Manufacturers

  • The Hidden Cost of Incomplete Engineering: Why “Clear to Build” Is Critical for Operational Excellence

    Most operations leaders have felt it: that sinking moment when a production line grinds to a halt because one small component didn’t make it into the build plan. Suddenly, everything waits. Teams scramble. Deadlines slip. And you’re left asking, “How did we not catch this sooner?” This isn’t just about a missing fan blade or…

  • The Most Undervalued System in the Plant: Standard Work

    You want to scale. You want performance to be consistent, predictable, and repeatable. You want to build a team that doesn’t rely on heroics or tribal knowledge. You want accountability without micromanagement. That’s the promise of lean manufacturing; streamlined processes, empowered teams, and consistent performance.  But those outcomes depend on one thing more than most…

  • Bryan Ward

    Bryan Ward combines passion with proficiency to bring about transformative change in various industries. With over 10 years in consulting and a quarter-century’s association with Lean Manufacturing, Bryan’s expertise has consistently propelled organizations towards their desired performance goals operationally, financially, and culturally.  Throughout his career, Bryan’s leadership roles within the U.S. Air Force and Raytheon…

  • Jorge Sandoval

    Jorge Sandoval, a Principal Consultant at CBS, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from over 20 years in manufacturing operations. His journey began in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for six years in various locations, honing his leadership skills. This military background would later prove invaluable in his consulting career, guiding teams…

  • Jennifer Peoples, CPA, CGMA

    With a career spanning over 25 years in public accounting, Jennifer Peoples, CPA, CGMA, serves as a Controller with a meticulous approach to her work. Renowned for her ability to gain comprehensive understanding of her clients’ operations and business environments, Jennifer has achieved extraordinary success in aiding her clients to reach their objectives and enhance…

  • Bob Morin

    Bob Morin’s operational experience spans over 25 years in the aerospace, consumer products, and medical devices industries. Bob began preparing for his future role as a problem solver while serving in the U.S. Navy for eight years, honing his leadership skills in various locations. His Navy experience instilled in him a drive for simplicity and…

  • Tim Mason

    With an impressive career spanning over three and a half decades, Tim Mason, Vice President of Consulting Services, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role at CBS. A seasoned mechanical engineer and Lean transformation expert, Tim thrives on dissecting processes, eliminating waste, and injecting efficiency into every facet of an…

  • Dennis Kelley

    Dennis Kelley, Vice President of Consulting Services at Competitive Business Solutions (CBS), is an accomplished leader and strategist with over 30 years of diverse manufacturing experience. Starting his journey as an operations engineer in the aerospace industry after serving his country with the United States Marine Corps., Dennis transitioned to strategic consulting, leveraging his comprehensive…

  • Ed Hoffman

    With nearly two decades of operations management experience at industry giants like GE and Lockheed Martin, Ed founded Competitive Business Solutions to deliver innovative strategic solutions that empower companies to achieve world-class operational performance, profitability, and sustained growth. His extensive background reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for continuous improvement in the arena…

  • Steve Dowzicky

    As the Vice President of Aerospace, Steve Dowzicky brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to his role, coupled with a passionate commitment to driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.   His wealth of experience encompasses managing shop-floor and supply-chain operations, quality, production control, material management, and program management. He has a…