“To whom it may concern.
“I am writing to say that we hired Ms. Adams as a consultant for a ‘Lean project’ involving our order process, graphic production and warehouse operations in Stratford, Connecticut. The project involved staff from all departments, from C level to warehouse pick & pack staff organized in different work groups and encompassed everything from basic education of what lean is all about to actually executing the change hands-on. Bottom line results surpassed our expectations. Our large format digital print turn around time went from two weeks to two days. Our warehouse errors shrank to something under 1/10th of 1% and have remained that low for over three years now. We changed from quarterly inventory taking to daily cycle counting after leaning the warehouse and we no longer need separate inventory taking. Our Warranty repair departments turn around improved from an average of 6 working days to 2 days, and often same day turn around.
“In short, I have never hired a consultant who so easily created a rapid ROI and did so with the ability to talk to all levels of staff and get it done.
“We are very proud of our operation and should you find yourself in Connecticut you are more than welcome to visit.
“Sincerely,
“Bjorn”
Bjorn G. Sao
President
Expand International of America, Inc.
400 Long Beach Boulevard, Stratford, CT 06615, USA
bjorn.sao@expandmedia.com
www.expandmedia.com
“We are family owned window manufacturing business in Fairbanks, Alaska. I had talked to Joan about our need to implement a lean manufacturing program. Joan arrived in Fairbanks observed our organization in operation and then we talked again. Joan talked to us about 5S, product flow, measuring, and tracking in order to set standards that would improve our production. We sorted and cleaned. More floor space was made available. We improved our production process. We improved work environment. Most importantly we improved communication, performance and product quality. These are issues we now address on a continuing basis. With Joan’s arrival and her expertise we began recreating the culture and viability of our organization. We appreciate the help and we say thank you, Joan!”
Terry Cruikshank
Nordic Windows
Hoffer Glass Co.
Fairbanks, Alaska
“Every month at BIB we scrambled to meet our monthly production requirement for a textile product for the army. We racked up big overtime hours, often worked weekends, and were pleased when we made 250 jackets a day.
“Joan came in, analyzed our processes, and told us with Lean we could make 350+ jackets a day, without OT. Twenty working days later, we were making over 350 jackets a day and we were able to take on a larger order from our customer! We have continued to increase output and are currently (3 months later) producing 450 a day.
“There were knowledgeable people in our industry who said ‘lean wouldn’t work in a sewing environment,’ but I can tell you Joan’s approach to lean worked. We are Lean, we are profitable, and we are happy. Thanks, Joan.”
Chuck Kingsland
Bestwork Industries for the Blind,
Inc.
“At American Industrial Supply, we are all about service; we give the customer everything they need and more.
“Working with Pierian, we streamlined our fleet and improved our PVF inventory management enabling us to offer better service at lower cost.
“Talk about enhancing our competitive position.”
Sean Higgins, COO
American Industrial Supply
“I started an office / mail services / mailboxes business about 10 years ago. Two years ago, I realized I was working harder and harder, but I wasn’t even breaking even. After reading one of Joan’s business articles, I said to myself, ‘this is the woman who is going to help me get a grip.’
“Joan went right to work on costs; money was leaking out of Your Neighborhood Office at a frightening rate. She looked at all my products and services and figured out which ones were making me money and which were losers.
“She helped me get my head wrapped around pricing, as well as charging for services upon delivery.
“Thanks to working with Pierian, 2005 was a good year. Your Neighborhood Office has turned around. I lowered my costs, paid down some debt and booked a profit. 2006 is already looking better than 2005.
“If you want to start making money again, call Pierian.”
Helen Ann Lally, Owner
Your Neighborhood Office