Operations Experts

Meet Joe Alexander

In this episode, Joe Alexander, the former Dean of the University of Northern Colorado Monfort College of Business, will tell how he was one of the leaders in a 20-year effort that resulted in the college becoming the only College of Business to win the country's award for role model excellence, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. It is about a purpose that transcends multiple leaders.

Strategic Planning with Operations Experts David McClaskey & Billy Schaefer

In this episode of Operations Experts, David McClaskey and Billy Schaefer break down what truly makes strategic planning work. David shares lessons from 50+ years of helping organizations—from single-person companies to multi-unit enterprises—use strategic planning to focus their teams, align their mission, and achieve goals they once thought impossible. They explore why most strategic plans fail, how to build one that actually gets implemented, and why consistent review—not just great ideas—is the key to transforming results year after year. If you're ready to move beyond “goals on paper” and build a plan that accelerates real, measurable progress, this episode delivers the roadmap. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/operations-experts/id1829535567 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/operations-experts/id1829535567] 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00IlbNyMAOiWGj5lBHCm7H?si=83f7e459e8124a93 [https://open.spotify.com/show/00IlbNyMAOiWGj5lBHCm7H?si=83f7e459e8124a93]

Meet Deric Rosenbaum

Meet Deric Rosenbaum, President of Groucho’s Deli. Founded in 1941, Groucho’s is a beloved restaurant brand with more than 30 locations across the Southeast—and a legacy that spans 85 years. Hear how Deric blends technology and hospitality to drive consistency, empower franchisees, and create a culture where standardization means empowerment. Learn how data-driven systems, service recovery, and a “we adapt, not change” mindset are helping Groucho’s Deli thrive for generations to come.

Meet Eric Latham

Meet Eric Latham, Co-Founder and Owner of Johnson City Brewing Company. What started as a home-brewing hobby has grown into a thriving community business with multiple locations across East Tennessee. Hear how Eric and his wife Kat built a company rooted in community and creativity—expanding production, empowering staff, and crafting consistent quality through systems, training, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Meet Alex Nikitin

Meet Alex Nikitin, Founder of Salamander Equity Partners. His company spans retail, food service, tequila production, fintech, and more—employing hundreds across the U.S. and abroad. Hear how Alex transformed his multi-industry organization by implementing clear systems and a culture built on accountability and excellence, using lessons from the Achieving World-Class Results program to strengthen training, improve hiring, and bring processes to 100%.