Strategic Agility in Manufacturing: Insights from Drew Lawlor of Global Chain Consulting

Guest: Drew Lawlor, Managing Partner at Global Chain Consulting
Host: Justin Goethe, Founder & President of Allied Advisors
Audience: Mid-market manufacturers, supply chain leaders, PE operators, CEOs, COOs
Episode Theme: Practical, strategic ways manufacturers can navigate today’s tariff volatility, supply chain complexity, and global risk.

⭐ Episode Overview

In this episode, Justin sits down with longtime friend and supply chain expert Drew Lawlor — a manufacturing transformation leader with deep experience across Glowforge, BorgWarner, Bosch, and dozens of mid-market manufacturing clients through Global Chain Consulting.

With tariff volatility, geopolitical tension, and shifting production landscapes, U.S. manufacturers are facing unprecedented pressure. Drew breaks down what he’s seeing in the market, the common mistakes companies make, and the strategic moves strong operators are making today to stay ahead.

From dual sourcing to regional diversification, from poor-performing suppliers to the limits of overreacting to every tariff headline — this conversation brings clarity to one of the most chaotic policy environments manufacturers have seen in years.

🧭 What You’ll Learn

1. How tariff volatility is reshaping manufacturing strategy

Drew explains why reacting emotionally or tactically to every tariff announcement is a costly mistake — and why a blended, de-risked approach is emerging as best practice.

2. Why supplier strength often outweighs cost

Not all “expensive” suppliers are bad. Not all low-cost regions are stable. Expertise and consistency still matter more than ever.

3. The three types of companies reacting to tariff changes

• Wait-and-see operators
• Aggressive over-reactors
• Strategic planners
  …and which category consistently wins.

4. Why diversification and dual sourcing are returning

Not as a panic move — but as a structured way to buffer risk and build long-term stability.

5. What 50+ conversations with manufacturers reveal

Drew shares patterns emerging across cost-reduction programs, supply chain transfers, and re-shoring decisions.

🔍 Key Quotes

“It’s probably not wise to overreact and move production every time a tariff pops into the news cycle.”
— Drew Lawlor

“Sometimes supplier expertise outweighs cost. You may think you’re paying more, but the capability is saving you in other ways.”
— Drew Lawlor

🏭 Who This Episode Is For

• Mid-market manufacturing CEOs & COOs
• PE operating partners
• Supply chain & procurement leaders
• Operations executives navigating production transfers
• Anyone evaluating China-plus-one or diversification strategy

💡 Justin’s Takeaway

Tariff environments may be chaotic — but your strategy doesn’t have to be. The companies winning right now are the ones who pause, assess, and build balanced, flexible supply chains rather than chasing headlines.

🔗 Call to Action

If your manufacturing operation is evaluating:

• supplier diversification
• nearshoring or reshoring
• cost-reduction programs
• production transfers
• supply chain risk strategy

…reach out to Allied Advisors. Our Fractional Continuous Improvement Manager (FCIM) program is built to help mid-market manufacturers scale, stabilize, and execute with confidence.

Connect with Drew

LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lawlor-a23bbb159/

Email: drew@globalchainconsulting.com