The Allied Advisors Podcast

Justin Goethe
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The Allied Advisors Podcast is designed for mid-market manufacturers looking to scale and sharpen their competitive edge. Each episode features in-depth conversations with lean manufacturing experts and top-performing manufacturing executives who share proven strategies, hard-earned lessons, and real-world success stories. Our goal is simple: every listener walks away with practical insights they can apply immediately to drive growth, improve efficiency, and lead their teams more effectively.

Episodes

  1. DEC 17

    Eliminate Stockouts: How ARDA Is Rebuilding Manufacturing From the Card Up

    Show Notes: The Allied Advisors Podcast — ARDA EpisodeGuests: Kyle Henson, Co-Founder & CEO, ARDAUriel Eisen, President & Co-Founder, ARDA (Forbes 30 Under 30)Hosted by: Justin Goethe, Allied Advisors Episode Overview In this episode, Justin sits down with two of manufacturing's fastest-rising innovators, Kyle Henson and Uriel Eisen, the founders of ARDA—the software platform redefining Kanban, replenishment, and material flow for modern factories. ARDA recently won Best New Product of the Year at The Assembly Show, and after this conversation, it’s easy to understand why. Kyle and Uriel break down how broken information flow—not labor, not layout, not even equipment—is the root cause behind most operational issues. Their solution: a remarkably simple but powerful way to automate Kanban, eliminate stockouts, and boost throughput using physical cards, dynamic sizing, and AI-driven replenishment. If you’ve ever battled material shortages, overstuffed supermarkets, lost Kanban cards, or ERP systems that promise clarity but deliver chaos—this is the episode for you. What We Cover 1. The “Broken Information Flow” Crisis in Manufacturing Kyle explains why traditional ERPs and MRP forecasting models consistently fail on the shop floor—and how ARDA tackles the root problem by marrying physical cards with digital intelligence. 2. How ARDA Automates the Entire Kanban Lifecycle Uriel walks through ARDA’s full stack of capabilities: Automated Kanban sizingAI-driven minimum quantity adjustments as throughput changesDigital ordering and scan-triggered replenishmentLost-card detectionFull historical usage trackingIntegration with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite… AS/400 if you dare)Justin notes the pain of doing this manually with Excel, BarTender, Label Matrix, and disconnected scan systems—and how ARDA replaces all of it in one platform. 3. Making Kanban “So Easy, You Want to Do It” A guiding principle in ARDA’s development: “Record keeping should be the happy accident of an otherwise productive process.” By attaching useful actions to the scan itself (ordering, printing, triggering the next step), ARDA increases scan compliance without administrative policing. Incentives create behavior. 4. One-Way Kanbans, RFID, and Real-World Chaos Justin shares war stories implementing RFID replenishment: Route runners scanning eight cards at onceLines waiting for RFID lightsInfinite reprintingInventory corruptionThe conclusion: incentives beat instructions. ARDA’s system is built entirely around this idea. 5. AI-Driven Dynamic Resizing & Value-Stream Connectivity Perhaps the most groundbreaking part of ARDA: The system learns which Kanbans relate to each other by analyzing velocity patternsARDA automatically resizes supermarkets when mix or volumes changeIf upstream suppliers also use ARDA, Kanban signals can flow between companiesThe result: true consumption-based pull across the entire supply chain, not just inside one plant. 6. Why Sequencing Fails (and Lean Pull Wins) Justin and the ARDA team break down why sequencing—still widely used in automotive—is a ticking time bomb: Scheduling is inherently unstableUpstream disruptions break downstream kitsChaos forces rework, relabeling, and wasteMature lean organizations attack the root causes (leveling attainment, schedule adherence), not the symptoms. 7. The Power of Starting Small The team emphasizes that most manufacturers freez

    51 min

  2. DEC 3

    Strategic Agility in Manufacturing: Insights from Drew Lawlor of Global Chain Consulting

