Optics in Action

In this episode of OPTICS in Action, Ryan Weiss sits down with Joshua Tarbutton, Founder and CEO of Bravo Team, to explore how design engineering, people, and processes come together to drive breakthrough innovation. Based in North Carolina, Bravo Team blends mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to solve complex problems for mid-sized and enterprise-level companies.Joshua shares how his team of 50+ engineers and fabricators collaborates across disciplines at the "velocity of the work," what it takes to scale a business from $1M to $10M, and why empowering people through process is the key to sustainable growth. They also discuss how leadership philosophies, EOS, and workflow consulting can shape the future of engineering teams.Whether you're scaling a tech-forward team or streamlining operations, this episode delivers insights on leading with empathy while building for speed.Highlights:Bravo Team’s Cross-Disciplinary Model Joshua explains how a team of mechanical, software, and electrical engineers collaborate to bring high-impact solutions to life—fast.Process That Empowers PeopleFrom frustration-reduction to growth acceleration, process isn't red tape—it's liberation, when done right.Leadership & Culture in Scaling CompaniesThe episode dives into EOS, T-shaped talent, and how good people (and humility) protect leaders from blind spots.Why Workflow Consulting MattersJoshua and Ryan explore how tailored consulting can remove roadblocks and prepare companies for the next level of performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Montney — a 35-year State Farm veteran, Shingo Academy inductee, and city council member in Bloomington, IL — to explore how lean principles and the Shingo Model are reshaping local government operations. Sheila shares her journey from corporate continuous improvement leader to a trailblazer in the public sector, addressing a longstanding gap in tailored lean training and cultural transformation strategies for municipalities.From developing custom e-learning modules to launching regional cohorts and championing public-private partnerships, Sheila provides deep insight into how respect for people, measurable outcomes, and sustainable cultural change are becoming cornerstones of more effective, resilient government services.Key Highlights:1. How the Shingo Model’s culture-first approach aligns with the needs of public service2. Success stories from initiatives like the Cook County Forest Preserves3. Innovative strategies to build capability in smaller municipalities through regional cohorts and e-learning4. The importance of linking improvements to ROI and requiring knowledge transfer in consulting engagementsWhether you’re a public servant, CI practitioner, or just curious about how lean thinking can make government work better — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Optics in Action, Ryan Weiss talks with Peg Pennington, President of MoreSteam, about the powerful intersection of people, process, and technology. From real-world insights on operational excellence to the role of AI in future problem-solving, Peg shares how organizations can build critical thinkers and create lasting improvement.

In this episode of Optics in Action, host Ryan Weiss sits down with Kevin Dean, the founder and CEO of ManoByte. They dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and how organizations can strategically leverage this technology to automate and optimize their business processes. Kevin shares his passion for innovation, the challenges companies face in navigating the AI landscape, and his advice for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.Key TakeawaysAI is rapidly evolving, with changes occurring weekly, leading to both excitement and fear in businessesCompanies should focus on leveraging existing AI tools to automate and optimize current processes rather than waiting for future developmentsBusiness leaders need to adapt to AI integration, as poor decisions could lead to job losses more than AI itselfYoung generations are naturally adapting to AI, while current business leaders may struggle with the rapid pace of change

In this episode of OPTICS in Action, Ryan Weiss sits down with Sandra Coker, CEO of Human Power Solutions, to discuss the impact of human-centric business practices, leadership development, and navigating generational transitions in family businesses. Sandra also shares insights from her upcoming book, People Profit, revealing how internal culture drives business success. Tune in for practical strategies on leadership, employee engagement, and ensuring smooth transitions in family-owned enterprises.Top 4 Key Episode Highlights:1   Human-Centric Leadership: How investing in people leads to better business outcomes.2   Navigating Generational Transitions: Preparing founders and next-gen leaders for smooth        business handovers.3   The Link Between Culture & Profitability: Insights from Sandra’s upcoming book People      Profit.4   Pre-Launch Marketing Strategies: Building an audience and optimizing book rankings on      Amazon.

In this episode, we sit down with Lior, a global transformation expert with over 400 successful projects under his belt. We explore the critical role of people in driving business transformations, the frameworks that empower employees, and how actively authoring your life story can lead to breakthrough performance. Whether you're leading a company or navigating personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights to reshape how you think about transformation and leadership.Top 4 Key Highlights:People Over Process – Discover why mobilizing employees at every level, not just executives, is key to successful transformations.Empowerment Through Frameworks – Learn how structured frameworks (like Ritz-Carlton's $2,500 rule) drive initiative and better decision-making.The Power of Perspective – Understand how the language and perspectives you choose shape attitudes, performance, and outcomes.Becoming the Author of Your Story – Insights from Lior’s new book, "Dare to Author," on converting experiences into future-ready skills and taking control of your narrative.

