Taking Stock with Koble

Koble Systems
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  • Entrepreneurship

With Deke Bowman as our podcast host, we're talking to experts in our small business community to discuss the common challenges that companies are facing in operations, with technology, and beyond - and how to solve them in a way that leads to better business, more productive teams, and stronger communities.

Episodes

  1. Knowing When (and When Not) to Bring Automation to Your Warehouse | Ep. 12, Featuring Josh Helfand

    11/04/2025 ·  Video

    Knowing When (and When Not) to Bring Automation to Your Warehouse | Ep. 12, Featuring Josh Helfand

    Automation can solve a lot of warehouse challenges—but only when it’s done for the right reasons. In this episode, our guest Josh Helfand, CRO at Panaxis, breaks down how automation helps the warehouse—and when it gets in the way.  Josh explains how good, clean data is the foundation of any automation effort. Without it, even the most advanced systems can fall short. He shares how manufacturers and distributors can tell when automation is truly adding value and when simpler process improvements are the smarter move.

    57 min

  2. 10/07/2025 ·  Video

    Why Lean Starts with People, Not Process, pt. 2 | Ep. 11, featuring Javan Lapp and Zeke Harnish

    Lean isn’t just about cutting waste—it’s about creating a culture where every process supports the people doing the work. In this episode of Taking Stock, Deke Bowman sits down again with Javan Lapp and Zeke Harnish of Keylink to talk about their journey with Lean manufacturing and how it fits hand-in-hand with the technology they put in place. They share how Keylink applied Lean principles to simplify workflows, empower their teams, and build systems that actually make work easier—not harder. If you’ve ever wondered how Lean can work in a real manufacturing setting—or how your systems can help you get there—this episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to make continuous improvement part of everyday business.

    51 min

  3. 09/16/2025 ·  Video

    Why Lean Starts with People, Not Process, pt. 1 | Ep. 10 featuring Javan Lapp & Zeke Harnish

    New processes and systems will fail if your team isn’t rowing in the same direction. Javan Lapp and Zeke Harnish understand this better than most – they’ve been able to build a strong and successful manufacturing company by standing on that principle: People, then Process, then Technology. In this episode of Taking Stock, they share how this approach has helped them navigate challenges, align their team around common goals, and choose the right tools and technology to support their work. If you are in the midst of process or cultural change at your company, this episode is a great reminder of where to start, filled with practical advice on how to best equip your team to accomplish the mission.

    41 min

  4. 09/03/2025 ·  Video

    Are you missing what your data is trying to tell you? |Ep. 009, Featuring Alex Myers

    What if the numbers you already have could tell you why customers leave, which products are your real money-makers, and where your inventory is slipping through the cracks? In this episode of Taking Stock, Alex Myers, Koble’s Data Consultant, shares how clear dashboards can turn overwhelming reports into simple, actionable insights. From spotting customer churn to tracking inventory turnover, Alex shows how businesses are visualizing their data to make smarter decisions and stay ahead.

    44 min

  5. 08/21/2025 ·  Video

    How to know when a customization is the right call | Ep. 008, Featuring Jonathan Brownell

    No ERP fits every business perfectly, but the right customization can bridge the gap—delivering a solution that feels natural today and still works tomorrow.   In this episode of Taking Stock, Deke talks with Jonathan Brownell, a veteran software developer with 30+ years of experience and the leader of our EBMS Customizations Team. Jonathan shares how to spot the difference between a true customization need, a configuration tweak, or simply a training gap. You’ll hear stories of custom builds that saved customers hours of manual work each week and examples of creative solutions that unlocked entirely new ways of using EBMS.

    46 min

  6. 08/05/2025 ·  Video

    Kanban, ERP, and Keeping a Business on Track Through Major Transitions | Ep. 007, featuring Henry Zook of Millcreek Manufacturing

    From startup to acquisitions to building his own erp and then switching to EBMS, Henry from Millcreek has faced challenge after challenge that could have sunk his business. Instead he found a way to make it work for him and his business. Listen here to learn how he navigated the cultural and economic challenges through the years, built out strong manufacturing processes like Kanban, and continues to grow his business with the right systems in place.