    Guest: Drew Lawlor, Managing Partner at Global Chain Consulting Host: Justin Goethe, Founder & President of Allied Advisors Audience: Mid-market manufacturers, supply chain leaders, PE operators, CEOs, COOs Episode Theme: Practical, strategic ways manufacturers can navigate today’s tariff volatility, supply chain complexity, and global risk. ⭐ Episode Overview In this episode, Justin sits down with longtime friend and supply chain expert Drew Lawlor — a manufacturing transformation leader with deep experience across Glowforge, BorgWarner, Bosch, and dozens of mid-market manufacturing clients through Global Chain Consulting. With tariff volatility, geopolitical tension, and shifting production landscapes, U.S. manufacturers are facing unprecedented pressure. Drew breaks down what he’s seeing in the market, the common mistakes companies make, and the strategic moves strong operators are making today to stay ahead. From dual sourcing to regional diversification, from poor-performing suppliers to the limits of overreacting to every tariff headline — this conversation brings clarity to one of the most chaotic policy environments manufacturers have seen in years. 🧭 What You’ll Learn 1. How tariff volatility is reshaping manufacturing strategy Drew explains why reacting emotionally or tactically to every tariff announcement is a costly mistake — and why a blended, de-risked approach is emerging as best practice. 2. Why supplier strength often outweighs cost Not all “expensive” suppliers are bad. Not all low-cost regions are stable. Expertise and consistency still matter more than ever. 3. The three types of companies reacting to tariff changes Wait-and-see operatorsAggressive over-reactorsStrategic planners …and which category consistently wins.4. Why diversification and dual sourcing are returning Not as a panic move — but as a structured way to buffer risk and build long-term stability. 5. What 50+ conversations with manufacturers reveal Drew shares patterns emerging across cost-reduction programs, supply chain transfers, and re-shoring decisions. 🔍 Key Quotes “It’s probably not wise to overreact and move production every time a tariff pops into the news cycle.” — Drew Lawlor “Sometimes supplier expertise outweighs cost. You may think you’re paying more, but the capability is saving you in other ways.” — Drew Lawlor 🏭 Who This Episode Is For Mid-market manufacturing CEOs & COOsPE operating partnersSupply chain & procurement leadersOperations executives navigating production transfersAnyone evaluating China-plus-one or diversification strategy💡 Justin’s Takeaway Tariff environments may be chaotic — but your strategy doesn’t have to be. The companies winning right now are the ones who pause, assess, and build balanced, flexible supply chains rather than chasing headlines. 🔗 Call to Action If your manufacturing operation is evaluating: supplier diversificationnearshoring or reshoringcost-reduction programsproduction transferssupply chain risk strategy…reach out to Allied Advisors. Our Fractional Continuous Improvement Manager (FCIM) program is built to help mid-market manufacturers scale, stabilize, and execute with confidence. Connect with Drew LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lawlor-a23bbb159/ Email: drew@globalchainconsulting.com

    43 min

  3. NOV 19

    Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Supply Chain Resilience: How Mid-Market Manufacturers Can Adapt with Dan Krouse

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, Justin Goethe sits down with Dan Krouse — founder and principal of a leading supply chain analytics consulting firm — to unpack one of the most complex issues facing manufacturers today: tariffs and trade policy. With over 30 years of global supply chain leadership at Hallmark, including time spent in Asia during the early days of China’s industrial rise, Dan brings a rare, seasoned perspective to the table. Together, he and Justin explore: How shifting tariff policies and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global tradeWhy mid-market manufacturers must treat tariff strategy as an operational issue, not just a financial onePractical ways to build supply chain resilience — from diversification and scenario planning to dual-sourcing and design-for-tariff thinkingThe hidden importance of keeping tariff strategy a C-suite conversationDan also breaks down how leaders can assess their organization’s maturity level when managing tariff risk and what steps they can take in the next 30–90 days to strengthen their competitive position. Whether you’re a CEO, supply chain executive, or manufacturing leader, this episode will help you navigate the uncertainty of global trade — and uncover opportunities hidden within it. Follow Dan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-krouse/ Website - http://www.supplychainalytics.ai/ Book an Appointment - https://api.connectionconverter.com/widget/bookings/dan-krouse Email - daniel.krouse35@gmail.com