Ryan Weiss, founder and CEO of EPS, interviews Roger Krulak, founder and president of Full Stack Modular, about his vision for disrupting the construction industry. Roger emphasizes the need for industrialized, efficient, and environmentally friendly housing solutions, particularly in dense urban environments. He describes Full Stack Modular's integrated system for mid to high-rise buildings, which includes structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements, all manufactured in a factory. Roger highlights the challenges of changing the construction industry's paradigm, the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, and the potential for significant cost and efficiency savings through factory-based construction. He also mentions the diminishing skilled labor workforce as a driver for industrialization.

In this insightful episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Chris Calomino to explore the future of packaging and its relationship with sustainability. From balancing consumer perceptions of quality and eco-friendliness to tackling the technical challenges of supply chain management, Chris dives deep into the importance of education, personalization, and innovative solutions in packaging. Join us as we discuss how AI and data-driven processes are shaping the industry and learn how businesses can effectively communicate their sustainable practices without falling into the trap of greenwashing.Episode Highlights:The Importance of Education in Sustainability: Chris emphasizes the need to educate both businesses and consumers about the true impact of sustainable packaging. It's not just about marketing, but about making real, impactful changes.The Challenge of Mass Personalization: Learn how companies are blending technology, such as QR codes and data analytics, to offer personalized experiences on a massive scale while maintaining efficiency.AI’s Role in Packaging: Explore the potential of AI in solving sustainability challenges and enhancing supply chain management, all while allowing for faster innovation and problem-solving in the industry.Balancing Luxury and Sustainability: Chris shares insights on how companies can successfully merge high-quality packaging with eco-friendly materials without compromising consumer expectations.

In this episode of Optics in Action, host Ryan Weiss sits down with Chris Murphy, owner of Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating, and Air, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey. Chris shares insights from his rapid growth in the trades industry, the importance of balancing people and processes, and the evolution of leadership values. From creating core company values to managing change within a growing team, Chris offers advice for business owners and young professionals entering the trades. Tune in for actionable leadership insights that bridge the gap between customer service and technical expertise.Chris emphasizes the importance of creating structured processes but ensuring they are backed by the right people. Without proper buy-in and consistent execution, even the best processes can fail.Blue Bear’s core values were crafted from identifying the most common frustrations among team members. Chris highlights how defining values based on employee experiences creates a stronger, more unified team.Chris encourages young professionals entering the trades to prioritize work ethic and discipline. These foundational qualities can accelerate success in an industry that still holds incredible opportunities for growth and stability.

Join Ryan Weiss on Optics in Action as he sits down with Ryan Pollyniak, a cloud transformation executive at Western Computers. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities businesses face during ERP and CRM system implementations. The conversation highlights the balance between technological solutions and effective change management, helping teams adopt new systems without resistance. Discover key strategies for driving successful digital transformation by focusing on people, processes, and long-term growth.Episode Highlights:Effective Change Management: Proactive communication and transparency are vital to ensure smooth transitions and prevent internal resistance during system implementations.User Adoption and Process Integration: Aligning ERP/CRM solutions with user needs and avoiding overly complex customizations helps increase adoption and overall system effectiveness.Selecting the Right Technology: When choosing new systems, it's essential to look beyond features and focus on long-term supportability, security, and scalability.

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Forrest Durr, COO and integrator at Sexton Lawn and Landscape, to dive deep into the critical role of an integrator in the success of businesses. Forrest shares insights from his personal journey as a "closet integrator" and explains how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its key components—people, process, and structure—allow leaders to implement visions effectively across industries. Tune in for valuable lessons on change management, optimizing processes, and finding the right balance between visionary ideas and grounded execution.

Clayton Stenson is the founder of Unity Guide, an organization focused on helping EOS integrators & visionaries to be more successful together!

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Bryce Wuori, co-founder and CEO of Pavewise, a revolutionary technology company changing the construction industry. Bryce shares his journey as a third-generation construction professional and explains how Pavewise is solving long-standing industry challenges, such as weather-related delays and compliance issues, through real-time data and predictive analytics. Discover how this innovative platform is helping construction firms save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency while navigating the complexities of the field. Tune in for insights on the future of construction technology and how embracing change can bring success.Pavewise's technology provides site-specific weather data, helping construction firms anticipate weather conditions and make informed decisions that minimize delays and maximize efficiency.Bryce developed Pavewise to address common issues like weather-related delays and compliance logging, which were major challenges in his own construction career. The platform now automates these tasks, saving time and resources for users.By moving away from pen-and-paper methods, Pavewise offers a modern, digital solution that helps contractors and project managers optimize scheduling, track compliance, and avoid costly downtime.Bryce discusses the challenges of introducing new technology in an industry known for sticking to traditional methods. Despite initial hesitancy, once users experience the efficiency and time-saving benefits of Pavewise, adoption becomes easier.