    1h 8m

  7. 07/22/2025 ·  Video

    Viewing every challenge as an opportunity — The E-Bikes Story | Ep. 006, featuring David Mullett

    When David started E-Bikes of Holmes County, he didn’t expect to end up running a multi-location business with a growing rental arm. From navigating tariffs and seasonal sales shifts to rethinking their systems and adding new locations, in this episode of Taking Stock David shares what it’s looked like to keep the business steady and values aligned while staying open to what’s next.

    1h 1m

  8. 07/08/2025 ·  Video

    Using cost discipline to bless customers & improve profitability, with Ryan Brickwood | Ep. 005

    As your business grows, your top-line revenue might be climbing—but what about your bottom line? Without intentional systems and the right insights, that growth can come at the cost of profitability. In this episode of Taking Stock with Koble, Deke sits down with Ryan Brickwood, Director of Manufacturing and Distribution at Rea & Associates, to talk about how manufacturers can make sure growth translates into stronger profits. Ryan covers: - How to pinpoint when it’s time to get serious about cost accounting. - Strategies for moving from gut-feel pricing to data-driven decisions. - Choosing the right automation tools without overcomplicating your tech stack.

    48 min

  9. 06/24/2025 ·  Video

    The Keys to a Successful ERP Implementation, with Melvin Lambright | Ep. 004

    Wondering how to ensure your ERP is working as hard as you are? Whether you’re just starting your ERP journey, or you're looking to build out more as you grow into the future, this episode of Taking Stock with Koble has something for you. Host Deke Bowman sits down with Melvin Lambright, an experienced ERP implementation consultant, to share practical advice for every stage of the process. They cover: - What to expect when implementing ERP for the first time and how to avoid common pitfalls. - The importance of leadership, team buy-in, and clear goals for a successful go-live. - Steps you can take after implementation to optimize your ERP and unlock its full potential.

    1 hr

  10. 06/10/2025 ·  Video

    Keeping Culture Strong Across Generations, with Gary Yoder of Stoll Industries | Ep. 003

    In this episode of Taking Stock with Koble, host Deke Bowman sits down with Gary Yoder, one of the third-generation owners at Stoll Industries, to talk about what it takes to grow a manufacturing business while keeping your company culture alive and well. Gary shares how Stoll went from making fireplace accessories to producing a wide range of metal products, and the hard lessons they’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear about: - The tough calls they had to make to stay ahead in a changing market. - How switching to EBMS streamlined their operations and gave them the tools to handle growth. - Real-life tips for keeping your team on the same page and passing down a strong culture. If you’re running a family business or working to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you tackle challenges and set your team up for success.

    59 min

  11. 05/07/2025 ·  Video

    Solving Operational Challenges Using the S2 Method, with Rodney Smoker | Ep. 002

    Join host Deke Bowman as he sits down with Rodney Smoker, Senior Consultant at Koble Systems, to explore the transformative "System and Soul" (S2) framework. In this episode, Rodney breaks down the essentials of S2, revealing how its principles can help businesses navigate growth, overcome challenges, and achieve clarity in their operations. Whether you're looking to streamline your processes or prepare for the next stage of growth, this conversation will equip you with actionable insights and resources to build a stronger, healthier business.

    36 min

  12. 05/07/2025 ·  Video

    Is Work the Problem?, with Mike Stoltzfus | Ep. 001

    Many people think of work as simply a way to make money, but what if we thought of work in a different way? One that could change how we approach this major part of our lives? In this debut episode of Taking Stock, host Deke Bowman sits down with Mike Stoltzfus, the CEO of Koble, to explore the purpose of work in the Christian life, discuss common misconceptions about work’s role in our happiness, and share practical ways to embrace faithful work that blesses others.

    39 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

With Deke Bowman as our podcast host, we're talking to experts in our small business community to discuss the common challenges that companies are facing in operations, with technology, and beyond - and how to solve them in a way that leads to better business, more productive teams, and stronger communities.

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