    46 min

  4. NOV 5

    Transforming Mid-Market Manufacturing: From Lean Principles to Lasting Change with Chad Bareither

    Episode Summary In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, I sit down with Chad Bareither, Founder and Principal of Bareither Consulting Group and author of The Improve Less Improvement System. Chad and I dive deep into what it really takes for mid-market manufacturers to transform their operations — not through tools or slogans, but by leading with principles, discipline, and culture. Chad shares how his background in the U.S. Army introduced him to process improvement and how that foundation shaped his approach to helping mid-market manufacturers scale sustainably. We talk about the realities of driving change in 300–500-person organizations, why leadership commitment is the single biggest differentiator in successful transformations, and how principles like standardization, accountability, and Kaizen remain the bedrock of continuous improvement. Memorable Quotes  “You can’t transform your organization if you’re not willing to transform your own thinking first.” – Chad Bareither “Standards are how we solve problems. Without repetition, you can’t improve.” – Chad Bareither “If you want to be a great manufacturing leader, you’ve got to be with the people — on the floor, not in the office.” – Justin Goethe About Chad Breather Chad Bareither is the Founder and Principal of Bareither Group Consulting, where he helps mid-market manufacturers optimize operations, recover lost margins, and build healthier, more sustainable businesses. A certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and U.S. Army veteran, Chad brings decades of hands-on experience in process improvement, leadership development, and operational transformation. He’s also the author of The Improve Less Improvement System, a practical guide to making continuous improvement simple, actionable, and effective. Connect with Chad: Website: https://www.bareithergroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbareither/

    48 min

  5. OCT 22

    Leading Through Transformation: Lessons from the Top with Mr. Winfried Rockensteiner

    Episode Overview In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Winfried Rockensteiner, Global Vice President of Logistics for Bosch Powertrain Solutions, to discuss what it takes to lead large-scale transformations in manufacturing. With more than three decades of experience at Bosch, Mr. Rockensteiner shares valuable lessons from guiding global logistics and supply chain operations through digitalization, electrification, and organizational change. While Bosch operates on a global scale, the principles he outlines are directly relevant to mid-market manufacturersthat are striving to modernize operations, strengthen leadership cultures, and prepare their teams for the realities of an AI-driven future. Key Discussion Points Leading from the Shop Floor: Why real change begins on the shop floor, not in the conference room, and how leaders can build credibility by staying visible and engaged.Making Change Stick: The importance of defining a clear purpose for transformation, communicating it clearly, and sustaining engagement over time.Culture Over Systems: Why successful transformation is less about IT systems and more about cultural evolution and employee enthusiasm.AI and the Future of Work: Mr. Rockensteiner’s perspective on how AI will reshape supply chain roles, leadership, and organizational competencies in the coming years.Lessons for Mid-Market Manufacturers: How smaller firms can use agility, collaboration, and peer benchmarking to accelerate transformation without large-scale resources.Memorable Quotes “You don’t lead change from an office. Get out on the shop floor, see what’s really happening, and lead from there.” “Transformation isn’t a project; it’s a cultural journey that takes years, not months.” “Sincerity is universal. If your people see you mean it, they’ll follow you.” “AI won’t just change our tools; it will redefine leadership, competence, and how organizations create value.” “The most successful teams have flat hierarchies. The manager becomes a coach who enables others to perform.” Why You Should Listen If you’re an operations leader, plant manager, or executive in a mid-market manufacturing company, this episode will resonate deeply. Mr. Rockensteiner offers actionable insight into how to sustain momentum, engage teams, and navigate technological transformation without losing sight of what matters most: people and culture. Connect with Mr. Rockensteiner You can connect with Mr. Rockensteiner on LinkedIn to follow his insights on logistics, leadership, and manufacturing transformation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winfried-rockensteiner-11329043/ Email: winfried@pnrsolutions.ch

