The Allied Advisors Podcast
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.
The Allied Advisors Podcast
Transforming Mid-Market Manufacturing: From Lean Principles to Lasting Change with Chad Bareither
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Allied Advisors Podcast, I sit down with Chad Bareither, Founder and Principal of Bareither Consulting Group and author of The Improve Less Improvement System. Chad and I dive deep into what it really takes for mid-market manufacturers to transform their operations — not through tools or slogans, but by leading with principles, discipline, and culture.
Chad shares how his background in the U.S. Army introduced him to process improvement and how that foundation shaped his approach to helping mid-market manufacturers scale sustainably. We talk about the realities of driving change in 300–500-person organizations, why leadership commitment is the single biggest differentiator in successful transformations, and how principles like standardization, accountability, and Kaizen remain the bedrock of continuous improvement.
Memorable Quotes
“You can’t transform your organization if you’re not willing to transform your own thinking first.” – Chad Bareither
“Standards are how we solve problems. Without repetition, you can’t improve.” – Chad Bareither
“If you want to be a great manufacturing leader, you’ve got to be with the people — on the floor, not in the office.” – Justin Goethe
About Chad Breather
Chad Bareither is the Founder and Principal of Bareither Group Consulting, where he helps mid-market manufacturers optimize operations, recover lost margins, and build healthier, more sustainable businesses. A certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and U.S. Army veteran, Chad brings decades of hands-on experience in process improvement, leadership development, and operational transformation. He’s also the author of The Improve Less Improvement System, a practical guide to making continuous improvement simple, actionable, and effective.
Connect with Chad:
- Website: https://www.bareithergroup.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbareither/