It’s the one-year anniversary of the Operations Excellence Podcast, and Mark O’Donnell marks the milestone with a special panel episode bringing back past guests for a real-world conversation on one big question: Are local small and midsize businesses ready for the growth opportunities headed toward Upstate New York?

Joined by Matt Masur (Growth Mode Technologies / Click Stream Studios), Mark Roberts (Staff Leasing PEO), Steve Thompson (Integrity Cost Consulting), Adam Feck (Strategic Executive Alliance), and Davine Bay (DKON Consulting Group), Mark leads a practical discussion on what it actually takes to scale without breaking your business.

The group digs into the biggest pressure points companies face as demand outpaces available talent, including: building a culture people want to join, creating repeatable hiring and onboarding systems, setting clear expectations through communication and performance management, and ensuring operations can deliver on what sales promises. They also explore the realities of remote hiring across multiple states, the importance of infrastructure and process, and the hidden costs that quietly drain profitability as organizations grow.

If you’re a business owner or leader in Central New York wondering how to prepare for the next wave of opportunity, this episode is a grounded, local, “roll up your sleeves” roadmap — with resources you can connect with right here in the community.

In Episode 11 of the Operations Excellence Podcast, Mark O’Donnell sits down with Adam Feck — President of Forward 46 and Co-Founder of the Strategic Executive Alliance — for a powerful conversation about what it really means for a business to be “ready” for growth.

Adam shares his remarkable journey—from orthopedic trauma surgery sales to fire service leadership to building organizations that support scalable revenue growth. Together, Mark and Adam dive into the foundational elements that determine whether a small or mid-sized business is prepared to seize the opportunities emerging in Central New York, particularly with the wave of development surrounding the Micron project.

They explore key questions every leader should be asking, including:

• What does readiness actually look like?
• Is your mindset helping—or holding your organization back?
• How do you know when it’s time to stop doing everything yourself?
• Are your operations and sales processes truly scalable?
• What changes must leaders be willing to make to support real growth?

From leadership mindset to building strong teams, from overcoming analysis paralysis to embracing collaboration and community resources, this episode is packed with insights for business owners, executives, and leaders looking to grow with intention.

Mark and Adam also extend a call to action to local businesses: if you're unsure whether your organization is ready to scale, both guests are offering conversations to help leaders gain clarity and direction — whether directly with them or through their broader networks of trusted local experts.

If you’re a business owner in Central New York asking yourself, “Am I ready?”, this episode is a must-listen.

In this milestone 10th episode of Operations Excellence, host Mark O’Donnell welcomes two inspiring leaders who embody what it means to build organizations with purpose — one through people, the other through preparedness.

First, Davine Bey, Founder & Managing Partner of DKON Consulting Group, shares his journey from Harlem to Syracuse and how decades in talent acquisition shaped his philosophy on leadership, mentorship, and the power of “relationship capital.” Davine dives deep into creating cultures that develop people, embrace diversity, and adapt to emerging challenges — including the rise of AI in recruiting.

Then, Evan Grenier, Director of Operations at NAVAC (North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps), joins Mark to discuss operational excellence in life-saving work. From managing a 24/7 EMS team to adapting to community growth and new medical technologies, Evan offers a behind-the-scenes look at leadership under pressure — and how strategic planning is helping NAVAC prepare for the future.

Whether you lead teams, serve communities, or simply want to understand what makes organizations thrive, this episode delivers insights that connect heart, strategy, and real-world execution.

In Episode 9 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O’Donnell welcomes two guests in back-to-back conversations.

Segment 1 — Dr. Marc Pietropaoli (Victory in Motion): A fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pietropaoli breaks down his “knee repair, not knee replacement” philosophy and why most musculoskeletal patients don’t need surgery. He explains Victory in Motion’s holistic program—combining diagnostics (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), PRP and bone-marrow–derived treatments, laser therapy, total-body fitness, and genetics-informed nutrition—to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and improve quality of life. He also shares why he moved away from an insurance-driven model to deliver faster, more personalized care.

Segment 2 — Will Staton (Independent Educational Consultant & Author): Will dives into what healthy organizational culture looks like in K–12 settings: clear communication channels, accountable reporting structures, high expectations with real empathy, and leaders who model emotional intelligence. He also makes the case for history as a “road map” for better decisions and community impact.

