MainStream In the Media
Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2014) –Timothy J. Hutzel, Partner Emeritus at MainStream Management, LLC will be speaking at the Assembly Show. Hutzel has over thirty-five years of experience of transforming organizations into highly efficient operations through process improvement and organization development. He utilizes a unique blend of technical and organizational tools and methodologies to provide solutions beyond the traditional scope of Lean process improvement.
Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2014) – MainStream announced today the release of Bringing Jobs Back to the USA: Rebuilding America's Manufacturing Through Reshoring co-authored by Timothy J. Hutzel, Partner Emeritus at MainStream Management, LLC. Hutzel has over thirty-five years of experience of transforming organizations into highly efficient operations through process improvement and organization development. He utilizes a unique blend of technical and organizational tools and methodologies to provide solutions beyond the traditional scope of Lean process improvement.
(November 18, 2013) - Mistakes give us an opportunity to "do it better" the next time. While Hollywood loves its time-travel tales, those of us in the real world—especially the business world—usually believe we're stuck with our past mistakes. No amount of money can buy that yet-to-be-invented time machine (think "Back to the Future"), and no magical clinch of the fists in a dark closet (as in the recent "About Time") can transplant us to the moments right before we said or did something we regretted. But that doesn't mean our longing for a redo must live only in fantasyland.
(July 11, 2013) - Two unadorned words that pack a punch — thank you. This powerful message of appreciation is well on its way to becoming an "unappreciated" art form. Often we forget these very words as we race from one meeting to another, drown in emails and manage the demanding stress for results. The funny thing is that this act of kindness has the power to change results and further the outcomes that we are working so hard for.
(June 2013) - "Phil, Phil, Phil." Those were the chants from family rooms across America, including my own, while watching the final round of the 2013 US Open. This echoed the thousands of fans lining the fairways at the Merion Golf Course cheering on Phil Mickelson, arguably one of the nicest guys on the PGA Tour. In fact, that afternoon there probably were only 5 people rooting for Justin Rose, the inevitable winner — his wife, 2 children and caddie.
(May 29, 2013) - The Great Recession and the continuing economic malaise have challenged businesses and leaders alike. Some have been successful; others have found unending stress, disappointment and questions of "how could it get this bad." As a leader of a consulting firm, specializing in corporate turnaround, we've been on the front lines with CEOs and executives struggling to guide their declining businesses forward against difficult odds.
(May 17, 2013) - There have been many articles penned about Margaret Thatcher after her recent passing, lauding her accomplishments and contributions to Britain and the world. But, if you read between the lines, you'll find a common connecting theme — the impact of a woman leader during the most difficult of times. Hers is a fascinating story of doctrine and conviction, grace under pressure and unwavering confidence.
(May 2, 2013) - Today's economy is burdened by three decades of debt accumulation. Lower income growth has reduced consumer purchasing power and slowed their spending. And, taken together with uncertain government policies, these macro factors are exerting downward pressure on asset return amidst increasing labor costs and slowing productivity. As a result, corporations will find it increasingly difficult to achieve the financial returns expected by investors.
(March 21, 2013) - An old gambler's adage — "Scared money never wins" — is as timely today as it was when it was coined in the 1940s. Only now, the phrase should be top-of-mind for CEOs and their management teams as they strive to define and implement successful strategies in today's uncertain business environment. The economy remains sluggish. Unemployment remains high. And stubborn challenges continue to vex nearly all business segments, with little material improvement expected anytime soon. As an executive, should you be worried about your future prospects? Absolutely.
(February 20, 2013) - Despite the news in numbers, qualitative evaluations of future business are still far from sunny. Laurie Brunner, President of MainStream Management, characterizes the situation memorably: "Many CEOs and other leaders agree with me when I characterize the current state of the economy as a square of jello. It just sits there. Yes, you can move the plate forward and perhaps the jello has some forward inertia, but in the blink of an eye it reverts back to its inert gelatinous state."
(December 19, 2012) - MainStream Management's President, Laurie Brunner, is published today in Manufacturing.Net. Laurie was asked a simple question from a friend: "You've worked in China. Can you recommend a manufacturer to produce my patented pool toy?" Ordinarily, rattling off potential Chinese producers would have been easy. But, having just spent a week touring U.S. manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Brunner dramatically altered her response. "Have you considered a US-based producer? Why not keep the job in America?" Brunner's friend was surprised: "Really? I hadn't thought of that." And, therein lies the root of the problem.
(November 19, 2012) - Long time MainStream performance improvement expert, Tim Hutzel, and MainStream client, Dave Lippert, CEO of Hamilton Caster, are published today in Manufacturing.Net. Hutzel and Lippert's Reshoring 101: Rebuilding US Manufacturing With Right Sizing article was also published on Globalization Today, an affiliated website to Manufacturing.Net.
Huntington, WV (October 2012) - When MainStream Management's Jim Burritt and his colleagues entered GLC Limited's warehouse, they were stunned to find a rodent-infested mish-mash of food items, chipped pottery and clothing, instead of the appliances they expected. After investigating GLC Limited's business practices and inventory, MainStream ultimately uncovered a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars.
Cedar Rapids, IA (July 23, 2012) – MainStream today released a report that forecasts an extended stagnated U.S. economy. The report, "Prospering in Constrained Economic Times," outlines the factors contributing to economic constraint and offers strategies for businesses to overcome stagnation. The report examines in depth the deleveraging of consumers and corporations, weakening consumer demand, and recessionary pressures resulting from uncertain government policies.
Athens, GA (July 20, 2012) - A settlement between former Georgia University football coach Jim Donnan and his creditors won approval Thursday from a federal bankruptcy judge in Athens, GA. Donnan's estate is anticipated to pay $4M to $5.5M to GLC and its individual investors, which is believed to represent the total amount of Donnan's non-exempt assets. MainStream's Managing Director, James Burritt, was acting as GLC' chief restructuring officer and called Thursday's confirmation a positive step. His attorneys have referred to the now bankrupt company as having been a Ponzi scheme and identified Donnan as its largest winning investor. "I think it's a positive outcome for the GLC creditors and a good step to have behind us," Burritt said.
Bethesda, MD (April 23, 2012) – MainStream, today announced that Laura Keyser Brunner has been appointed President. Ms. Brunner will have oversight for the major functions of the company including strategy, operations, consulting delivery, product initiatives, marketing, and business development. She will be responsible for steering the company towards long-term growth opportunities and extending the company's worldwide market presence.
CHICAGO (Q2 2010) - Mr. Patten is a Managing Partner at the consulting and restructuring firm MainStream Management LLC. He joined Harvest Manor Farms, LLC (“Harvest Manor Farms” or the “Company”) as Chief Executive Officer in November 2001 and stayed with the business through its acquisition by Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (“Ralcorp”) in 2009.