Turning Inventory Chaos into Enterprise Value: Michael Ryan's Success Story

🎙️ From Corporate Executive to Supply Chain Problem Solver: Michael Ryan's Journey Building Cash MachinesIn this inspiring episode, Michael Ryan, Managing Partner of the M. Ryan Group, shares his transformation from corporate executive at GE and Goodyear to becoming a supply chain consultant who helps manufacturers unlock millions in working capital. With 25 years of experience and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Michael reveals how he turned getting fired into an opportunity to build a consulting firm that delivers 3-5x ROI by solving inventory problems and improving EBITDA. Through detailed case studies and practical strategies, Michael demonstrates how "boring inventory" can hide gold mines of cash and shares the critical communication breakdowns that plague most businesses when it comes to inventory planning.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:"In God we trust, all others bring data" - the GE principle that guides decision-makingHow getting fired led to discovering consulting and eventual business ownershipThe biggest inventory management lever: getting sales, operations, and finance talkingWhy most businesses have "too much of the wrong stuff, not enough of the right stuff"Case study: $350M manufacturer with 25,000 SKUs - reduced excess inventory 12% in 6 monthsCase study: $80M capital equipment company at borrowing limit - freed up millions through supplier negotiationsCase study: $150M supplement manufacturer - improved fill rate from 82% to 93% while reducing inventory $4.2MThe critical importance of involving sales teams in inventory reduction programsHow to calculate optimal inventory levels using lead time, variability, forecast, and ordering frequencyWhy hourly billing incentivizes consultants to extend projects unnecessarily🌟 Michael's Key Influences:Father (Police Officer): Taught ability to connect with anyone from any backgroundWife: Provided courage to start business and emotional support during challengesGE Corporate Culture: Instilled data-driven decision making and systematic problem-solvingMastermind Group: Professional board of directors providing accountability and guidanceJonathan Stark & Rochelle Moulton: "Business of Authority" podcast shaped consulting approach👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about turning supply chain chaos into enterprise value, the importance of cross-functional communication, and how to build a consulting business based on fixed-fee value creation.🔗 Connect with Michael Ryan:Website: https://mryangroup.com/LinkedIn: Search "Michael Ryan inventory iceberg" for unique resultsEmail: Available through website contact formLocation: Hudson, Ohio📄 Transcript Available: Turning Inventory Chaos into Enterprise Value: Michael Ryan's Success Story📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#SupplyChainConsulting #InventoryManagement #WorkingCapitalOptimization #Manufacturing #Distribution #PrivateEquity #EBITDAImprovement #SixSigma #OperationsConsulting #BusinessTransformation #CashFlowOptimization #Forecasting #SalesOperationsPlanning #InspiredStoriesPodcast