In this episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Jeremy Owens, founder of US Construction Zone and a third-generation construction professional. Jeremy shares his passion for building a legacy that extends beyond the daily grind. We explore his journey from running a family-owned business, Three Generations Improvements, to launching a unique platform that connects and educates construction professionals. From leadership challenges to addressing mental health in the construction industry, Jeremy offers insights on the critical intersection of people and processes in a fast-evolving field. Tune in to hear how Jeremy navigates industry complexities, fosters meaningful networks, and advocates for change, all while juggling multiple businesses and family life.Jeremy Owens focuses on creating a lasting legacy, aiming for more than just financial success. His passion lies in making a positive impact in both his family and the construction industry.Initially developed as a "LinkedIn for construction," US Construction Zone has evolved into an educational and networking platform for industry professionals, fostering meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing.Success in construction depends on balancing well-structured processes with strong people skills. Jeremy emphasizes the need for clear communication and collaboration across teams to achieve project goals.Jeremy addresses the critical issue of mental health in the construction industry, advocating for open discussions and support systems to tackle high rates of substance abuse and mental health challenges.

In this insightful episode of OPTICS™ in Action, host Ryan Weiss interviews Andy Pace, the founder of the Green Design Center and a leading voice in the healthy home movement. Andy shares his transformative journey from a traditional career in construction to becoming a passionate advocate for non-toxic, environmentally conscious building practices.The conversation begins with Andy recounting a pivotal moment in his career—an incident involving toxic coatings that nearly cost him everything. This experience drove him to question the safety of commonly used building materials and ultimately inspired him to create the Green Design Center, a business dedicated to providing safer, sustainable alternatives.Ryan and Andy explore the nuances of green design, discussing how true sustainability goes beyond environmental impact to consider the health and well-being of building occupants. Andy emphasizes the importance of consumer education, highlighting the hidden dangers in everyday building materials and the need for greater transparency in the industry.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges of balancing sustainability with human health and learn practical tips for making safer, healthier choices in their own homes or businesses. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or simply interested in creating a healthier living environment, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

In this episode of OPTIC(S)™ in Action host Ryan Weiss interviews Allan Draper, an entrepreneur managing a portfolio of 28 diverse businesses, including pest control, software, product companies, a law firm, and more. Draper shares his passion for the startup phase of businesses and the importance of people and processes in scaling operations. He emphasizes the significance of hiring skilled operational partners, maintaining core values, and adapting practices to different market needs while ensuring safety and efficiency.Draper also highlights the value of understanding the "why" behind processes, fostering a culture of feedback, and openly addressing failures to drive growth and improvement. Both Weiss and Draper agree on the importance of learning from failures and maintaining transparency to build stronger connections and credibility within their teams. Draper concludes by inviting listeners to connect with him on social media or through his website, where he offers free 15-minute consultation calls.

In this episode of OPTIC(S)™ in Action, Ryan Weiss interviews Spencer Padway, CEO of Search Nurture and Project FBA. Spencer shares his marketing journey, highlighting how his agency, Search Nurture, focuses on turning negative business inflection points into positives. He explains that Search Nurture initially addressed a common industry issue by allowing clients to hire their account managers, transforming a typically negative situation into a beneficial one for all parties involved. Spencer emphasizes the importance of transparency, leading by example, and understanding the "why" behind processes to foster innovation and satisfaction within his team. He concludes by encouraging listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn or via the Search Nurture website.

In this episode of the OPTICS™ in Action podcast, Ryan Weiss interviews Grant Cook, president of EnPro, and Michael Perry, national sales manager for AmeriChem Systems. They discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of keeping manufacturing jobs local and supporting American industries. Grant and Michael share insights on how their companies focus on people, processes, and products to enhance efficiency, maintainability, and reliability in manufacturing. They highlight the value of being on the shop floor, understanding real-world challenges, and prioritizing practical solutions over chasing technological fads. The conversation also touches on the importance of trade skills and the need for a balanced approach to education and career paths in the U.S.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the President of Epic Mortgage, Dante Royster. Epic Mortgage, is driven by a mission to educate and support individuals in achieving the American dream of owning a home, which is particularly important in the current market with its high interest rates and limited housing availability.Dante emphasized the importance of the mortgage pre-approval process as the first step in buying a home. He pointed out that lenders need to be able to recognize and understand diverse and non-traditional income sources, such as earnings from social media platforms or cryptocurrency investments, which are increasingly relevant today.Dante highlighted the critical role of real estate professionals, including mortgage brokers, in educating clients and helping them make informed decisions. He has authored "The Ultimate Mortgage Guide," available on Amazon, to further assist first-time and returning homebuyers in understanding the homebuying process.To learn more about Dante's work, click HERE and HERE.Check out Dante's book, The Ultimate Mortgage Guide, HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Leadership Expert, Author, Strategic Advisor, Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Speaker, Thomas Kereszti. Thamas' brainchild, Culture Force, was born out of a need to bridge the gap between the substantial investments companies make in leadership training and the alarming rate of employee turnover due to poor management. Tom's mission is to cultivate selfless, self-functional teams within the heart of organizations, ensuring a resilient and autonomous culture that thrives even amidst leadership transitions at the top.To learn more about Thomas' work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.