Brian Van de Water LinkedIn - email is vandewater@outlook.comSpecright and Packaging InfoMeyers Sustainable Packaging Guide eBookSupplyCaddy.comBuy Packaging Peeks Kids bookSponsor information!If you listened to the podcast and wanted to connect with Specright to rid the world of waste. Let’s go! www.specright.com/pkg. Prepare your company for the world of EPR laws and be the sustainability hero! Make sure you check them out and join them on their mission to have a world where people are free to make amazing things!SupplyCaddy is welcomed on as the latest packaging podcast sponsor! SupplyCaddy is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of packaging and disposables for the foodservice industry. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SupplyCaddy is able to provide high-quality, affordable products for restaurants, chains, and foodservice brands globally. For more information, visit SupplyCaddy.com.Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!Show summary and notes made by Deciphr.ai ;)The Power of Operational Efficiency: A Conversation with Brian VanderwaterWelcome to the People of Packaging podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Vanderwater, the CEO and founder of SPL Consulting LLC. Brian has an extensive background in the packaging industry, with over 30 years of experience in flexible packaging, converting, and label manufacturing. He has also worked in other industries, including robotics and microbiology. Brian's expertise lies in strategic planning, lean enterprise implementation, and leadership development.The Journey to Operational EfficiencyBrian's journey in the packaging industry began with his first job at James River, where he had the opportunity to work in various roles and gain experience in different printing technologies. He quickly became interested in process improvement and embraced the principles of statistical process control (SPC) and lean manufacturing. Brian's passion for operational efficiency led him to take on several turnaround projects throughout his career, where he successfully transformed struggling companies into profitable enterprises.The Importance of Leadership and Talent DevelopmentOne of the key aspects of Brian's consulting work is leadership and talent development. He believes that effective leadership is crucial for managing change and driving execution within an organization. Brian emphasizes the importance of building cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration between different departments. By bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and skill sets, companies can achieve significant improvements in their processes and outcomes.The Kaizen Approach to Process ImprovementBrian's approach to process improvement is rooted in the concept of Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement. Kaizen involves identifying and eliminating waste in all aspects of a business, from order processing to manufacturing and shipping. By conducting Kaizen events, Brian helps companies uncover inefficiencies and implement changes that lead to increased capacity, reduced lead times, and improved quality.Achieving Results through Strategic PlanningIn addition to process improvement, Brian also assists companies in developing and executing strategic plans. He believes that a well-defined strategy is essential for driving growth and achieving long-term success. By aligning the organization's goals and objectives, Brian helps companies overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the market.Real-Life Success StoriesBrian's consulting work has yielded impressive results for his clients. In one case, he helped a company increase their throughput by 40% and reduce lead times from 40 days to 14. Another client achieved their ten-year sales growth goal in just four years through a strategic planning and sales