When a restaurant starts to slip, the instinct is almost always the same: chase the tangibles. Cut portion sizes. Raise prices. Remodel the décor. Throw money at marketing. These are visible levers, easy to measure, easy to justify in a boardroom. But restaurants don’t fail because...
I’ve lived logistics from both sides of the fence, as a buyer negotiating contracts and as a provider running companies with razor‑thin margins. That dual perspective taught me something most outsiders miss: the rules of this industry aren’t written in textbooks; they’re written in the...
As an executive, I’ve studied the economic drag caused by aging leadership. One insight stands out: when senior roles open due to mandatory retirement, younger professionals earn more earlier and retire with more. It’s not just about fairness. It’s about financial efficiency, organizational vitality, and...
In my years of executive leadership and mentoring, I’ve observed a recurring distinction among professionals seeking guidance. Broadly, they fall into two categories: those who pursue mentorship as a means of survival within their organizational environment, and those who seek it as a catalyst for...
By John Scheel, Managing Partner at Stone Management Partners Twenty years ago, I led a delivery transformation at a major consumer packaged goods company. The challenge was simple: how do we offer next-day delivery without drowning in cost and complexity? The solution wasn’t just operational, it was...
By John Scheel – Stone Management Partners In today’s digital landscape, convenience is king, but emotional resonance is the crown jewel. Two tech giants, Amazon and Uber, have redefined what it means to shop and travel, not just by streamlining the process, but by transforming it...
By John & Garry | Stone Management Partners At some point in every founder’s journey, the very traits that built the business —passion, grit, and relentless effort —become the things that hold it back. We’ve seen this firsthand in companies at a crossroads, where growth stalls...
From Tariffs to Triumph Achieving Operational Excellence Through Inventory Strategy In today’s turbulent global economy, businesses face relentless challenges: rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and unpredictable market conditions. CEOs and CFOs must act decisively to protect margins, streamline operations, and meet customer demands—all while navigating unrelenting external...
Is the relentless focus on short-term results quietly undermining the future of business strategy? Today’s global economy is marked by inflation, geopolitical instability, and rapid technological disruption. In this volatile environment, businesses are sacrificing long-term vision for immediate gains—and the role of seasoned leadership is often...
With workforces dispersed across multiple functions and regions and often working remotely, gathering comprehensive performance insights is more challenging than ever. Performance systems that regularly gather input from internal teams play an essential role in helping companies align goals, drive accountability, and enable real-time decision-making....