert, to discuss the power of storytelling in marketing and personal branding. Michael, an expert in credibility marketing, shares how business owners can leverage their unique stories to stand out in crowded markets. From publishing books to creating effective lead magnets, Michael breaks down actionable strategies that help business owners gain more clients, build trust, and grow their revenue. This episode is packed with inspiring examples and practical advice for anyone looking to differentiate themselves and build credibility.
What You'll Discover:
- The importance of storytelling in creating a powerful and unique marketing message.
- How to uncover and share your personal story to connect with your audience.
- Insights into the book publishing process and how it can position you as an expert in your field.
- Strategies for crafting lead magnets that attract and engage your ideal clients.
- The role of credibility in marketing and how to measure it using Michael’s Credibility Calculator.
- Why authenticity and being yourself are key to building trust and long-term relationships.
- Real-life examples of businesses that successfully used storytelling to stand out in their industries.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the growing trend of fractional C-suite roles, with a focus on fractional COOs. Dave breaks down what a fractional COO does, the value they bring to businesses, and how they differ from traditional full-time roles. He also highlights the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the fractional model and introduces the innovative Operations On-demand service offered by the Crysler Club, designed to help businesses achieve "speed to value" by providing tailored solutions without the traditional long-term commitments.
What You'll Discover:
- What a fractional COO is and how they can support business growth.
- The differences between fractional roles and full-time C-suite positions.
- How fractional roles offer cost-effective expertise for businesses of all sizes.
- Key insights into the Operations On Demand model and how it drives flexibility and results.
- Real-world examples of how businesses can pivot and adapt with dynamic fractional support.
- Why you don’t need to commit to large-scale projects to benefit from external expertise.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler tackles the critical yet often overlooked topic of root cause analysis. Drawing on years of practical experience, Dave explores how to effectively identify and solve recurring issues within your business. From corrective action to preventative measures, he explains the tools and templates he uses, including the 5 Whys and 8D methodology, to help businesses avoid costly mistakes and improve overall performance. Tune in for actionable insights that will transform how you approach problem-solving.
What You'll Discover:
- The difference between corrective and preventative actions and how to apply both effectively.
- How root cause analysis can save businesses up to 20% of annual revenue.
- Why testing preventative measures is essential for long-term success.
- Practical tools like the 5 Whys and 8D methodology to identify and address root causes.
- Real-world examples of how businesses can implement root cause analysis to improve quality and consistency.
- How service-based businesses can apply these concepts, not just product-focused ones.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler discusses why business success isn’t determined by the framework you choose but by how you apply it. Drawing on real-world examples, Dave explains why frameworks like EOS, E-Myth, and Business Made Simple offer valuable tools but can only take you so far without practical application. This episode dives into identifying gaps, creating clarity within roles, and establishing processes that work for your unique business needs. If you’re struggling to make frameworks work, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward.
What You'll Discover:
- Why success depends on practical application, not the framework itself.
- Common challenges leaders face when implementing frameworks like EOS and E-Myth.
- The importance of gap analysis in tailoring frameworks to your business.
- How defining roles and responsibilities enhances clarity and efficiency.
- Simple steps to create clarity, consistency, and accountability within your team.
- Why documenting processes is essential for sustainable improvement and growth.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the core concepts of operational excellence and shares strategies to boost efficiency and effectiveness in your business. From understanding the crucial difference between efficiency and effectiveness to examining real-world examples from top brands like Toyota, Amazon, and Starbucks, Dave breaks down actionable insights for both product and service-based companies. Tune in to learn how to identify bottlenecks, leverage data effectively, and implement sustainable improvements to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
What You'll Discover:
- The key difference between efficiency and effectiveness in operational excellence.
- How companies like Toyota, Amazon, and Starbucks use operational strategies to drive consistent results.
- Practical tips for identifying bottlenecks in your business and improving throughput.
- The importance of leveraging data to back up anecdotal insights for better decision-making.
- How to build a culture focused on continuous improvement to stay competitive.
- Examples of small changes that can make a big difference in operational effectiveness.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Kelly Mallozzi from Success in Print. Kelly shares her expertise in helping printers of all sizes engage more effectively with their audience through sales, training, and coaching. Together, Dave and Kelly dive into the pressing issues of workforce development and company culture in the printing industry. They discuss the importance of attracting younger generations, fostering innovation, and embracing change to remain competitive. Kelly also highlights how intentional onboarding and company culture can address today’s talent gaps and help businesses thrive.
What You'll Discover:
- The shifting focus in the printing industry from sales and marketing to workforce development and company culture.
- Strategies for attracting and retaining young talent in the print industry.
- The importance of empathy, intentionality, and onboarding in building a strong company culture.
- How innovative companies are bridging generational gaps and creating more inclusive workplaces.
- Real-world examples of how companies are using internal culture and employee engagement to enhance customer relationships.
- Practical tips on using social media and internal storytelling to boost brand voice and engagement.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler takes a deep dive into the value of operational audits and how they can help businesses identify inefficiencies, reduce risks, and improve overall performance. Dave explains the different types of operational audits, from product delivery to IT and compliance audits, and how they provide a roadmap for organizations to bridge the gap between current operations and future strategic goals. This episode offers practical advice on how to implement an operational audit, test for effectiveness, and create a sustainable cycle of improvement for long-term success.
What You'll Discover:
- What operational audits are and why they are essential for business growth.
- Different types of operational audits and how to choose the right one for your organization.
- How operational audits can help identify gaps in efficiency, risk, and performance.
- The importance of testing processes and changes to ensure they achieve desired outcomes.
- Steps to create a cycle of continuous improvement within your organization.
- Practical tips for planning and conducting an operational audit tailored to your needs.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the fundamentals of assessing an organization’s readiness for change. Through practical insights and examples, Dave discusses the crucial elements of successful change management, from understanding why the change is needed to effectively engaging stakeholders across all levels. He explores how leadership can build a culture that supports continuous improvement, mitigate potential risks, and establish communication strategies that keep everyone aligned. If you're a leader seeking to drive sustainable change within your organization, this episode is packed with valuable guidance.
What You'll Discover:
- Key indicators that reveal an organization’s readiness for change.
- The importance of defining and communicating the “why” and “what” of a change before the “how.”
- Practical strategies to identify and engage both direct and indirect stakeholders.
- How to create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- The role of effective communication in managing change across all organizational levels.
- Risk management tips to anticipate and address potential challenges in change initiatives.
- Real-world examples of aligning organizational culture with change readiness.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Casey Winans, founder and CEO of Full Stride, a consulting firm focused on helping growth-stage businesses scale their warehouse operations. With over 20 years of experience in designing and deploying warehouse management systems (WMS), Casey shares his insights on how preparation is key to avoiding costly mistakes during implementation. They explore the challenges businesses face when scaling operations, the difference between WMS and ERP systems, and how to select the right technology for your business. Casey also highlights the importance of clarity in processes before introducing technology as a solution.
What You'll Discover:
- Key indicators that signal your business is ready for a warehouse management system (WMS).
- The differences between WMS and ERP systems and when each is appropriate.
- How to ensure clarity in your processes before deploying new technology.
- Tips for selecting the right vendor for your WMS and avoiding common pitfalls.
- The role of continuous improvement in warehouse operations and technology integration.
- Real-life examples of businesses that successfully scaled their operations by focusing on preparation and clarity.
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the fundamentals of change management. He breaks down what change management is, why it's more about helping people through transitions rather than just implementing new processes, and how leaders can successfully guide their teams through change initiatives. Drawing from real-world examples and personal leadership experiences, Dave shares practical advice on how to prioritize initiatives, the importance of clear communication, and why trust is key to achieving long-lasting change in any organization.
What You'll Discover:
- The difference between managing change in processes vs. managing the people impacted by those changes.
- Why explaining the "why" and the "what" before the "how" is critical to successful change management.
- How to keep communication open throughout change initiatives to build trust and drive success.
- Insights from a case study of a mid-sized manufacturer navigating leadership changes and operational challenges.
- Tips on how to upskill your team and keep them engaged in the change process.
- The importance of regularly updating your team, even when there’s no immediate progress.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Kevin Swango, founder and designer at KS Outdoor Lighting, for a second time. Kevin shares his journey of growth in the outdoor lighting industry, emphasizing the importance of consistency and selling the experience over the product itself. He discusses how he leverages social media to build connections and the value of networking with other contractors. The conversation covers the challenges and successes he’s faced over the past few years, including how to grow his business and maintain quality while outsourcing certain tasks.
