Quality Time With MoreSteam

Have you ever been to a tailgate party hosted by a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt? In this episode, Ken Robinette talks about the leanest tailgate party on the banks of the Olentangy. Ken is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a former high school quarterback, and the Vice President for Business Development at MoreSteam. It's not just tailgating in this episode. Ken and Dan also talk about leadership, coaching, and seeking out the influencers within an organization. Fire up the grill! Grab a drink! And enjoy some Quality Time with MoreSteam. In this episode you will hear about: 0:41 - Ken's high school football career and lessons in leadership 4:09 - Aerospace engineering at Kent State University 5:53 - Ken's first exposure to the quality world 8:26 - When it all came together for Ken 13:21 - Informal leaders and influencers 15:06 - The certification process: combining Lean and Six Sigma 21:53 - Coaching and helping others succeed 24:24 - Ken's role as a coach at the Center For Operational Excellence 27:38 - Lean Six Sigma tailgate parties Additional Resources Ken Robinette on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube iHeart

Once again, the timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan one of the most fascinating people in the Lean space? In this episode, Alan and Dan talk about Alan's introduction to Lean, using Lean in businesses of all sizes, including small businesses, and Alan's work teaching Lean principles to children. In this episode you will hear about: 0:54 - Using Lean principles in a small business 6:30 - The importance of good customer service 9:04 - Teaching Lean principles and concepts to children 11:57 - Introduction to Lean summer camp 13:42 - The operational definition of clean 19:19 - Identifying a pipeline of leaders 20:38 - Children as natural problem-solvers 24:24 - Experiences after the introduction to Lean camp Additional Resources Alan Goodman on LinkedIn A Goodman's Desserts Developing the Next Generation of Lean Problem Solvers MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

The timing is perfect for the latest Quality Time with MoreSteam. On this episode, Alan Goodman joins the podcast. Alan is the Instructional Chair for Quality Engineering & Technology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a consultant and public speaker, and an award-winning baker. What makes Alan one of the most fascinating people in the Lean space? In this episode, you will learn about Alan's connection to two of the most iconic movies of all time, Alan's role in a world championship season for the Milwaukee Bucks, and what started Alan on the path to lean. As Alan demonstrates, you can apply Lean principles to a business of any size. And sometimes, the results are delicious! In this episode you will hear about: 1:32 - Alan's participation in Rocky II 4:55 - Alan's educational background 9:35 - Working at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange 14:09 - Thinking about process improvement 16:17 - Starting A Goodman's Desserts 21:55 - Alan's association with the Milwauke Bucks 26:47 - The road to the championship 29:34 - Continuing to build A Goodman's Desserts Additional Resources Alan Goodman on LinkedIn A Goodman's Desserts Developing the Next Generation of Lean Problem Solvers MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Get more curious and creative! Manufacturing engineer and podcaster Shawn Washburn joins Dan on this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam. In the "About" section of his LinkedIn profile, Shawn describes himself like this: "A manufacturing engineer with over 25 years experience in manufacturing, from product to design to manufacturing improvements. Well versed in Lean Manufacturing concepts and looking for ways to eliminate waste in all of its forms. Excellent communicator who strives to connect and communicate in visual and effective ways. Excellent problem-solver, utilizing root cause analysis skills and leveraging knowledge of the team involved." Shawn and Dan talk about creating a Lean culture, using the concepts of continuous improvement, building relationships, and becoming more curious. As Shawn says, "You don't have to be born curious. You can become more curious. You can ask better questions." In this episode you'll hear about: 2:31 - Shawn's podcast 4:51 - What a mechanical engineer does 6:14 - Shawn's introduction to Lean 8:10 - Using Lean principles at work 9:44 - Poka-Yoke 12:21 - Improving a current process 15:55 - The importance of relationships in Lean 17:16 - Having the entire organization on board 19:28 - Creating a new process 22:08 - Miscommunication as a source of waste 24:54 - Using Lean priciples outside of work 26:54 - Creativity in engineering and Lean 33:05 - Becoming more curious Additional Resources Engineering Your Business Podcast Shawn Washburn on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Harnessing Process Modeling for Lean Transformations Process Modeling Fuels Operational Excellence in High-Stakes Industry Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

