November 9, 2015 Since I was largely away for a few weeks during my dad's stroke, hospice stay and funeral, I moved all non-essential meetings during that time frame. Now that I am "back", I have been trying to reschedule the meetings, follow-up on the ones I never planned [...]
November 2, 2015 I was just talking with a manufacturing client on the topic of SIOP (sales, inventory and operations planning). In their case, they have an incredibly stable business - it is the most predictable business I've ever run across in terms of sales forecasts. Even though the [...]
October 19, 2015 I adored the Chicago Cubs when I was young. My childhood friend Vonda and I used to watch every game. She loved Ryne Sandberg, and I loved Jody Davis. It was great fun! We even went to Wrigley Field a few times. As my Dad just [...]
October 13, 2015 While I was giving my speech at the APICS International Conference, my Mom was calling my cell phone to tell me that she couldn't wake my Dad up that morning. He had a stroke in his sleep. Of course I flew out to AZ immediately. He [...]
October 5, 2015 I am in Las Vegas for APICS 2015, and I went to see LOVE (the Beatles Cirque du Soleil) this evening. The show had amazing sets, color, songs, acrobats and much more. Much of the show had as much color as this Beatles-inspired picture below. My [...]
September 21, 2015 As the pope heads to the U.S. for the first time, there will be significant buzz and conversation. Pope Francis is certainly making a splash with almost every move. From what I see, non-Catholics and Catholics alike are interested in what he'll do next - and [...]
September 7, 2015 It is Labor Day, and I am reminded of when I was young and growing up in Schaumburg, IL. Labor Day was really exciting because there was a great parade that went right by my house on its parade route. We'd wake up early to make [...]
August 31, 2015 I was thinking about my dog, Abby (see below) - no matter whether I leave the house for 2 minutes or 2 weeks, she is absolutely thrilled to see me. Do your customers feel like that as well? Who doesn't like to be greeted like a [...]
August 25, 2015 As I was debating about what to write about this week, two colleagues walked into my client's office for help in resolving an issue. Upon leaving, one said "It's not what you know; it's who you know". I thought this phrase rang true. Clearly, you have [...]
August 14, 2015 As many of you know, I adore my car. I have had it since 2002 (after buying the exact same car as my year 2000 totaled car) with 255,000 miles! Unfortunately a few days after picking it up from my mechanic after we both were concerned [...]