What You'll Discover:
- How Kevin has grown KS Outdoor Lighting through consistency and process development.
- The importance of selling experiences rather than just products.
- How social media, especially Instagram and Facebook, has helped Kevin expand his reach and find clients outside his immediate network.
- Networking strategies and how Kevin collaborates with other contractors to share leads and expertise.
- The value of customer reviews and how they help shape and improve the business.
- Tips on outsourcing tasks and maintaining quality control while scaling operations.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Chris Lokken from the Christiansen Group, an expert with over 25 years of experience in employee benefits and risk management. They dive into the complex world of fiduciary rule changes and how these regulations impact employer-sponsored health benefit plans. Chris breaks down the legal and financial risks businesses face and highlights the importance of staying informed about fiduciary responsibilities to avoid costly liabilities. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders navigating the evolving landscape of employee benefits, compliance, and risk management.
What You'll Discover:
- The significance of fiduciary rule changes and how they affect health benefit plans.
- Common risks employers face in managing health benefits and fiduciary responsibilities.
- How fiduciary liability lawsuits are reshaping the landscape for businesses.
- Practical steps employers can take to mitigate fiduciary risks and ensure compliance.
- Why understanding your health benefit plan contracts is crucial for risk management.
- Tips for business leaders on how to stay ahead of fiduciary rule changes and protect their organizations.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Angela Thurman, founder and CEO of Thurman Co, a management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas. Angela, a certified project management professional, shares her insights on the critical role of project management in digital transformation. They delve into the distinctions between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, providing clarity on these often-confused terms. Angela offers practical advice on managing the complexities of digital transformation projects, the importance of risk management, and how to engage stakeholders effectively to ensure long-term success.
What You'll Discover:
- The differences between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation.
- How project management plays a pivotal role in the success of digital transformation initiatives.
- The importance of a risk register in anticipating and mitigating potential challenges in projects.
- Real-life examples of how digital transformation can streamline processes and improve business outcomes.
- Strategies for managing stakeholder expectations and promoting successful adoption of new digital tools.
- How to measure the success of digital transformation projects using KPIs and other metrics.
- The value of transparent communication and building trust within project teams to drive project success.
- Insights from Angela’s blog post on digital transformation.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Sam Klaidman of Middlesex Consulting, a seasoned expert in customer service and aftermarket strategies. Sam brings a wealth of experience from his roles as VP of Customer Service and as a consultant for companies like Corning, Honeywell, and Pfizer. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked aspects of why people buy, focusing on the importance of brand experience, customer satisfaction, and the critical role of aftermarket service. Sam shares practical insights into how companies can align their offerings with customer expectations to create lasting value and strong brand loyalty.
What You'll Discover:
- The key factors that influence why customers choose your brand over others.
- How the concepts of brand, customer service, and aftermarket support interconnect to drive buying decisions.
- The role of customer expectations and how they shape brand perceptions.
- Real-life examples of how companies like Disney optimize customer experiences by understanding what truly matters to their audience.
- The importance of collecting customer feedback through surveys to identify and address service gaps.
- How businesses, regardless of size, can implement effective customer journey mapping to enhance user satisfaction.
- Tips on how to start gathering actionable insights even with limited budgets and resources.
- The significance of addressing both emotional and functional needs of customers to build strong brand loyalty.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Roy Waterhouse, a seasoned professional with 34 years of experience in the commercial printing industry at Hopkins Printing. Roy shares his journey into lean manufacturing, discussing how lean principles have been integrated into every aspect of his work and life. From simplifying processes to improving customer relationships, Roy provides valuable insights into how continuous improvement methodologies like PDCA and the Toyota Production System can transform an organization. He also touches on the importance of leadership support, the challenges of sustaining lean initiatives, and how making lean personal can enhance both professional and personal life.
What You'll Discover:
- How Hopkins Printing has integrated lean manufacturing principles since 1993.
- The benefits of simplifying processes and making lean principles accessible to everyone in the organization.
- Insights into how lean thinking can reduce waste and improve efficiency, even in complex manufacturing environments.
- The importance of leadership support in driving and sustaining continuous improvement efforts.
- Practical examples of how visual management and standardization can make daily operations smoother and more efficient.
- How making lean principles personal can improve both work and home life.
- The challenges of maintaining a lean culture over the long term and strategies to overcome them.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Liz Capants, president and founder of Global Executive Search, EBC Associates, and the Erudites Networking Group. Liz shares her insights into the evolving landscape of hiring and onboarding in the post-pandemic world. They discuss the challenges of matching candidates with the right roles, the importance of networking, and the role of personal branding in today's job market. Liz also offers practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of remote work, technology's impact on hiring processes, and the critical importance of post-hire support for long-term success.
What You'll Discover:
- The state of the hiring and onboarding process as businesses have emerged from the pandemic.
- Why networking and personal branding are more important than ever in today's job market.
- The evolving skill requirements and how virtual work has accelerated changes in the workplace.
- Strategies for building and maintaining a professional network, even when you're not actively looking for a job.
- Insights into Liz's unique approach to post-hire support, ensuring successful integration and long-term success for new hires.
- The impact of remote work on company culture and the increasing demand for in-office presence.
- How technology, including AI and automation, is reshaping the recruitment landscape.
- Tips for staying focused and motivated during challenging economic times.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Matt Seltzer, SVP of Marketing and Research at Intuify, to explore the often-overlooked power of market research in driving business growth. Matt shares his insights on the transformative role of market research in creative marketing. The conversation delves into how businesses can leverage research to make informed decisions, enhance creativity, and optimize marketing strategies. Matt also discusses his journey merging his original business with Intuify and how they are revolutionizing the survey experience.
What You'll Discover:
- The journey behind the merger of Matt's company with Intuify and the creation of innovative survey experiences.
- How market research can transform creative marketing strategies and drive business growth.
- The importance of culture and collaboration in successful mergers and business growth.
- Why big brands use market research to maintain their competitive edge and how smaller companies can do the same.
- The role of interactive dashboards and gamified surveys in enhancing user engagement and data quality.
- How businesses can start implementing market research, regardless of size, to gain valuable insights.
- Insights from Matt's book, "The Creative Catalyst," on the intersection of research and creativity.
- Practical advice on asking better questions to move your business forward.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Steve Penkala from Binding Edge, who brings over 48 years of experience in the print-related industries. Steve shares his journey navigating the ever-changing world of print, paper converting, and trade binding. The conversation delves into his leadership philosophy, the evolution of the industry, and the strategies he uses to retain and motivate his team. Steve also discusses the importance of understanding what employees value and how flexibility and innovative recruitment methods have helped his business thrive.
What You'll Discover:
- Steve's leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over nearly five decades in the print industry.
- The importance of understanding and addressing what employees value beyond just monetary compensation.
- How to manage flexibility in work schedules while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Innovative methods for attracting and retaining talent in a traditionally challenging industry.
- The impact of new technologies and equipment on the print and binding industry.
- Strategies for navigating industry challenges and maintaining a competitive edge.
- Insights into the future of the print industry and opportunities for growth and acquisition.
- The role of enthusiasm and leadership in fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Walt Sparling from PM Mastery, a comprehensive resource center for project management professionals. Walt, a project management expert, shares his insights on process improvement and efficiency from the perspective of a project manager. The conversation covers the integration of project management in both internal and external process improvements, navigating roadblocks in large organizations, and the importance of effective communication. Walt also discusses his approach to prioritizing opportunities and achieving quick wins to build momentum for continuous improvement.
What You'll Discover:
- How project management principles contribute to process improvement and operational efficiency.
- The dual focus on internal and external process improvements in project management.
- Strategies for overcoming roadblocks and fostering collaboration in large organizations.
- The role of curiosity and continuous questioning in identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Effective communication techniques for promoting process changes within a team.
- The balance between using established frameworks and achieving quick wins to drive momentum.
- Practical tools and methodologies favored by project managers for process improvement.
- The importance of documenting processes to reduce inefficiencies and resource wastage.
- Key takeaways on the significance of value-driven changes in process improvement initiatives.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Sneha Kumari, a seasoned expert in supply chain and operations, to discuss the principles of Kaizen and continuous improvement. Sneha shares her vast experience and insights into how Kaizen can be applied across various business functions, not just in manufacturing. They explore the importance of cultivating a continuous improvement mindset, involving team members in the process, and overcoming common challenges such as change management. Listen in to discover how these principles can drive significant improvements in your organization.