You’ll Learn:

• When regenerative medicine can be an alternative to joint replacement—and when surgery still matters
• How a “clarity day” diagnostic can shorten months of waiting into a single, comprehensive plan
• Practical ways school leaders can fix culture problems (without turning the workplace into a therapy session)
• Why empathy + standards is the winning formula for any team

In this episode of Operations Excellence, host Mark O’Donnell sits down with Mark Roberts, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Staff Leasing, to talk about 36 years of helping companies streamline HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance. From starting with a single desk and a phone to building a Fortune 500–level benefits package for small and mid-sized businesses, Mark shares how Staff Leasing becomes a true extension of their clients’ teams. They discuss the challenges of starting a business, the importance of listening to clients’ needs, how company culture impacts talent retention, and why great customer service still matters. Packed with real-world insights, this conversation is a masterclass in building long-term business relationships and adding value that goes far beyond the bottom line.

In Episode 7 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes two passionate guests who embody entrepreneurial grit and creative reinvention.

First, meet Zach Premo, founder of Ads on the Go, whose journey from small-town dropout to digital billboard entrepreneur is anything but traditional. Zach shares how he rebuilt his business from the ground up after a painful split, why small businesses deserve big attention, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, failure, and relentless persistence.

Then, in Part Two, Mark sits down with producer and performer Mike Brindisi. From national music tours and stand-up comedy to near burnout and rediscovery, Mike opens up about chasing dreams, battling self-doubt, and finally finding fulfillment through relationships, self-awareness, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.

Whether you're a young entrepreneur, a creative professional, or just someone who needs a reminder to keep going—this episode is for you.

In this special two-part episode, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes back his first returning guest, Stephanie Zumbuhl of Abacus Grant Services, LLC. Stephanie shares how her business has rapidly scaled through the power of referrals, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on purpose-driven growth. From moving into new office space to building a dream team, Stephanie opens up about the growing pains and personal revelations that come with being a founder navigating rapid success.

In the second half, Mark sits down with Drew Brooks of RB Woodcraft—a family-run architectural millwork business with nearly 50 years of history. Drew reflects on his leadership journey, the company’s cultural transformation, and how they’re creating lasting client relationships by focusing on trust, adaptability, and service. He also shares how leadership development helped shape both his career and RB Woodcraft’s next generation of leaders.

Whether you're growing a business, leading a team, or just trying to find balance in a fast-paced world, this episode is packed with valuable lessons in growth, grit, and operational excellence.

In Episode 5 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O'Donnell welcomes two powerful voices in leadership and growth.

🚀 First up: Adam Roemer, Northern California Regional Manager at US Air Conditioning Distributors, shares his personal journey from crawling through hot attics to leading high-performing teams. Hear how his leadership style evolved through experience, mentorship, and customized coaching—and how he’s now mentoring the next generation of managers.

🧠 In the second half: Mark sits down with his own coach, Gerard Mott, Partner at Trusted Advisors. Gerard unpacks what it really takes to build customer loyalty, why culture and leadership development are vital to retention, and how consulting networks like Trusted Advisors help leaders thrive—especially in times of uncertainty.

🎧 Whether you're managing a team, growing a business, or considering a leap into consulting, this episode is packed with insights on building connection, earning trust, and turning good teams into great ones.

#OperationsExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #CustomerLoyalty #TrustedAdvisors #HVACLeadership #BusinessCoaching

Welcome to Episode 4 of Operations Excellence with host Mark O'Donnell! In this episode, Mark is joined by Stephanie Zumbuhl of Abacus Grant Services and Steve Thompson, founder of Integrity Cost Consulting. Together, they dive into the real-world challenges, lessons, and victories of running successful businesses.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll hear: 🔹 The importance of empathetic listening and why it’s a game-changer in client relationships. 🔹 Steve’s “Peanut Butter Principle” and how it shaped his approach to cost consulting. 🔹 Why mastering your craft and building a powerful network is critical for long-term success. 🔹 The reality of starting a business without a safety net—and the mindset you need to survive it. 🔹 How Steve’s 20+ years of cost benchmarking data helps clients slash expenses and boost cash flow. 🔹 Mark’s reflections on passion, purpose, and why full retirement isn’t always the end goal.

🗣️ Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes business conversation, this episode is packed with insights that can help you level up.

💥 Ready to take your operations to the next level? Hit that subscribe button and join us on this journey to excellence.

In Episode 3 of Operations Excellence, host Mark O'Donnell is joined by guests Jennifer Jedik and Matt Masur for a deep dive into the real-world challenges and rewards of leadership development, organizational growth, and personal transformation. From the power of empathy and mentorship to the courage it takes to speak publicly and lead authentically, this episode unpacks the mindset shifts required to go from doer to leader — and how culture plays a critical role in retaining top talent. We also explore innovative hiring strategies, like 4-day workweeks and referral-based recruitment, and what it truly means to scale a business where the founder becomes "irrelevant" in the best way possible. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and heart.