WOW, what a difference! In this episode, Alan Payne joins the show to talk about the rise and fall of Blockbuster Video. Alan was one of the most successful franchisees in Blockbuster history. He literally wrote the book on Blockbuster -- Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust, which was released in 2021. Alan and Dan discuss the history of the video business, inventory management, new releases versus older movies, and other aspects of the Blockbuster story. Throughout the conversation, you will recognize many concepts and principles from the world of process improvement and operational excellence. And don't worry. You can listen to the show anytime you want! There won't be any late fees. In this episode you'll hear about: 1:14 - The transition from VHS to DVD 6:00 - The retail price of DVD as opposed to VHS 8:06 - Opening a video store across the street from a Blockbuster 10:30 - The video-rental industry and customer data 12:43 - The early days of Netflix 18:52 - Redbox and the kiosk rental business 22:13 - The Last Blockbuster 23:55 - Closing stores and Blockbuster nostalgia 26:47 - What Alan is doing now Additional Resources Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust by Alan Payne Alan Payne on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

WOW, what a difference! In this episode, Alan Payne joins the show to talk about the rise and fall of Blockbuster Video. Alan was one of the most successful franchisees in Blockbuster history. He literally wrote the book on Blockbuster -- Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust, which was released in 2021. Alan and Dan discuss the history of the video business, inventory management, new releases versus older movies, and other aspects of the Blockbuster story. Throughout the conversation, you will recognize many concepts and principles from the world of process improvement and operational excellence. And don't worry. You can listen to the show anytime you want! There won't be any late fees. In this episode you'll hear about: 2:05 - Concepts and principles from process improvement and operational excellence 4:56 - Alan's start in the grocery business 8:06 - Opening a video store across the street from a Blockbuster 10:19 - Keeping new releases in stock 14:09 - Alan moves to Blockbuster 17:07 - Analyzing the data at Alan's Blockbuster stores 21:15 - Inventory Management at Blockbuster 24:19 - The growth of Blockbuster 28:33 - What people wanted at a video store 31:57 - Voice of the Customer Additional Resources Built to Fail: The Inside Story of Blockbuster's Inevitable Bust by Alan Payne Alan Payne on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Webinar: Mastering Destructive Gauge R&R MoreSteam's YouTube Channel Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Become a force of nature! In this episode, Rich "Raz" Razgaitis joins the show. Raz is the co-founder and CEO of FloWater. On multiple occasions, Inc. Magazine has recognized FloWater as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. In addition to FloWater, Raz has guided multiple startups companies to rapid growth. Raz and Dan talk about the keys to growing a business, Raz's thoughts on leading a team, and the work required to be a successful entrepreneuer. In this episode you'll hear about: 4:00 - About FloWater 6:16 - Working at large companies as opposed to working at startups 9:01 - Growing a company 11:46 - Building a team 14:19 - The challenges that come with growth 17:18 - Fair balance 20:37 - The beginning of FloWater 22:47 - Highlights and victories 27:03 - Growing pains and hurdles 34:18 - Work-life balance as an entrepreneur Additional Resources "Raz" (Rich) Razgaitis on LinkedIn FloWater FloWater on LinkedIn MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Webinar: Exploring the Convergence of CI Frameworks and Agile Methods The Power of 7 Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube

Improve your processes by making work visual!! In this episode, Peg Pennington joins the show. Peg is the president of MoreSteam and a member of the board of directors of the Lean Enterprise Institute. Before joining MoreSteam, Peg was the Executive Director of the Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University. Peg and Dan talk about root cause analysis, Peg's background before joining MoreSteam, and the learning that happens outside of your comfort zone. Time Stamps 1:08 - Making work visual 4:25 - Root cause analysis 8:14 - Peg's time at Ohio State 13:47 - The Center for Operational Excellence 18:04 - MoreSteam's work with Mercy Ships 21:58 - The future of work 24:01 - The learning that happens outside of your comfort zone 28:21 - The importance of being a mentor Links MoreSteam's Website Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter MoreSteam on LinkedIn Peg Pennington on LinkedIn A Voyage of Continuous Improvement: Transforming Operations at Mercy Ships

Episode 1 of Quality Time with MoreSteam arrives Tuesday, April 2. After that, look for new episodes every other Tuesday at moresteam.com.