What You'll Discover:
- The fundamentals of Kaizen and its origins in Japanese manufacturing.
- How to apply Kaizen principles to various business functions beyond operations and production.
- The difference between Kaizen and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strategies for effective change management and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
- The importance of involving team members in the improvement process to gain valuable insights and boost morale.
- Practical examples of quick wins and their impact on sustaining momentum for continuous improvement.
- How to prioritize improvement opportunities using effort vs. impact matrices.
- The critical role of leadership support in successful Kaizen implementation.
- The importance of auditing and sustaining improvements after Kaizen events.
Episode Description:
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the hidden efficiencies lurking in common business processes. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dave explores how these inefficiencies often hide in plain sight and the importance of addressing them holistically. He highlights the critical role of effective communication, the pitfalls of redundant processes, the challenges of manual data entry, and the impact of bottlenecks on operational flow. Through practical examples and insights, Dave provides a roadmap for uncovering and rectifying these hidden inefficiencies to achieve sustainable business growth.
What You'll Discover:
- How hidden inefficiencies in common processes can impact your business.
- The importance of effective communication across all levels and locations within an organization.
- Strategies to identify and eliminate redundant processes and manual data entry errors.
- Understanding the difference between bottlenecks and control points in your workflow.
- The challenges of inventory management and how to prevent obsolete material from becoming a nightmare.
- Practical steps to create a continuous improvement loop using the IDEAL framework.
- The concept of "tri-storming" and how trying everyone's ideas can lead to better solutions.
- How these improvements can boost profitability, enhance cash flow, and improve company culture.
- The ultimate goal of serving the customer better through operational excellence.
Links:
I.D.E.A.L. Framework: https://thecrysler.club/guide/
Business Systems Saturday Newsletter: https://thecrysler.club/newsletters/
In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler explores the role of authoritative leadership in the modern workplace. Amidst the prevalent emphasis on collaboration and groupthink, Dave dissects the misconceptions surrounding authoritative leadership and contrasts it with authoritarian styles. By delving into real-world examples like Chipotle and Boeing, he illustrates the impact of leadership styles on organizational culture and effectiveness. Dave also shares personal insights on how leaders can balance direction with collaboration to foster a thriving work environment.
What You'll Discover:
- The critical differences between authoritative and authoritarian leadership styles.
- How authoritative leadership can provide clear direction while supporting team collaboration.
- The consequences of leaning too far into groupthink or authoritarianism within an organization.
- Real-world examples from companies like Chipotle and Boeing that highlight the impact of leadership on business success.
- The importance of setting clear goals and boundaries to guide team members effectively.
- Why employees seek more than just fair compensation and how flexibility and recognition play key roles in job satisfaction.
- Practical tips for leaders to shift from an authoritarian approach to a more balanced, authoritative style.
- Strategies to create a culture of inclusion, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Link to our Business Systems Saturday Newsletter
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Joseph Gonzalez, founder of In the Game Group, to discuss the art of building high-performing teams and effective leadership. Joseph shares his experiences and insights on organizational structure, the importance of transparency, and the challenges of leadership in today's dynamic work environment. He emphasizes the significance of understanding individual strengths, fostering a supportive culture, and implementing strategies to enhance team performance.
What You'll Discover:
- Key characteristics of effective high-performing teams and how to cultivate them.
- The importance of transparency and open communication in leadership.
- Strategies for bridging the gap between leadership and team members to ensure clear and consistent messaging.
- Insights into using tools like the Colby Assessment to understand team dynamics and optimize team roles.
- The role of empathy, respect, and valuing each team member's contributions in building a cohesive team.
- Practical advice on how to handle organizational challenges like quiet quitting, disengagement, and high turnover.
- The impact of leadership mindset and approach on organizational culture and employee satisfaction.
- Tips for leaders to self-assess and continuously improve their leadership skills to better support their teams.
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Jesse Safir, owner of ABG Print, to discuss his journey of acquiring and growing a commercial printing company. Jesse shares his insights on navigating the challenges of COVID-19, the importance of stable cash flow, and the value of building a service-oriented business in the printing industry. He also delves into the concept of "Print 2.0," emphasizing the need for high service levels, customization, and the ability to meet clients' demands in a fast-paced environment.
What You'll Discover:
- The strategic considerations behind acquiring a business with stable, long-term clients and recurring revenue.
- Insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic for small businesses.
- The concept of "Print 2.0" and how it transforms a traditional printing business into a service-oriented model.
- The importance of transparency and communication within a team to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Strategies for balancing in-house production with outsourcing to meet diverse client needs.
- The role of high average order values in ensuring profitability and growth for a small business.
- How to foster a positive company culture that prioritizes learning, transparency, and employee satisfaction.
Episode Description:
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler discusses the risks of over-specializing business systems. Drawing from personal experience and real-world examples, Dave explores the challenges of creating hyper-specialized systems, especially those involving technology, and how they can lead to higher development and maintenance costs. He dives into the integration issues that arise with such systems and emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term benefits with long-term risks. Listeners will gain insights into why large companies like Microsoft, Google, SAP, and Oracle succeed in the long run and the pitfalls smaller companies face when trying to emulate their systems.
What You'll Discover:
- The hidden costs of developing and maintaining hyper-specialized business systems.
- Real-world examples of how over-specialization can lead to significant integration challenges.
- Insights into the benefits larger companies have due to their extensive R&D budgets and diverse client base.
- The importance of understanding process flows and the limitations of API integrations.
- The critical role of key personnel in maintaining specialized systems and the risks involved when they leave.
- Strategies to balance short-term efficiency gains with long-term sustainability.
Explore the critical roles of data integrity and data governance in modern business with this episode. Dave Crysler unpacks the complexities of these concepts and their pivotal roles in operational excellence today and into the future. This episode dives into the challenges and strategies for ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and effective governance, providing you with though provoking questions to help you harness the power of your business data for smarter decision-making.
What You'll Discover:
- The essential differences between data integrity and data governance and why they matter.
- Practical insights into achieving and maintaining high standards of data quality and security.
- Strategies for implementing robust data governance frameworks to steer your organization towards informed, data-driven decision-making.
- An overview of data maturity levels and how to elevate your organization's data management practices to optimize performance and drive growth.
Episode Description:
In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the transformative leadership and strategic insights from the story memorialized by the book and movie Moneyball. By exploring the story of the 2002 Oakland A's baseball team, Dave connects the dots between an unconventional decision-making approach in sports and its applications in business leadership, emphasizing the use of data analytics, strategic resilience, and the importance of valuing team culture and individual contributions.
What You'll Discover:
- How to apply the Moneyball strategy's focus on data analytics and efficiency to business challenges.
- The significance of adopting unconventional wisdom to outmaneuver competition and resource limitations.
- Lessons in creating a culture that prioritizes transparency, engagement, and the collective success of the team.
- The importance of leading and lagging indicators in making informed decisions and predicting outcomes effectively.
Today we dive into "The Hidden Costs of Efficient Systems," where Dave talks about the unintended consequences that can arise from the relentless pursuit of operational excellence. From Boeing's latest safety incidents to the broader implications of quality compromises, employee burnout, technology complications, and the loss of human connection, this episode uncovers the complexities behind efficiency initiatives.
What You'll Discover:
- A critical examination of efficiency's hidden costs, including quality, employee well-being, and technological challenges.
- Insightful analysis of specific cases, such as Boeing's safety incidents, illustrating the potential risks of overly prioritizing efficiency.
- Strategies for maintaining a balanced approach to operational excellence, ensuring that efficiency gains do not come at the expense of essential values and human elements.
Featured Insights:
- An in-depth discussion on the balance between technology adoption and maintaining the human touch in customer service and operations.
- Practical advice for leaders on avoiding tunnel vision and considering the broader impact of efficiency measures on the team and overall business health.
Tune in to gain a better understanding of the relationship between efficiency and its potential costs, and how to navigate these challenges effectively. Whether you're a business leader or an enthusiast for continuous improvement, this episode offers valuable perspectives on fostering a sustainable, efficient, and human-centric operational model.
Catch up on this thought-provoking episode for a deeper dive into making informed decisions that support both your business's growth and its core values.
Today we dive into the future of Continuous Improvement (CI) over the next decade. Explore the evolving landscape of CI as it intersects with emerging technologies, the increasing costs of direct labor, and the continued push towards operational excellence. Dave talks about the pivotal role of human innovation, the challenges of data governance and integrity, and the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the human touch in problem-solving. Join us for a forward-looking talk on preparing your business for the next decade of continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Key Insights:
- Understanding how CI practices will evolve with advancements in technology.
