When asked if there’s an Olympic story that inspires me, I think of Michael Phelps—a story I’ve followed closely. Phelps is the epitome of “lean” in more ways than one. And not just physically. Phelps was physically gifted, yes, but his success is rooted in hours of dedicated training, strategic coaching, and relentless attention to […]

“Surround yourself with people who are inspired, excited, and grateful. Those three types will determine your future.” – Ray Lewis, NFL Hall of Famer November is Thanksgiving month, and I was challenged to write a note about “Thanksgiving” each Thursday of the month. So, here goes. Today, I’m thankful for my career. For 41 years, […]

At PalletOne, we talk a lot about “lean.” It occurs to me that some of you might not have been here when this approach was first introduced. “Lean” companies believe that customers only want to pay for “value.” To deliver that, we focus on eliminating any waste associated with producing the product. Waste can come […]

According to researchers, one of the most critical factors for a fully engaged workforce is how understood and appreciated employees feel. Yet, many hold back from expressing appreciation at work because it can sometimes feel “fake.” This insight made me think of baseball. Growing up, I played mostly first base and did some pitching. One […]