by Jake Stiles, CEO
Stiles Associates

Based on the conversations I’ve had with clients and candidates over the last couple of weeks, I understand many of you are finding ways to deliver value in an increasingly difficult and ever-changing tariff landscape. We also understand that many of you are increasingly relying on Lean thinking across the enterprise to make sure margin levels are preserved.

In fact, 58% of manufacturing leaders are planning on increasing Lean strategies and tactics to counteract rising expenses – and nearly half anticipate a significant increase, according to our recently completed survey. IndustryWeek also just released its new survey results indicating additional focus on domestic operations and supply chain capabilities.

As we’ve seen in past disruptive cycles, having the right team in place, with a management system that keeps your Operations and Supply Chain teams tightly connected and responsive is key to success. Leaders who've built cultures focused on good fundamentals of process, people and voice of the customer will once again fare better than those who have not.

As always, we remain at the ready to help in any way we can. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance in your critical talent acquisition goals.

Warm regards,

Jake Stiles
CEO, Stiles Associates
Jstiles@leanexecs.com