- Analyzing the impact of rising direct labor costs and how automation might reshape the workforce.
- Delving into the challenges of data governance and technology reliability in business operations.
- Emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human creativity and innovation in harnessing technological potential for continuous improvement.
Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of technology integration and human talent to drive your business forward.
We dive into the concept of downtime across various businesses and talk about a structured approach to minimizing it, ensuring your organization's productivity and efficiency are always at their peak.
What You'll Learn:
- The multifaceted nature of downtime, whether in Lean Principles, labor, or machinery, and how each area presents unique challenges and opportunities.
- A clear, straightforward explanation of the 8 wastes in Lean Manufacturing (DOWNTIME acronym) and how they relate to operational efficiency.
- Practical strategies to track, understand, and analyze downtime in your business, setting a solid foundation for improvement.
- A step-by-step approach to ideate, prioritize, measure, and monitor changes, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement.
- Insight into valuable resource for tackling the 8 wastes in Lean Manufacturing, applicable not just in manufacturing but across all service-based businesses.
Whether you're grappling with the nuances of Lean Manufacturing or seeking innovative ways to engage your workforce productively, this episode is your guide to transforming downtime from a challenge into an opportunity for growth. Tune in, and let's embark on a journey to a more efficient, productive, and resilient business model.
We sit down with Jonathan Darling, a seasoned expert in leadership development, to dissect the journey from top sales performer to a compassionate and effective leader. With a focus on the pivotal role of empathy and understanding in leadership, Jonathan shares his profound insights into the transformation that occurs when one leads with love and intention.
What You'll Learn:
- The Challenges of Transitioning from Sales to Leadership: Insights into the common hurdles faced by sales professionals as they move into leadership roles, including the shift from individual achievements to nurturing team success.
- The Crucial Role of Leadership Development: An exploration of why many new sales leaders feel unprepared and the high failure rate within the first two years, underscoring the need for comprehensive training and ongoing development.
- The Power of Leading with Love and Empathy: Jonathan delves into the concept of 'loving tough' and how a balanced approach to leadership can create an environment of growth, support, and genuine care for team members.
- Unveiling Individual Motivators: A look into the importance of understanding what drives each team member, with Jonathan sharing a story that highlights how recognizing and responding to individual needs can lead to significant breakthroughs.
- The Geese Analogy and Team Dynamics: Jonathan introduces the analogy of geese flying in a V formation, drawing parallels to the dynamics of effective leadership in reducing resistance and empowering each team member to lead.
- Balancing Accountability with Encouragement: Discussion on how leaders can maintain a delicate balance between ensuring accountability and offering the necessary encouragement for team members to thrive.
- The True Essence of Leadership: A conversation on how effective leadership goes beyond titles, focusing on the profound impact a leader can have on their team's professional journey by leading with purpose, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift others.
Featured in This Episode:
- Jonathan's Personal Journey: Inspirational anecdotes and personal experiences shared by Jonathan, offering a real-life perspective on the transformative power of empathetic leadership.
- Insights from Leadership Studies: Relevant data and findings that shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the realm of sales leadership.
Whether you're a budding leader in the sales domain or a seasoned executive seeking to refine your leadership approach, this episode provides enlightening perspectives and actionable advice. Join us as we navigate through the nuances of leading with love, empathy, and intention, transforming the traditional sales leadership paradigm into one that fosters growth, support, and genuine connection.
We dive into mental health in the workplace and explore how Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies can play a crucial role in enhancing mental wellness. With a focus on empathetic leadership and effective communication, we reveal how CI is not just a tool for operational efficiency but a transformative approach to cultivating a supportive, resilient, and mentally healthy work environment.
What You'll Learn:
- The current state of mental health in workplaces, backed by recent Gallup survey insights.
- The significant impact of leadership actions on team mental wellness.
- Practical strategies for implementing empathy and active listening in leadership roles.
- Engaging ways to involve teams in CI activities, fostering a sense of value and confidence.
- How CI methodologies can transform mistakes into learning opportunities, reducing workplace stress and anxiety.
Featured in This Episode:
- Insights from the book “Twelve and a Half” by Gary Vaynerchuk, highlighting the importance of simplicity in leadership.
- Personal anecdotes and real-life examples demonstrating the positive impact of CI on mental health.
Whether you're a leader seeking to enhance your team's mental well-being or an employee interested in the intersection of workplace practices and mental health, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice. Join us as we explore how chasing operational excellence through CI can lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace.
In this episode of Everyday Business Problems, join your host, Dave Crysler, as he dives into the "Gold Standard" concept of "Zero Defects" in quality management. We take a closer look at why absolute perfection in operations – whether in product-based or service-oriented industries – might not always be the most feasible or beneficial approach.
- The Myth of Zero Defects: We start by exploring the traditional perspective on Zero Defects and question its practicality and alignment with customer values and cost-effectiveness.
- Balancing Act: Through real-life examples, we discuss the delicate balance between striving for perfection and meeting customer expectations. Discover how over-engineering, while well-intentioned, can lead to increased costs without a corresponding increase in customer satisfaction.
- Customer Perception and Defect Management: Learn how the handling of defects, more so than the defects themselves, can significantly impact customer perception and loyalty. We share insights on empowering teams to effectively address issues and the importance of a quick and empathetic response.
- Final Thoughts: Wrapping up, we emphasize the importance of striking the right balance in quality management, focusing on what customers truly value, and managing defects effectively.
This episode is a must-listen for Operations Leaders, Plant Managers, and anyone interested in refining their approach to quality management and customer satisfaction. Tune in for a blend of real-world stories, expert insights, and practical advice.
Bringing you a series of clips from our most popular episodes based on downloads from 2022. We revisit Leveraging Project Management Resources with Angela Thurman, a solo episode from Dave Crysler on 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis for Manufacturing, and finally Helping business leaders find peace of mind with Deborah Coviello.
Bringing you a series of clips from our most popular episodes based on download from 2022. We revisit a solo episode from Dave Crysler on Process Mapping, Driving Growth through Systems, Leadership, and Culture with Steve Rice, and finally Lean Manufacuting with Sam Goebel.
Bruce Carnohan introduces us to his company Process Cleanup and invites me to join his live stream show. This episode is our conversation from that live stream where we dive into process strategy, execution, and delivery, implementing changes that impact your business, getting the results that we've designed for, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
00:45 - Introduction
02:03 - Power of process around networking
05:15 - Strategy, Execution, Delivery
08:28 - Competition creates collaboration
11:20 - Adapt and adopt
14:25 - Implementing change that impacts your business
20:45 - Doing the hard work
27:47 - Getting the results we designed
31:43 - Introduction to the Community
38:00 - Addressing the knowldege gap
Greg McArthur introduces us to his CNC Machine Shop NTL Industries and shares the stories behind their Quality Management System. We dive into how their quality management system has impacted their growth, how the ISO Certification process has impacted their culture, making additional investments in tools that support their quality management system, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
1:25 - What's a CNC Machine shop all about?
04:32 - How has your quality management system impacted the growth of your company?
10:30 - How has the ISO certification process impacted your culture?
14:50 - Cost of quality concerns leading to additional investments in QMS
18:01 - Has your QMS eliminated a significant number of defects?
23:18 - Was quality always a cornerstone of what you wanted to build?
28:32 - Advice for other manufacturers contemplating an investment in their QMS
30:40 - A decision today does not a permanent one
34:31 - Final thoughts
Julian Roberts introduces us to his executive coaching business where he works with high-performing leaders, athletes and teams with extreme ambitions. Julian is a master at co-creating what may seem to others as impossible, unrealistic goals. We dive into inspiring stories from past clients, the learning loop and other techniques that build your resiliency muscle, setting yourself up a cycle of improvement, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
1:20 - Introduction to Julian's work
4:55 - What does resiliency mean?
10:00 - The learning loop
12:50 - Self reflection techniques
19:50 - Does gratitude play into resiliency?
24:20 - Cycle of self improvement
29:42 - Where did mindfulness and resiliency come from?
35:35 - Final thoughts
We welcome back Emily Wilkins from Marketing Metal, a digital marketing agency for manufacturing job shops. We continue our previous conversation on Marketing Automation by diving into her Stupid Simple Content System, different content models you can leverage, creating content on the platforms your customers are hanging out and that you feel most comfortable, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
01:35 - What’s the idea behind the Stupid Simple Content System?
