The Allied Advisors Podcast

Justin Goethe
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MANAGEMENT

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. MAR 18

    The Silent Erosion of Product Wellness

    Guest: Jay Carney, Co-Founder and President of My Solution Designs Host: The Allied Advisors Podcast  Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of "Product Wellness" with Jay Carney. While most manufacturers focus on immediate crises, Jay argues that products often suffer from a "slow fade" caused by normalized inefficiencies and hidden operational friction. We explore how traditional "green" metrics—like high aftermarket sales—can actually mask a product that is "getting sick" and how leadership can use AI and direct observation to diagnose these issues before they lead to a "heart attack" for the business. Key Discussion Points 1. What is Product Wellness? The Living Organism Analogy: Products should be viewed as living organisms that don't just "die" suddenly but get sick and fade away over time.The Steve Jobs Influence: Most companies fail because they lose focus on the product, treating it as a static entity that will always perform well.The "Blind Spot" Check: Much like a diagnostic blood test for a human, product wellness requires looking at what is missing or misaligned in the "blood work" of the organization.2. The Danger of "Normalized Inefficiency" The Schematic Trap: Jay shares a story from his early career where a technical error in a schematic was "rejected" by engineering, forcing technicians to create permanent, unrecorded workarounds.Institutionalized Tribal Knowledge: When "Joe and Mike" are the only ones who know the workarounds, the product appears healthy until that knowledge walks out the door.The Conformity Study: Over time, teams begin "standing up when the bell rings" (performing workarounds) without knowing why, which adds unseen costs and sucks the life out of the margin.3. How Good Metrics Mask Bad Products The Aftermarket Illusion: High revenue in aftermarket parts can be a red flag. If a specific part is a "repeat offender" for failure, the customer is paying for your design inefficiency.The Warranty Ratio: Public standards (like Caterpillar's 3.5% for heavy equipment) are vital benchmarks. If a company aggressively lowers its warranty ratio to save money, it may actually be destroying customer confidence and future sales.4. Future-Proofing with AI Capturing Tribal Knowledge: Organizations can use local AI models to record conversations with senior staff and convert decades of "unwritten" expertise into searchable documentation.RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation): Jay explains how AI can "listen" to new knowledge and adapt it into a learning mechanism that is unbiased and lacks ego.Takeaways for Leadership Go Beyond the Dashboard: Don't just accept a "green" light on a KPI; ask why it's green and what it might be hiding.Watch the "Ballet": Go to the shop floor and observe the flow. Look for hesitations or "stumbles" in the process that indicate a workaround is in place.The Maintenance Connection: If quality slips but materials haven't changed, look at the equipment tolerances. No machine is perfect, and poor maintenance is a leading indicator of product sickness.

    27 min

  2. MAR 4

    Scaling with People: The HR Foundation for Manufacturing Success

    Episode Summary In this episode, Justin  sits down with Pat Eardley, a seasoned HR expert with over 25 years of experience. They dive into the common "people issues" that prevent mid-market manufacturing firms from scaling, focusing on the gap between creating policy and actually holding teams accountable. Pat shares her perspective on why "being clear is kind," how to handle the transition from the shop floor to management, and why the "family culture" model often backfires. Key Takeaways Accountability is Key: Many firms have a "library of policy" sitting on a credenza but fail to hold people accountable to those standards.The Kindness of Clarity: Managers often avoid conflict because they want to be "the cool manager," but Pat argues that providing clear expectations is the kindest thing a leader can do.Supporting New Supervisors: Moving from coworker to boss is a difficult transition. Companies must provide specific training on how to have hard conversations and manage former peers.Tools Over Blame: Leadership often blames "bad operators" when the real issue is a lack of clear processes, training, or the physical tools needed to do the job effectively.The "Family" Trap: Pat notes that "family" cultures at work often struggle because they blur the lines between professional and personal boundaries.The Discovery Phase: To become an "employer of choice," firms should start by interviewing their own leadership team to find out what is and isn’t working on the floor.Memorable Quotes "If you can't get the people part right, you can't get any of it [right]." — Justin Goethe "Managers are conflict avoidant... because they haven't been taught how to deal well with conflict." — Pat Eardley Featured Guest: Pat Eardley Pat is the founder of Shift HR (founded in 2009). She specializes in streamlining HR strategies and fostering inclusive workplace cultures for small and mid-sized businesses. She is an alumna of Ashford University and a former Director of HR for Benchmark Hospitality. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pateardley/

    40 min

  3. FEB 18

    AI That Actually Works on the Shop Floor — A Pragmatic Operator’s Guide with Braydon McCormick

    In this episode of the Allied Advisors Podcast, Justin Goethe sits down with Braydon McCormick, C-suite operator, serial entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & Managing Director of Light Forge Works, to cut through the noise surrounding artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Rather than dashboards, chatbots, and “AI for AI’s sake,” Braydon brings an operator-first perspective on how AI should actually be deployed inside mid-market and PE-backed organizations — focusing on real bottlenecks, measurable ROI, and execution on the shop floor. This is a grounded, tactical conversation for leaders who want AI to drive margin, throughput, and enterprise value, not just check a buzzword box. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Why most AI initiatives fail to deliver ROIThe danger of “AI in search of a problem”How AI can connect siloed systems without massive IT projectsReal examples of communication breakdowns in manufacturing operationsUsing AI to shorten RFP cycles and prevent dropped opportunitiesWhy single-purpose AI applications beat large enterprise rolloutsHow AI augments people instead of replacing themThe economics of modern AI-first software developmentCapEx vs. OpEx thinking for custom AI toolsWhat mid-market manufacturers need to know about AI security and data privacyWhere companies get burned by chatbots and poor AI implementations🚨 Common AI Mistakes Braydon Sees in Manufacturing Deploying chatbots that don’t improve revenue, margin, or serviceTrying to “boil the ocean” instead of solving one clear problemIgnoring broken communication flows between sales, engineering, vendors, and the shop floorTreating AI as a replacement for people instead of an accelerantRolling out tools without validation, guardrails, or human oversight💡 Big Takeaway AI delivers value only when it’s tied to a specific business problem. The real power of AI isn’t flashy interfaces — it’s quietly eliminating friction between systems, people, and processes. When done right, AI dramatically compresses cycle times, reduces errors, and allows teams to operate at a higher level without adding headcount. As Braydon puts it: Don’t ask what AI can do. Ask what problem you’re trying to solve — then apply AI surgically. 🧠 AI on the Shop Floor (What Actually Works) The conversation dives deep into how AI can: Read drawings and historical data to support faster engineering decisionsAssist with RFP triage and prioritizationReduce handoffs, rework, and miscommunicationAct as a “gatekeeper” that ensures critical steps aren’t missedEnable faster, cleaner execution without massive ERP replacementsRather than enterprise-wide transformations, Braydon advocates for small, high-impact AI applications that deliver fast wins and compound over time. 👤 About Today’s Guest Braydon McCormick is a seasoned C-suite operator and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience helping mid-market and PE-backed companies turn advanced technology into real operating results. As Co-Founder & Managing Director of Light Forge Works, Braydon has led companies from zero to exit-ready, built high-margin services businesses, secured FDA approvals, and developed defensible IP through patented innovation. He specializes in AI-first software development, digital transformation, and operational scaling in complex, regulated environments. 📬 Connect with Braydon & Light Forge Works Light Forge Works: https://www.lightforgeworks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbmcco/

    43 min

  4. FEB 4

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (16)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Allied Advisors Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Allied Advisors Podcast

You Might Also Like