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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Freight Think: Turning Freight Spend Into a Strategic Advantage

    In this episode of the Allied Advisors Podcast, Justin Goethe is joined by Reid Klosowsky and Bill Moroney, co-founders of Freight Think LLC and former senior leaders at Bed Bath & Beyond. Together, they unpack why freight and transportation spend is one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — levers for improving profitability in today’s supply chains. With decades of experience spanning transportation, vendor management, and retail supply chain operations, Reid and Bill share practical insights on how companies can move beyond averages, silos, and “default decisions” to truly understand the real cost of moving products. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Why freight data is notoriously messy — and why most companies stop too earlyThe hidden cost of “average-based” freight assumptionsHow product decisions and transportation decisions quietly work against each otherThe danger of premium freight becoming the default instead of the exceptionWhy e-commerce magnifies freight mistakes (and losses) at scaleThe difference between shipping a truck vs. shipping a SKUHow incentive structures drive freight behavior — for better or worseWhere AI is already helping (and where human judgment still matters)Early thoughts on blockchain, visibility, and what actually creates valueWhy companies with thin margins feel freight pain the fastest🚨 Common Freight Mistakes Reid & Bill See All the Time Paying for faster service levels that provide zero real benefitTreating freight as “someone else’s problem” instead of a total landed cost issueMaking sourcing decisions that lower unit cost but raise total supply chain costLetting fear of stockouts justify permanent premium freight behaviorCelebrating sales spikes without realizing they’re losing money per unit💡 Big Takeaway Freight isn’t just a logistics problem — it’s a profitability problem. When companies connect freight data to products, forecasts, service levels, and incentives, they unlock opportunities that directly improve the bottom line. As Bill puts it: a dollar is a dollar — whether it’s freight, inventory, or markdowns. 🤖 Freight, AI, and the Road Ahead Reid and Bill also share a grounded, experience-based perspective on AI in freight and supply chain analytics. While AI can dramatically speed up analysis and surface insights, they emphasize the importance of clean data, context, and human oversight — especially when decisions impact margins at scale. 👥 About Today’s Guests Reid Klosowsky is Co-Founder of Freight Think LLC and former VP of Global Transportation & Supply Chain Flow at Bed Bath & Beyond, where he led a $10B transportation network through massive disruption and transformation. Bill Moroney is Co-Founder of Freight Think LLC and former VP of Vendor Management at Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY, with deep expertise in supplier performance, cost-to-serve models, and profitability optimization. 📬 Connect with Freight Think Website: https://www.freightthink.com LinkedIn: Bill Maroney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-maroney-07b5a61a1/LinkedIn: Reid Klosowsky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reid-klosowsky-8909831/