05:05 - Differences between social platforms
10:20 - Different content models
16:05 - Document don’t create
20:30 - Creating content in a competitive space
23:30 - Stupid Simple Content System Framework
Stupid Simple Content SystemTM - https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ogMqquwx8WQGaLeAxggqLbrcn-o0yQY/view
Emily Wilkins introduces us to her company, Marketing Metal, a digital marketing agency for manufacturing job shops. We dive into marketing automation tools and how they’re perceived, getting back to the basics of marketing before implementing tools, moving from your current state to your future state, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
03:07 - When did the technology take over?
05:45 - Takeaway’s from SAAS marketing
08:30 - Getting back to the basics
13:37 - Automation advantages
23:00 - From current state to future state
36:51 - Final Thoughts
Chris Loken introduces us to Johnson Financial Group where he has been working with employers for more than 20 years creating solutions to provide employee benefits. Chris has developed processes that help employers better understand and get better control of their benefits process. We dive into what employers need to know when it comes to employee benefits, the best way to implement changes, attracting top talent with the benefits you offer, and so much more!
AJ Saunders introduces us to AJS Digital Group, an Search Engine Optimization (SEO) coach and consultant from Bath, UK. We dive into what businesses can do internally vs outsourcing to an expert, the mechanics behind why and how for SEO, resources to help you generate ideas around the topics your ideal customers are searching for, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
01:15 - SEO internally vs engage a professional
09:25 - Mechanics behind the why of SEO
15:21 - Resources available
19:15 - Turning customer case studies into SEO content
25:25 - Content map framework
32:15 - Final thoughts
Show Links:
www.ajsdigitalgroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/ajsdigitalgroup/
Our host, David Crysler, breaks down 5 simple steps to to get senior leadership to not only pay attention to your change initiative but take action to help implement it.
Russ Hedge shares his experience building relationships, a community of connections, and ultimately his business through networking and livestreaming. Russ is a master connector, and recognized top salesperson across multiple industries. Russ shares his perspective of why sales and networking can often be viewed negatively, how to gain visibility even when you don’t feel comfortable putting yourself out there, how to remain positive in the throws of struggle, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
01:25 - Why networking and sales often get viewed negatively
04:25 - Delivering value to people through networking
09:04 - Building community through relationships
17:40 - Getting started with networking and livestreaming
23:15 - Gaining visibility through livestreaming and networking
26:30 - Being open to connecting and getting out there
33:00 - Managing to stay positive when you have tough things thrown at you
39:00 - Final thoughts
Show Links:
https://www.russhedge.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-hedge-18452046/
https://twitter.com/russhedge
https://www.youtube.com/user/greerbros/videos
Our host, David Crysler, breaks down 10 simple steps to create or improve a Quality Management System that will lower the cost of quality in your manufacturing operation.
Dave Meyer shares his story of launching and growing BizzyWeb. A full-service Digital Marketing Agency that Dave founded in 1999. Since then, BizzyWeb has been helping growth stage businesses to attract, engage, and delight their audiences to close more business. We dive into the inspiration behind the BizzyWeb brand, why many businesses struggle to generate inbound traffic, where there is opportunity for great return on investment, and so much more!
Episode Chapters:
01:02 - Introduction
02:25 - Where it all started
06:30 - Why many struggle generating inbound activity
08:59 - How to generate additional inbound activity
23:25 - Identifying missed opportunities in Marketing
35:50 - Maximizing your Return on Investment
40:42 - Final Thoughts
Show Links:
https://www.bizzyweb.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/818890/admin/
Our host, David Crysler breaks down the 6 key business systems operations leaders must create and implement in order to drive growth and operate with excellence. There is bonus 7th system introduced that when implemented will not only impact your culture and profitability but will create a foundation for sustainable success.
Our host, David Crysler breaks down the 6 key business systems operations leaders must create and implement in order to drive growth and operate with excellence. There is bonus 7th system introduced that when implemented will not only impact your culture and profitability but will create a foundation for sustainable success.
Jaime Jay shares his journey of creating systems within his business Bottleneck Distant Assistants. Jaime was forced to test the effectiveness of these systems when he was unexpectedly called away from his business for nearly a month. Jamie shares what he came back to, the lessons he learned, why he sees many other business owners struggle to create systems, how to promote a positive culture, and so much more!
Show Links:
Web: Bottleneck.Online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottleneckdistantassistants/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bottleneckda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottleneckdistantassistants
Jaime on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/
Jaime on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjaimejay/
Bottleneck LinkedIn: bottleneck.online/linkedin
YouTube: bottleneck.online/btv
Episode Chapters:
- 03:06 - What was the unlock to understand the power of systems?
- 11:50 - How do you give trust to your team first?
- 18:51 - Why do you think so many entrepreneurs struggle with systems?
- 32:43 - How to impact your culture with a word of the year
- 35:35 - Final thoughts around systems and culture
Jaime Jay shares his journey of creating systems within his business Bottleneck Distant Assistants. Jaime was forced to test the effectiveness of these systems when he was unexpectedly called away from his business for nearly a month. Jamie shares what he came back to, the lessons he learned, why he sees many other business owners struggle to create systems, how to promote a positive culture, and so much more!
Show Links:
Web: Bottleneck.Online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bottleneckdistantassistants/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bottleneckda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bottleneckdistantassistants
Jaime on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/
Jaime on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjaimejay/
Bottleneck LinkedIn: bottleneck.online/linkedin
YouTube: bottleneck.online/btv
Episode Chapters:
- 03:06 - What was the unlock to understand the power of systems?
- 11:50 - How do you give trust to your team first?
- 18:51 - Why do you think so many entrepreneurs struggle with systems?
- 32:43 - How to impact your culture with a word of the year
- 35:35 - Final thoughts around systems and culture
Our host, David Crysler breaks down 10 simple steps operations leaders can use to improve or create a Preventative Maintenance System that will lower your operating costs and increase your profitability.
Our host, David Crysler breaks down 10 simple steps operations leaders can use to improve or create a Preventative Maintenance System that will lower your operating costs and increase your profitability.
Steve Rice shares several stories relating to driving growth through systemization, leadership, and culture. Steve shares the knowledge he has obtained throughout his 30+ year career working with Manufacturing & CPG companies in various advisory and operational roles. We dive into where to start when you want to drive growth, best practices learned, how to differentiate through sustainability, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefrazierrice/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-globally-conscious-leader/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dotcomjungle/
https://www.dotcomjungle.com/
https://thegloballyconsciousleader.com/
Episode Chapters:
02:35 - Where should you start?
08:55 - What KPI's should be in place?
17:43 - What are some best practices?
29:09 - How does the Globally Conscious Leader fit in?
39:19 - Differentiating through a sustainability strategy
Steve Rice shares several stories relating to driving growth through systemization, leadership, and culture. Steve shares the knowledge he has obtained throughout his 30+ year career working with Manufacturing & CPG companies in various advisory and operational roles. We dive into where to start when you want to drive growth, best practices learned, how to differentiate through sustainability, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefrazierrice/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-globally-conscious-leader/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dotcomjungle/
https://www.dotcomjungle.com/
https://thegloballyconsciousleader.com/
Episode Chapters:
02:35 - Where should you start?
08:55 - What KPI's should be in place?
17:43 - What are some best practices?
29:09 - How does the Globally Conscious Leader fit in?
39:19 - Differentiating through a sustainability strategy
Learn the WHAT, WHY and HOW of a Process Map or Process Flow Chart to unlock the Process Improvement potential in your operation. Our host, David Crysler breaks down Process Mapping into 5 dead-simple steps you can use to improve your processes, reduce your costs, and increase your profitability.
Learn the WHAT, WHY and HOW of a Process Map or Process Flow Chart to unlock the Process Improvement potential in your operation. Our host, David Crysler breaks down Process Mapping into 5 dead-simple steps you can use to improve your processes, reduce your costs, and increase your profitability.
Angela Thurman shares her perspective on how project management fits into the operational infrastructure of a business. Angela is a certified Project Management Professional and owner of Thurman Co, a management consulting business that helps companies manage complex projects. We dive into where project management belongs, how companies can leverage a project management resource, the value of a certified PMP, and so much more!
Show Links:
- Company Website: https://thurmanco.com
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/79782654/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074876823768
Episode Chapters:
- 01:02 - When it comes to project management, where does it belong?