    47 min

  6. OCT 8

    Practical AI for Manufacturers with Larry Collett

    AI isn’t here to replace your team—it’s here to amplify them. In this episode, Justin Goethe sits down with Larry Collett, founder of Larry Collett Consulting Group and Automation Captain, to cut through the hype and show how mid-market manufacturers can get real value from AI right now. Larry shares how to start small by automating repetitive, rules-based workflows—like order admin or reporting—while keeping a human in the loop for oversight. He explains why process clarity is more important than tools (“never skip paper”), how to use prompts effectively, and why AI should augment your expertise rather than replace it. The conversation highlights where AI delivers immediate wins (debugging, data analysis, forecasting) and where it risks slowing you down if used outside your domain knowledge. Most importantly, Larry emphasizes that the goal isn’t headcount reduction—it’s about giving people better tools so they can shift energy to higher-value work. **Connect with Larry:** LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcollett/ Website: http://www.LarryCollett.com **Resource:**  Download Larry’s **Automation Impact Matrix** here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xsTTy-Duqap9Bxj46ttLWVolAlxIhb0ZUlS5mNplN4w/edit?gid=0#gid=0 **Memorable Quotes** "Garbage in, garbage out. What you put into a GPT is what you’ll get out of it." "Never skip paper. If you miss a step on paper, you’ll miss it in your automation." "Use AI to remove the 80% repetitive work so your team can focus on the 20% high-impact priorities." "Always keep a human in the loop—AI is powerful, but oversight makes it trustworthy."

    1 hr

  7. SEP 25

    Leading with Lean: Building Focused, Accountable Teams with Meg Lanza

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, Justin Goethe sits down with Meg Lanza, Head of Technology at BSH, to explore what it really takes to lead teams through continuous improvement. Drawing from her 20+ years at Bosch and now in home appliances, Meg shares practical insights on: How leaders can align projects with customer needs and strategyWhy accountability and follow-up are non-negotiable for sustaining progressBalancing day-to-day operations with improvement work without burning teams outThe importance of hiring for mindset and passion over technical expertiseBuilding effective daily leadership routines and using KPI trees to drive claritySwarming problems with urgency and standardizing problem-solving approachesWhether you’re a mid-market manufacturer or a leader looking to strengthen your lean journey, Meg’s perspective offers both hard-earned lessons and actionable advice to help you drive sustainable results. Check out Meg on LInkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meglanza/

    40 min

  8. SEP 10

    Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement with Blair Dorneanu

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, I sit down with Blair Dorneanu to explore the challenges mid-market manufacturers face when trying to build a culture rooted in standards and continuous improvement. Blair shares her approach to lean conversion training, why cultural buy-in is just as important as process tools, and the key actions leaders must take to make their lean initiatives truly stick. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-dorneanu-35b58943/ Email Blair.Dorneanu@scra.org

    37 min

  9. AUG 29

    Storing Smarter: How UNEX Boosts Efficiency, Ergonomics, and Productivity

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, I sit down with Vincent Nelson, Sales Executive at UNEX Manufacturing, to explore how smart storage solutions transform the way manufacturers handle material. Vincent shares how UNEX products not only maximize storage efficiency but also present materials in ways that improve ergonomics, reduce strain, and enhance overall associate productivity. If you’re looking for practical strategies to streamline your warehouse operations while supporting the health and performance of your workforce, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-nelson1/ Website - www.unex.com Email - VNelson@UNEX.com

    28 min

  10. AUG 14

    Lean Thinking in Global Supply Chains: Chris Mennona on Planning Smarter & Navigating Tariffs

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, Chris Mennona, Global Supply Chain Manager for AESC, shares how he applies lean principles to optimize supply chain planning on a global scale. Chris also offers his perspective on the current tariff landscape and how manufacturers can adapt to stay competitive. Whether you’re managing a complex supply chain or looking for ways to reduce risk and waste, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can put to work right away. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophermennona?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

    31 min
  • 10 Episodes

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About

The Allied Advisors Podcast is designed for mid-market manufacturers looking to scale and sharpen their competitive edge. Each episode features in-depth conversations with lean manufacturing experts and top-performing manufacturing executives who share proven strategies, hard-earned lessons, and real-world success stories. Our goal is simple: every listener walks away with practical insights they can apply immediately to drive growth, improve efficiency, and lead their teams more effectively.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Goethe
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2025 The Allied Advisors Podcast
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    The Allied Advisors Podcast