I was interviewed by Sean Genovese on his “Distracted Driving” podcast. He is an Industrial Engineer and Lean leader with many years of experience in Aerospace manufacturing. We discuss my work applying Lean Six Sigma to “real” problems like pollution, healthcare, social issues and more in order to have a positive impact on society. We also […]
Tim Gebauer shares his thoughts on applying Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to a thrift store. He feels that one of the first things to do to improve a store is visualizing and understanding how things are really being done now. A VSM can identify the flow of raw donations through the facility. Once they arrive, […]
Written by Brion
Tim Gebauer writes a weekly blog about his experiences working in a thrift store. He shares tips and reasons why turning donated goods into sellable items helps bring back recurring customers, and why processes and systems are key to long-term success. He doesn’t talk specifically about Lean, but mentions backlog, wasted steps and motion (touching […]
Written by Brion
This short video highlights four different examples of nonprofits and NGOs applying Lean principles and concepts to social challenges in the local community. St. Bernard Project (New Orleans, LA) Learn more at https://planet-lean.com/lean-construction-new-orleans-katrina/ Food Bank For New York City Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EedMmMedj3M Free Geek (Portland, OR) Learn more at http://www.sustainableengineer.org/free-geek-named-2021-excellence-in-sustainable-development-award-winner/ Project C.U.R.E. (Houston, TX) […]
Written by Brion
The IISE Annual Conference Volunteering Event is a yearly project started in 2012 where members attending the annual conference volunteer to assist a nonprofit agency in the conference’s host city. The 2022 event took place May 21st at the Southcenter Store of the Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County in Tukwila, Washington. 23 volunteers offered their time […]
Written by Brion
Tim Gebauer shares some examples where small improvements at a thrift store led to major results when looked at over the long term. These savings seem small, but they can compound over time. Examples include: Moved a trash can closer by 10 feet – Saved 85 hours a year Adding rollers between stations – Saved […]
Written by Brion
Tim Gebauer writes articles on LinkedIn under the Thrift Retailer, and discusses Lean methods applied at a thrift store. In this article, he discusses clutter at the checkout area and how it impacts efficiency and customer satisfaction. He suggests that 5S can be used to improve the checkout area, which actually improves employee turnover in […]
Written by Brion
Orange Sky Laundry is a not-for-profit organization that provides a platform for every day Australians and New Zealanders to connect through a regular laundry and shower service, especially those who don’t have housing (homelessness) or are financially-constrained. The focus is on creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for people who are too often ignored […]
Written by Brion
We are familiar with humanitarian aid work primarily through appeals for donations and through political action in the media. But there is much more to it than funding (inputs) or the political framework. Less well known is the fact that logistics can take up to 80% of the budget in a humanitarian response. Today, to […]
Written by Brion
Toyota partnered with Goodwill Industries of Connecticut to get the 200+ donations to the sales floor faster to improve sales. Toyota involved staff in improving their work which in turn helps Goodwill fund services that help people achieve independence and self-sufficiency through job training and other services. Reduced safety and ergonomic issues for workers Reduced […]
Written by Brion