- 03:20 - Drawing a hard line of where to use a Project Management resource
- 10:15 - How can companies leverage a Project Management resource
- 15:45 - Utilizing the right resource at the right time
- 21:07 - The value of a Project Management Professional (PMP)
- 26:25 - Final Thoughts
Angela Thurman shares her perspective on how project management fits into the operational infrastructure of a business. Angela is a certified Project Management Professional and owner of Thurman Co, a management consulting business that helps companies manage complex projects. We dive into where project management belongs, how companies can leverage a project management resource, the value of a certified PMP, and so much more!
Show Links:
- Company Website: https://thurmanco.com
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/79782654/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074876823768
Episode Chapters:
- 01:02 - When it comes to project management, where does it belong?
- 03:20 - Drawing a hard line of where to use a Project Management resource
- 10:15 - How can companies leverage a Project Management resource
- 15:45 - Utilizing the right resource at the right time
- 21:07 - The value of a Project Management Professional (PMP)
- 26:25 - Final Thoughts
This week, our host, David Crysler breaks down the 5 Why Root Cause Analysis tool into 5 dead-simple steps you can use to reduce your defects and lower your cost of quality. He covers the 3 most common failure points you'll encounter, as well as walking through a real life example.
This week, our host, David Crysler breaks down the 5 Why Root Cause Analysis tool into 5 dead-simple steps you can use to reduce your defects and lower your cost of quality. He covers the 3 most common failure points you'll encounter, as well as walking through a real life example.
Sam Goebel shares his journey of lessons learned while implementing Lean Manufacturing throughout his career. Sam is currently the General Manager with GCI Engineered Solutions which is a manufacturing company that creates custom material handling and torque reaction systems for some of the biggest brands in the world. We dive into the inspiration behind his journey, getting some quick wins, visiting the Toyota facility in Japan, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goebel-91472b12/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/9266315
https://www.youtube.com/c/GCILift
https://www.gcilift.com/
Timeline:
- 01:25 - What got you interested in Lean Manufacturing?
- 04:44 - What was your journey like?
- 08:59 - How long did it take to get traction?
- 10:05 - What’s your process like?
- 15:15 - What was it like seeing Lean first hand in Japan?
- 22:55 - How has technology impacted your journey?
- 27:30 - What projects are you currently working on?
- 32:00 - Final Thoughts
Sam Goebel shares his journey of lessons learned while implementing Lean Manufacturing throughout his career. Sam is currently the General Manager with GCI Engineered Solutions which is a manufacturing company that creates custom material handling and torque reaction systems for some of the biggest brands in the world. We dive into the inspiration behind his journey, getting some quick wins, visiting the Toyota facility in Japan, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goebel-91472b12/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/9266315
https://www.youtube.com/c/GCILift
https://www.gcilift.com/
Timeline:
- 01:25 - What got you interested in Lean Manufacturing?
- 04:44 - What was your journey like?
- 08:59 - How long did it take to get traction?
- 10:05 - What’s your process like?
- 15:15 - What was it like seeing Lean first hand in Japan?
- 22:55 - How has technology impacted your journey?
- 27:30 - What projects are you currently working on?
- 32:00 - Final Thoughts
Deb Coviello The Drop in CEO™ introduces us to her businesses Illumination Partners where she helps CEO's who are navigating change. In addition to being a trusted advisor, Deb is an author and podcast host. We dive into the inspiration behind her new book The CEO's Compass, the 7 points on The CEO's Compass, when to ask for help as a leader, giving better feedback to your team, and so much more!
Show Links:
Website: https://www.dropinceo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/
The CEO’s Compass: https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompass
Drop in CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drop-in-ceo/id1498953914?ls=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminationPartnersLLC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DropinCEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropinceo
00:00 - Intro to Deb Coviello The Drop in CEO™
02:20 - Inspiration behind The CEO's Compass
04:45 - The 7 Compass Points
20:55 - When to ask for help as a leader
28:05 - Giving better feedback to your team
Ryan has spent more than 25 years on both sides of the supply chain and supplier sales relationship. After cutting his teeth at Magna International, he moved on to build a supply chain for an industrial robotics start-up, and is now solely focused on sales development and relationship building for B2B companies with his consulting business Tri-Peak Solutions. We dive into best practices for leveraging partnerships and building relationships, sales processes that strengthen B2B relationships, how to avoid killing relationships, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwicklum/
Ken introduces us to his businesses Hatch Quantified where he helps organizations transform cost efficiently by correlating digital investment to financial KPI's. We dive into businesses that are leading digital transformation initiatives, why businesses are slow to adopt digital transformation, how AI fits into these digital transformation initiatives, and so much more!
Show Links:
www.HATCHquantified.com
www.linkedin.com/in/kennovak
Greg introduces us to his business Winbound. Greg and his team provide content marketing in manufacturing and industrial verticals using their digital twin methodology. We dive into what the digital twin methodology is all about, how it gets implemented, how your customers journey fits into the strategy, and so much more!
Show Links:
https://winbound.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmischio/
Jim introduces us to SourceDay where he is the Enterprise Sales Director. Jim has helped hundreds of manufacturing companies improve operational efficiency and drive positive outcomes for more than 30 years. We dive into supply chain challenges due to COVID, KPI's that matter most, key factors that impact your supply chain, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://sourceday.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-frye-sourceday/
Eduardo has spent more than two decades working for Cummins, Inc where he was a leader in supply chain and manufacturing. We dive into circular manufacturing, supply chain management complexities, ESG or Environmental, Social, and Governance impact issues, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-martinez-67b4477/
This podcast episode will help you understand disaster recovery and continuity planning for your business, why it's important, how you can get started, and so much more! Each episode is a deep-dive into the story of business owners, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and industry experts. We strive to understand the person, the business, the challenges they've overcome, and the challenges they still face. You'll here real talk, valuable insights, and inspiration to grow your business! Show Links: https://thecrysler.club
Angela introduces us to her management consulting business Thurman Co where they help companies manage complex projects. We dive into the biggest challenges in complex project management, how to assess supplier risks, why and when it's appropriate to engage a project management professional, and so much more.
00:00 - Intro Angela Thurman
01:13 - What is project management?
05:15 - What are the biggest challenges?
11:35 - What are the risks?
19:40 - Current projects being managed
24:15 - When should you engage a project management professional?
29:50 - What to look out for when you have a project to manage
Show Links:
https://thurmanco.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/79782654/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074876823768
Damon introduces us to his company Exit Your Way where they help private business owners build valuable businesses that people want to buy. We dive into value based vs lifestyle business, when you should realistically think about an exit strategy or succession strategy, what most business owners get wrong in the process, and so much more.
00:00 - Intro Damon Pistulka
01:24 - Value based vs. lifestyle business
06:23 - When should you think about an exit?
09:20 - Business systems that help you grow
16:25 - What do people get wrong?
21:15 - How the market values your business
28:30 - Best way to get started
Show Links:
https://exityourway.us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonpistulka/
Lori introduces us to her company Keystone Click which is a strategic digital marketing agency. We dive into how you can understand and improve your customers buying journey, the tools you can deploy throughout that process, what most businesses get wrong when they try to improve the customer journey, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://www.keystoneclick.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihighby/
https://www.youtube.com/keystoneclick
https://www.facebook.com/keystoneclick
Greg introduces us to his company Eco Friendly Printer. Greg and his team help take sustainability to the next level for their clients printing needs. We dive into how being an eco-friendly printer is more than just marketing jargon, supply chain and client issues that many printers face, supporting mental health awareness though his charitable initiative Neils Wheels NY, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://www.ecofriendlyprinter.com/
http://www.neilswheelsny.com/
Jeff introduces us to his company True Focus Media. Jeff and his team help industrial manufacturers increase engagement and exposure to drive revenue growth through digital strategy and video content creation. We dive into what drew Jeff into wanting to specifically help manufacturers, why manufacturers should be focused on creating and executing a content marketing strategy, old school vs new school of thought when it comes to marketing, how Jeff and team deliver results through their video value bomb service, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://videovaluebombs.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdlong/
David is a thriving entrepreneur, podcaster and speaker. He helps high achieving professionals who have had a late career job loss build their consulting or coaching business so they can do what they love and get paid what they're worth consistently. We dive into his journey of becoming an entrepreneur, the feelings people encounter and time it takes to work through them as they transition from job loss to entrepreneur, defining success once you strike out on your own, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://smashingtheplateau.com/
Sam introduces us to his business, ElevatIQ, and his community, WBSRocks, where he provides thought leadership in the digital transformation space primarily focused on financial systems and ERP. Sam shares his story of leading large transformation initiatives for fortune 500 companies. We dive into how he was able to use systems within his own business, how to get started with processes and systems, how systems can impact and influence your culture, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://www.elevatiq.com/
https://wbs.rocks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/
https://twitter.com/Samguptausa
https://www.youtube.com/c/ElevatIQ
https://twitter.com/ElevatIq
https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevatiq
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wbsrocks
Kevin introduces us to his business Strategic Alliance Network where he helps business owners plan their exit. Kevin shares his story of helping owners view their business through a buyers perspective. We dive into how spending too much time working in your business can impact the overall value, the differences between lifestyle and value-based businesses, how to ask yourself the tough questions to impact the business value, and so much more.
