Systems Simplified

Adi Klevit

This is the Systems Simplified podcast where we feature top leaders who share stories on how to successfully systematize a business.

  1. 3D AGO

    Reducing Turnover Through Processes and Culture With Mandi Moran

    In This Episode Processes alone do not build great companies—people and culture bring those systems to life. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Mandi Moran, owner and Marketing Director at Window World of Youngstown, about how she helped transform a growing family business by implementing strong systems, accountability, and people-first leadership. Mandi shares how she joined the business eight years ago and quickly realized that while the company was successful, there were very few documented operational processes in place. Adi and Mandi dive into how creating over 100 SOPs across multiple departments helped standardize operations across six different Window World locations. More importantly, Mandi explains that implementation was only successful because leadership focused on hiring the right people, building accountability, and investing in continuous training. Through internal trainers, KPI tracking, and hands-on leadership, the company created consistency across all markets. The conversation also highlights the critical role of company culture. Mandi explains that employees thrive when they feel appreciated, supported, and connected to leadership. From peer-recognition programs to learning employees' personal goals and family milestones, the company intentionally creates a workplace where people feel valued—not just managed. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that systems and culture are not separate initiatives. When combined intentionally, they create businesses that scale successfully while maintaining strong employee retention and long-term stability.

    18 min
  2. 6D AGO

    Building a Business That Runs Without You With David Finkel

    In This Episode Most business owners don't actually own a business—the business owns them. David Finkel believes systems are the key to changing that reality. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews David Finkel, CEO of Maui Mastermind, about how entrepreneurs can scale companies that are not overly dependent on the founder. David shares his personal journey from Olympic athlete to entrepreneur, explaining how his early businesses were built largely through hard work and force of will before he learned how to create scalable systems that reduced owner reliance. Adi and David dive deep into why systems are essential for growth. David introduces a powerful analogy comparing businesses to an old house: systems that worked for a small company often fail once the business grows and additional demands are placed on them. Formalizing and documenting systems allows leaders to identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, and create consistency across the organization. The conversation also explores the often-overlooked challenge of implementation. David explains that fixing a process is only the first step. Through his "FOC" framework—Fix, Operationalize, and Culture—he emphasizes that leaders must continue reinforcing new systems long enough for them to become part of the company culture. Without that reinforcement, businesses end up solving the same problems repeatedly. Adi and David also discuss AI and automation, agreeing that while AI is an incredibly powerful tool, it cannot replace strategic thinking, leadership, or the nuanced expertise required to build exceptional businesses. Instead, AI should be viewed as a partner that enhances execution while business owners continue driving the vision and direction.

    28 min
  3. MAY 15

    Building Employee Retention Through Systems With Dean Mathews

    In This Episode Processes are only as strong as the people executing them—and Dean Mathews believes great systems should make life easier for both employers and employees. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Dean Mathews, Founder and CEO of OnTheClock, about the relationship between systems, employee experience, and company culture. Dean shares how he started OnTheClock over two decades ago after noticing that business owners were struggling to find a simple, reliable way to track employee time and schedules. Adi and Dean explore one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: managing people effectively while maintaining operational consistency. Dean explains how many businesses still rely on manual systems, spreadsheets, or verbal communication, which often leads to errors, confusion, and employee frustration. By implementing transparent systems, businesses can improve accuracy, accountability, and trust across the organization. The conversation also highlights the importance of culture and retention. Dean shares how intentionally building a people-first workplace helped him scale beyond being a solo entrepreneur into leading a growing team. Through values-based hiring, clear processes, and strong leadership, he has created an environment where employees feel supported and empowered to succeed. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that systems do more than improve efficiency—they create stability, clarity, and a better overall employee experience.

    17 min
  4. MAY 14

    Building Community Impact Through Systems With Ryan Buchanan

    In This Episode Building a successful business can create freedom—but Ryan Buchanan believes the ultimate goal is using that freedom to create meaningful impact. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Ryan Buchanan, Founder and Chairman of Thesis, about how systematizing his business allowed him to focus on larger community initiatives and social impact work. Ryan shares how years of building relationships, creating scalable systems, and empowering strong leadership within his company opened the door for a second chapter centered around service and community transformation. Adi and Ryan discuss several nonprofit initiatives Ryan co-founded, including programs focused on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, revitalizing Portland, and helping individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction recovery. Ryan explains that many of these initiatives started with simple ideas and small groups of people, but scaled rapidly because they addressed real community needs and were built with strong operational partnerships. The conversation also highlights the connection between entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Ryan explains that many of the same principles apply: building strong teams, adapting to challenges, creating systems, and maintaining financial sustainability. His perspective reinforces that businesses and communities thrive when leaders focus on both innovation and human connection. Perhaps the most important takeaway is that systems create capacity. By stepping out of day-to-day operations and surrounding himself with strong leaders, Ryan was able to expand his impact far beyond business growth alone.

    27 min
  5. MAY 12

    Why Systems Create Freedom for Business Owners With Rebecca Dodge

    In This Episode Most business owners think growth comes from working harder. Rebecca Dodge believes growth comes from building systems and teams that allow the business to operate consistently without depending on one person. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Rebecca Dodge, Business Development Director and Integrator at Universal Windows Direct of Manchester, about her journey through the construction industry and the systems that helped transform her business. Rebecca shares how she started as a young electrician apprentice in a male-dominated field and developed the persistence, discipline, and leadership skills that shaped her career. Adi and Rebecca discuss one of the biggest challenges business owners face: learning how to delegate and trust their team. Rebecca explains that documented systems and processes gave her company the ability to create consistent customer experiences, improve accountability, and empower employees to solve problems independently rather than relying on leadership for every answer. The conversation also highlights the importance of building the right team and creating a culture of growth. Rebecca shares how tools like DISC profiles help leaders understand how employees think and communicate, allowing the company to build stronger relationships internally while delivering a better customer experience externally. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that systems create freedom. Rebecca explains how implementing clear processes has allowed her and her husband to finally step away from daily operations with confidence—something many entrepreneurs struggle to achieve.

    27 min
4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This is the Systems Simplified podcast where we feature top leaders who share stories on how to successfully systematize a business.

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