Episodes

  • Leading from the Inside Out: Building Loyalty in Teams and Clients
    Jun 5 2025

    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

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Master Your Craft, Build Your Network – with Stephanie Zumbuhl & Steve Thompson
    May 8 2025

    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.

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    54 mins
  • The Power of Empathy
    Apr 23 2025

    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.

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    57 mins
  • Distinctive Voices
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode of Operations Excellence, Mark O'Donnell sits down with Joann Yarrow and Brad Beckman of Distinctive Voices, a company dedicated to narrative development, performance coaching, and storytelling for business and entertainment. Join us as we explore: 🎭 The art of storytelling in business and the performing arts 🎤 How effective communication builds stronger brands and teams 🧠 The intersection of creative thinking and structured leadership 🌍 Lessons from working with international artists and businesses Joann and Brad share their passion for narrative coaching, helping professionals enhance their presence, engage audiences, and craft compelling stories—whether for stage, screen, or corporate settings. 🎧 Tune in and discover how mastering storytelling can elevate your business and leadership skills!

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Operations Excellence at the NYS Winter Fair
    Apr 23 2025

    Operations Excellence, Mark O'Donnell joins Good News York (Matt Masur, Mike Brindisi) LIVE at the NYS Winter Fair with special guests John Sidorakis and Derek Brooks.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
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