Most automation projects don’t fail because of the technology. They fail because of what’s underneath it.

In Episode 3 of Work Smarter, Buddy sits down with Chris Frazee, CEO of ProLift Toyota Material Handling, to unpack why so many automation initiatives fall short and what actually makes them work.

Chris brings a grounded, real-world perspective from leading a company that operates at the intersection of systems, people, and process. Together, they break down the common mistakes businesses make when chasing automation and why simply adding more tools often creates more complexity instead of less.

This conversation gets to the core of what Work Smarter is about: building systems that scale, instead of relying on effort that doesn’t.

What you’ll learn:

• Why automation can amplify broken processes

• The hidden cost of implementing tools too early

• What needs to be true before automation actually works

• How leaders should think about systems, not just software

• A practical framework for approaching automation the right way

If you’re a business owner, operator, or leader trying to scale without chaos, this episode will challenge how you think about automation and give you a clearer path forward.

Subscribe for more conversations on building better systems, simplifying operations, and working smarter.