Jeff Gray: Bringing Lean Methodologies to the Community
Photos by Susan Fried
In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Jeff Gray, the innovative mind behind Lean Revisions, a company dedicated to helping organizations improve efficiency and optimize their operations. The conversation delved into the journey of Lean Revisions and Gray’s commitment to bringing his expertise from major corporations to the community level.
Gray's venture into the world of business optimization began after his tenure at Boeing, where he worked on enhancing airplane production processes. After experiencing layoffs at two companies, he took a leap of faith and founded Lean Revisions, which has now been in operation for a decade. "It's just evolved over time, helping organizations and helping small businesses, large businesses, multinational companies utilize what's called lean methodologies," Gray explained.
Lean methodologies focus on continuous improvement, identifying inefficiencies, and enhancing customer value. Gray's approach involves empowering businesses by transferring knowledge and equipping them with tools to improve their operations independently. "It's really fun going into organizations, seeing how they do things, and helping them identify areas of opportunities that have been bugging them for years," he shared.
When asked about the difference in approach between large corporations and small startups, Gray highlighted the importance of customization. For example, he explained how he would assess Trae's operation to identify inefficiencies and potential improvements. His method involves observing existing processes, consulting with team members, and implementing suggestions to enhance overall efficiency.
Gray's dedication to community empowerment shines through his involvement in events like the Black Business Leadership Conference, where he shares his expertise with local business leaders. "I'm getting a little older, and it's time to stay home more often and give back to the community," he remarked. His son also plays a role in this mission by teaching young people about systems, processes, and quality improvement.
At the conference, Gray plans to speak about risk management in business and how lean methodologies can mitigate those risks. He emphasized that these techniques are accessible and effective across various industries, from theaters and hospitals to global supply chains.
One of the standout moments of the interview was when Gray confidently asserted his 100% success rate. "No one fails when they bring me in. I make sure that I transfer knowledge and teach them what they need," he stated. His track record includes helping nonprofits increase revenue, streamlining supply chains for major brands, and optimizing processes in diverse sectors.
As the interview wrapped up, Gray encouraged viewers to connect with Lean Revisions via their website, which offers a range of resources, including a "white belt" training series. Additionally, Gray has launched a podcast called "The Lean Lounge," where he shares insights and engages with guests to promote the benefits of lean methodologies.
Gray's commitment to community growth and business success is a testament to the impact of lean methodologies. By bridging the gap between large corporations and local businesses, he empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises that thrive across generations.
For more information, visit leanrevisions.com or listen to "The Lean Lounge" podcast on Spotify and other platforms.
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