Show Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpendergest/
Dan introduces us to his business The Antipreneur and his newest offering called 1 Minute Media. His company is focused on helping business owners and intrapreneurs create video content that converts. Dan shares his story of success and setbacks. We dive into losing everything in 8 days during COVID, creating the mental space needed to rebound, launching 1 Minute Media to show people how use storytelling on video as the mechanism to get your audience to know, like, and trust you, and so much more. Links: https://imtheantipreneur.com/linkstack/ Free Story Spine Tool: https://imtheantipreneur.com/storyspine/
Kevin introduces us to KS Outdoor Lighting, a landscape lighting business he founded 3 years ago. Kevin shares his story of how he turned a life long passion for creativity into a booming business. We dive into the early days that were filled with fear and doubt, recognizing opportunities to bring on strategic partnerships, surrounding yourself with the best people, and so much more.
Kevin's LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinswango2003/
Company Website
https://ksoutdoorlighting.us/
Logan helps CPG brands 10x their shelf appeal through his work as a packaging sales professional. Logan shares his story of how networking lead to him playing college football and his career in print manufacturing. We dive into networking effectively on social platforms like LinkedIn, defining individual success, how to provide more value by introducing video in your sales process, and so much more.
Logan's LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-massop-a95a09103/
Company Website
https://www.mcclabel.com/en/home-care-laundry
It's half way through the year for most businesses unless you've elected to run on a fiscal year. For this episode Dave walks us through the Business Quarterly Review that is used by members of the Crysler Club. These questions are meant to get you thinking about all of the key aspects of your business and will keep these items at the top of your mind as you head into the 2nd half of the year.
Show Links:
https://thecrysler.club
Stephanie and Tom own and operate Thomas Brennan Fraser Law Firm. They became of one the earliest Founding Members of E4K. Stephanie and Tom talk to us about why E4K interested them and what makes it different from other charities they have supported throughout the years. Stephanie and Tom have made it their mission to give back by supporting people in various ways throughout their lives.
Entrepreneurs 4 Kids is a Children's Foundation initiative dedicated to helping the next generation understand and practice entrepreneurship.
Kees Groenewegen joins Dave Crysler as co-host of this special series highlighting E4K.
Give Merit, founder of the FATE program, was created to help Detroit youth graduate and receive college scholarships. The FATE program is about helping young people aspire, believe, and contribute.
The partnership between E4K and FATE will provide a unique experience for E4K members and unique opportunities for FATE students.
Show Links:
https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/e4k
https://thecrysler.club/e4k
https://givemerit.org
https://meritgoodness.com
Dave revisits his conversation from season 1 with Eric Sanders of the Schaller Group. Dave adds some context and highlights his favorite takeaway's from each of the 3 key segments from this episode.
Roger shares his story of developing and launching his newest business, SenseCheck. This business was developed out of Roger's need for testing his own marketing while building his first business. We also dive into building a successful, scalable, and sellable business by finding, hiring and engaging the right people. Roger shares the lesson of never investing or building a business where you're too in love with the product. And lastly the importance of testing and listening to what people are wanting and willing to pay for while building your business.
Show Links:
https://sensecheck.com/
https://thecrysler.club/
Eileen introduces us to the business that she founded with her sister to help caretakers find professional services for people in their care. They started their business 15 years ago but have recently shifted their focus to growing their business through social media marketing. We walk through the strategy and tactics you can use to grow your business through organic marketing efforts.
Show Links:
https://www.helpgenies.com/
https://thecrysler.club/
Dave walks you through the 2 categories of KPIs that will help you improve and grow your business. Starting off with the category that most business owners and entrepreneurs are used to looking at which is the "what's already happened" category. Next he dives into the "what's going to happen" category and gives you a few KPIs ideas that you can implement today to get a handle on what's happening now to drive your business forward.
Show Links:
To access the Business Quarterly Review - dave@thecryslerclub.com
https://thecrysler.club
Nafis introduces us to Copy Davis, the company he founded to help coaches, consultants, and course creators with their email strategy. We talk through his entrepreneurial journey starting off with a photography business, the gap in leadership during his previous work that lead to his transition into entrepreneurship, and making sure that you find your happiness during your journey. We wrap up by diving into his current challenge of creating a lower cost offering to expand his client base.
Show Links:
https://copydavis.com/
https://thecrysler.club/
Becca shares her story of launching and growing her mobile detailing business, High End Detail. We start off talking about being resourceful when you're an entrepreneur, the importance of having a solid support system, and learning by failing forward. We tackle her current challenge of finding her dream customers and creative ways to scale a local service business.
Show links:
https://thecrysler.club
https://www.facebook.com/HighEndDetailNJ
Michigan Central Train Station will be a hub of innovation and automation in the heart of Detroit. We had the honor of hosting a conversation with Mary Culler, President of the Ford Motor Company Fund, and the woman in charge of the Michigan Central Station project here in Detroit. Mary was joined by co-moderators Beth Ardisana, Owner of ASG Renaissance, and Christian Jones, FATE alumni and college freshman.
This was our first of four Speaker Series events planned for 2021.
Entrepreneurs 4 Kids is a Children's Foundation initiative dedicated to helping the next generation understand and practice entrepreneurship.
Kees Groenewegen joins Dave Crysler as co-host of this special series highlighting E4K.
Give Merit, founder of the FATE program, was created to help Detroit youth graduate and receive college scholarships. The FATE program is about helping young people aspire, believe, and contribute.
The partnership between E4K and FATE will provide a unique experience for E4K members and unique opportunities for FATE students.
Show Links:
https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/e4k
https://thecrysler.club/e4k
https://givemerit.org
https://meritgoodness.com
Lynne introduces us to Ferris Wheel People Experience Agency which is a company she founded after losing her job early on in the pandemic. We dive into the importance of company culture, her people and profit hashtag, why leaders struggle engaging employees, and what you can do to improve your company culture using her 4-part framework.
Show links:
https://fwpxa.com/
This week we are featuring 3 business owners that we previously had on the podcast. We share their current challenge and give them a few ideas on how to solve those challenges.
First up we have Kristen Prater of 9 to 5 Office. Kristen is challenged with scaling her business and making the shift from operator to owner. Next us is Matt Seltzer of S2 Research. Matt's challenge is educating his ideal client through his website and marketing efforts. Finally, Angela Penton of Open Field Process Improvement shares her challenge of staying focused and beating overwhelm with all of the free educational resources that are available to us as business owners and entrepreneurs.
Paul shares his story of starting out innovating and winning top sales awards during his tenure at Coca-Cola to launching and sclaing his own sales mentoring business. We dive into why small businesses fail to scale, the importance of LinkedIn in the B2B space, as well as how to provide value during your prospecting and sales processes to land more deals.
Show links:
https://paulhigginsmentoring.com/
Nakija shares the story of starting out creating edible arrangements as a side hustle several years ago. Due to some personal reasons, Nakija stepped away completely. It wasn't until years later when a new friend was looking for a place to order chocolate covered strawberries that her passion was reignited. Very quickly orders started to come in and Lekker Choco Treats was in business. We talk about lessons learned along the way and overcoming the obstacles of turning your passion into a business.
https://lekkerchocotreats.com/
Steve is a Metro Detroit based entrepreneur and the president of Gunn Enterprises; a holding company for several entities including Wash Pointe Car Wash and Vertical8 Funding.
Steve's ongoing commitment to giving through their penny power program was the inspiration behind the formation of E4K. Steve gives his perspective of the transformational vs transactional relationship between the Children's Foundation and E4K members. We extend a special invitation to our first special event in April.