    39 min

  2. JAN 21

    Building World-Class Manufacturing Companies with Steve Cook of LFM Capital

    Allied Advisors Podcast – Episode: Building World-Class Manufacturing Companies with Steve Cook of LFM CapitalGuest: Steve Cook, Executive Managing Director, LFM Capital MIT LGO (MBA/MSEE) | Former Dell Plant Manager | Private Equity Operator & Educator 🎙️ Episode Overview In this powerhouse conversation, Justin sits down with Steve Cook, Executive Managing Director at LFM Capital, a private equity firm uniquely built and led by operators and engineers. Steve shares rare, behind-the-scenes insights on how LFM identifies, acquires, and transforms mid-market manufacturing companies—not through financial engineering, but through people-centric leadership, hands-on operational excellence, and a relentless commitment to long-term value creation. With decades of experience leading industrial businesses, teaching at Harvard Business School, and mentoring future leaders at MIT, Steve brings a refreshing blend of humility, clarity, and practicality to the world of PE-backed manufacturing. If you're a manufacturing leader, business owner, aspiring CEO, or private equity stakeholder, this is a must-listen. 🔥 Key Topics Covered1. Why LFM Capital Breaks the Traditional PE Mold LFM is one of the only U.S. private equity firms where an operating partner also runs the firm.True parity between deal partners and operating partners leads to better diligence, alignment, and execution.How LFM avoids the “painted-on operating partner” problem common in the industry.2. What PE Really Looks for in Mid-Market Manufacturing Deals Why LFM invests in companies with $3–$15M EBITDA and fewer than ~250 employees.How leadership quality, culture, and values matter more than perfect metrics.Why buyers should not pursue “perfect companies”—real value is created where opportunity exists.3. Leadership: The Make-or-Break Factor in Value Creation Arrogance is the enemy of leadership—humility is essential.Why effective CEOs must be able to “play the full keyboard”:Shop floor → Board room → Customer meetings.LFM’s CEO Development Program: a 5–7 year rotational system creating cross-functional, hands-on, next-generation executives.4. The First 100 Days After Acquisition LFM’s collaborative approach: no “one-size-fits-all” playbook.How they co-create an Operational Agenda before closing a deal.Why focusing on just three priorities at a time is essential for smaller companies.5. Implementing Lean in Resource-Constrained Environments Why Lean is easier to implement in small companies than large ones.The cultural importance of leadership buy-in—especially from the CEO.Steve’s take on fractional CI leadership, external facilitation, and when companies should backfill with full-time CI talent.6. How LFM Navigates Tough Deals & Upholds Values The Apollo 13 story: how LFM refused to abandon a distressed deal, preserving jobs, paying back lenders, and honoring the seller’s legacy.Why LFM optimizes for a 50-year time horizon, not a 5-year fund cycle.💡 Notable Quotes from Steve Cook “Arrogance is the enemy of leadership.” “At the end of the day, what you’re investing in is the people.” “A great leader has to be able to play the high keys and the low keys.” “Lean works best when the CEO is the one driving it.” 🎯 Who Should ListenMid-market manufacturing owners considering an exitCEOs and plant leaders navigating growth or operational challengesPrivate equity operating partne

    46 min

  3. JAN 7

    Why Forecasts Fail: Building Pull-Based Supply Chains & Real Operational Leadership | Rob Tykal

    In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, Justin sits down with Rob Tykal—former President, COO, and VP of Global Operations at organizations like Danaher, GM, Daimler, and Superior Industries—for a deep, practical conversation on supply chain, materials management, and leadership. While the video recording unfortunately cuts out around the 29-minute mark (lesson learned on DSLR limits), the insights captured are pure gold. Rob breaks down why forecast-driven systems consistently fail manufacturers, how consumption-based replenishment actually works in practice, and why great operational leaders must live at the gemba—not just in spreadsheets. From Kanban design levels and safety stock logic to humility in executive leadership, this episode is a masterclass for mid-market manufacturers looking to improve flow, reduce inventory risk, and build sustainable operational cultures. 🎧 Full audio is intact, and Rob will be back for a follow-up episode. ⏱️ Episode Highlights Why all forecasts are wrong—and why companies still rely on themThe grocery store analogy that perfectly explains pull-based replenishmentHow Kanban design levels eliminate the “cut inventory” debateWhy excess inventory and stockouts usually coexistThe real cost of expiration dates, obsolete material, and long lead timesWhat executives must learn to see on the shop floorWhy humility is the most underrated leadership traitHow smaller manufacturers can outperform large enterprises operationallyThe difference between tools, systems, and culture—and why culture wins🧠 Key Takeaways Forecasts are necessary but unreliable—consumption should drive replenishmentProperly designed pull systems self-regulate inventory levelsLeaders must understand materials deeply; intelligence cannot be delegatedInventory problems are rarely downstream issues—they’re leadership issuesSmaller companies have agility advantages if they execute correctly👤 About the Guest Rob Tykal is a seasoned operational executive with decades of experience leading global manufacturing organizations. He has held senior leadership roles across automotive, industrial, and life sciences sectors and is widely respected for his ability to pair rigorous lean systems with people-centered leadership. Rob is known not just for improving processes—but for building cultures that sustain them. 📌 About the Podcast The Allied Advisors Podcast is for mid-market manufacturers focused on scaling operations, improving material flow, and driving measurable bottom-line results. Hosted by Justin Goethe, each episode features operators, executives, and investors who’ve been in the trenches—and know what actually works. 🔔 Call to Action If this episode resonated with you: Follow The Allied Advisors Podcast on your favorite platformShare this episode with a fellow operator or supply-chain leaderReach out to Allied Advisors if you’re ready to rethink inventory, flow, and execution

    31 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    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

  5. 12/03/2025

    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

  6. 11/19/2025

    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

  7. 11/05/2025

    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

  8. 10/22/2025

    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
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Allied Advisors Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Allied Advisors Podcast