Entrepreneurs 4 Kids is a Children's Foundation initiative dedicated to helping the next generation understand and practice entrepreneurship.
Kees Groenewegen joins Dave Crysler as co-host of this special series highlighting E4K.
Give Merit was created to help Detroit youth graduate and receive college scholarships. The FATE program is about helping young people aspire, believe, and contribute.
The partnership between E4K and FATE will provide a unique experience for E4K members and unique opportunities for FATE students.
Show Links:
https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/e4k
https://thecrysler.club/e4k
https://givemerit.org
https://meritgoodness.com
Margo introduces us to her namesake business Margo Masri Accounting & CFO Solutions. We dive into getting comfortable understanding your businesses financial picture, not solely relying on anyone to tell you about what's going on with your business...not even your accountant, and finally the importance of patience, following a plan, and taking responsibility within your business.
Show links:
https://mmaccounting.consulting/bookkeeping-starter-kit
Clay introduces us to Point Blank, a company he founded that is focused on helping you clarify your message via explainer videos. We talk about why entrepreneurs struggle to clearly say how they help their ideal clients, unique prospecting techniques to reach your ideal clients, and how storytelling bridges the gap between your what's in your head and heart.
Show links:
https://www.ptblank.co/
"If we were closer to the issue, there would be less complaining" -David Merritt
In this episode we take a deeper dive into Give Merit and the FATE program.
Entrepreneurs 4 Kids is a Children's Foundation initiative dedicated to helping the next generation understand and practice entrepreneurship.
Kees Groenewegen joins Dave Crysler as co-host of this special series highlighting E4K.
Give Merit was created to help Detroit youth graduate and receive college scholarships. The FATE program is about helping young people aspire, believe, and contribute.
The partnership between E4K and FATE will provide a unique experience for E4K members and unique opportunities for FATE students.
Show Links:
https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/e4k
https://thecrysler.club/e4k
https://givemerit.org
https://meritgoodness.com
Barb introduces us to Built By A Girl, a residential renovation and repair business that she founded. We talk about celebrating women owned businesses, leaving the security of a career to start her entrepreneurial journey, and starting off with a set of skills but needing to learn how to improve and grow a business. Dave gives Barb a few ideas on how to tackle her current challenge of time management within her business.
Show links:
http://www.builtbyagirlllc.com/
John introduces us to Local SEO Search, a company he founded after spending his early career working for Yellow Pages. We talk about taking on SEO internally vs outsourcing, lessons learned as an entrepreneur, and tips to help you connect with your customers to sell more products/services.
Show Links:
https://www.localseosearch.ca/
https://thecrysler.club/
Entrepreneurs 4 Kids is a Children's Foundation initiative dedicated to helping the next generation understand and practice entrepreneurship.
Kees Groenewegen joins Dave Crysler as co-host of this special series highlighting E4K.
We kick off the series with Doug Ferrick who is the Chief Development Officer at the Children's Foundation. Doug shares his story of what lead him to the non-profit sector in Detroit, how the idea for E4K was born out of a car wash, and introduces us to Give Merit's FATE program.
Give Merit was created to help Detroit youth graduate and receive college scholarships. The FATE program is about helping young people aspire, believe, and contribute.
The partnership between E4K and FATE will provide a unique experience for E4K members and unique opportunities for FATE students.
Show Links:
https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/e4k/
https://givemerit.org/
Jodi introduces us to CutiePETootie and shares her current challenge of competing with larger e-commerce retailers and keeping her customers engaged throughout the sales process. We also talk about her life long passion for animal welfare, becoming an entrepreneur later in life, and hard lessons learned being a solo-entrepreneur.
Shop Link: https://www.cutiepetootie.shop/
Josh introduces us to Kifer Media Group and shares his current challenge of retaining clients due to them deciding they're now self-sufficient. We talk about growing up in an entrepreneurial family, exploring different businesses throughout his journey, and generating brand awareness through different social media channels.
Sudeep shares Agicent's current challenge of expanding its app development business by hiring a team of people based in the United States. They have been servicing businesses in the US since it's inception from their HQ located in India. We talk about the importance of outbound sales efforts, investing in your company through building out your team, and the process of developing the apps that we are so accustomed to using in our daily lives.
Tara shares her story of entrepreneurship by opening her first Kwench Juice Cafe franchise location. We talk about the importance of including her family in the business, how the pandemic has impacted her business, and her future entrepreneurial aspirations. We close by talking about her current challenge of understanding her financials and creating a sales and marketing plan.
Josh introduces us to his full service creative agency Recon Media. We talk about the impact that the pandemic has had on social strategies, his early draw to entrepreneurship, and comparing your journey to others. We wrap up with ways you can balance sales and client work in your small business.
Hinly talks about how copywriting or using the right words can help you sell more products and services. We talk about copy being the backbone of your brand message, what the process is like to end up with copy that converts, and making sure you have empathy for your customers that comes across in your copy. We address his current challenge of differentiating from the competition and avoiding imposter syndrome.
Amber introduces us to NFC or near field communication through the founding of her business Infotags Technologies. We talk about how businesses can leverage this technology, her history of generating business ideas, and wanting to build a business that makes her employees a priority. We address her current challenge of being a startup solo-entrepreneur.
Josh uses a hacker's perspective to help protect your digital information through the founding of his cybersecurity company Green Knight Digital. We talk about the importance of cybersecurity training, how hacker's use a 3 step method to attack, and his journey of finding this passion. We address his current challenge of getting clients before they really need his services.
Keith introduces us to a new way of leveraging technology to match job seekers with companies who are hiring through his company Skill Stadium. We talk about people wanting a real connection during the application process, highlighting skilled trade professionals through their day in the life videos, and being responsible while building your visible social profile across social platforms. We address his current challenge of scaling his company and platform across the country.
Curt gives us insight into protecting the intellectual property assets of your business through the founding of his legal service business. We talk about ways to engage professionals without breaking the bank, getting organized and established the proper way right from the start, and how investing in professionals upfront can save you a ton of money in the long run. We address his current challenge of improving his skills to operate and ultimately differentiate himself to grow his business.
William shares his vision for supporting the Latino entrepreneurial community through his web design/development and marketing services company. We talk about his sports broadcasting background, his travels to learn and become fluent in Spanish, and how social media impacts people's expectations of entrepreneurship. We address his current challenge of moving forward with 2 distinct offerings and growing his business.
Angela shares her story of looking for process improvement opportunities while starting in the skilled trades to studying industrial engineering on her path to founding Open Field Process Improvement. We talk about how people fit into process improvement efforts, starting her business just before the pandemic, and investing in your business for the things you're not an expert in. We address her current challenge of staying focused and moving forward when there are so many resources available.
Matt shares his story of recognizing a need in the market and taking a leap of faith to found his Market Research Company. We talk about marketing your business during COVID, how things don't always go to plan, and waking up everyday being excited to be doing what he is fulfilled by. We also address his current challenge of educating his potential clients on how his services can solve their problems.
Kristen shares her goal of growing her business and working with her family through the founding of her Virtual Assistant Agency. We touch on launching and running a business during COVID, mental health, and not winning business at all costs. We also address her current challenge of working on her business through their processes.
Chloe shares her love for all things small business through the founding of her Digital Marketing Agency. We touch on SEO, engaging with your audience, and creating content. We also address her current challenge of standing out in a sea of competitors.
Dave talks with Eric Sanders of the Schaller Group to get his perspective on how culture plays a role in the success of these and how you can use them within your company to improve.
When you own or lead a business, waste, and inefficiency can be hard to spot. What’s it look like? Where do you find it? Most importantly, how do you eliminate it? The reason something so simple can be so difficult is that waste and inefficiency come in so many forms. In this episode, Dave introduces 8 categories of waste that will help you find it and give you practical advice on what tools you can use to start eliminating it.
Continuous Improvement Engineer, Diana Branch, joins Dave Crysler on this episode to discuss the importance of company culture, how culture impacts continuous improvement, and what you can do to improve the culture within your company.
Dave Crysler discusses your company's culture; how it impacts continuous improvement and growth as well as what you can do to improve it.
Broker and Owner of ReMax First, Scott Zemens joins Dave Crysler to discuss operating a business while being deemed non-essential by the state of Michigan.
A lot of people use these terms interchangeably, but they are actually different and each serves a unique purpose to help you grow your business.
Dave introduces you to the Crysler Club, talks about sales not solving problems, focusing on your operations and gives you a tip to implement today to have better engagement with your team.