Welcome to the MLC Blog! A blog fueled by the Lean and Continuous Improvement Community!
Last month, the Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) had an incredible experience at the Lean Solutions Global Summit in Detroit! The Lean Excellence Student Competition brought Lean learning to life as students showcased their commitment to continuous learning, scientific thinking, and teamwork.
The energy in the room was electric as two University of Michigan teams went head-to-head in a catapult systems challenge designed to test their Lean knowledge, collaboration, and problem-solving under real-world conditions. Each team worked to standardize processes, reduce variation, and demonstrate measurable improvement—all while having a blast.
In the end, it was the Blue Team that took home the victory—but the competition was incredibly close, with just a razor-thin margin separating the two teams.
“It was inspiring to watch these students bring Lean to life,” said one of our judges. “Their creativity, discipline, and collaboration show just how bright the future of Lean really is.”
This event would not have been possible without the incredible individuals and organizations that supported it:
Special Thanks To:
Debra Levantrosser – U-M Team Coordinator
Coaches: Ray Muscat, Mary Duck, and David Hyatt
Judges: Josh Smith, Pamela Burgess, and Jon Kuipers
Partner: Lean Solutions
Sponsors: ZFS Solutions, Mike Dixon (Utah State University), and S Post Consulting
Your dedication and support gave students a meaningful platform to learn, collaborate, and lead the Lean way.
The success of this year’s competition highlights the importance of connecting students with real-world Lean experiences. The MLC is excited to continue building this program—expanding opportunities for students across Michigan and beyond to engage with Lean thinking, industry mentors, and the wider continuous improvement community.
The future of Lean is bright—and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
Brittany Parks Process Consulting (BPPC) and Energy Control Power Lockout (ECPL) exemplify how Lean thinking and safety excellence work hand in hand to create stronger, more resilient organizations.
At BPPC, the focus is on strengthening standard operating procedures through process improvement and organizational change management—helping teams drive consistency, efficiency, and long-term success. ECPL complements that work by delivering customized safety program solutions, including lockout/tagout placards, evacuation maps, and compliance signage. Together, BPPC and ECPL equip organizations with the systems, tools, and culture needed for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
As the Owner and Principal Consultant at BPPC and Owner and President of ECPL, Brittany Parks leads both companies in partnering with clients across manufacturing, government, healthcare, nonprofits, and small businesses—helping each create workplaces that protect people and perform at their best.
Brittany has been an active member of the Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) for several years, serving as a speaker, workshop leader, and participant. Both BPPC and ECPL have supported MLC events through sponsorship and thought leadership—particularly in advancing conversations around building strong safety cultures, applying Lean principles, and bridging the gap between compliance and continuous improvement.
“Our ‘why’ is rooted in people,” Brittany shared. “We believe every worker deserves to return home safely and every organization deserves processes that work for them—not against them.”
The MLC provides a network where BPPC and ECPL can both learn and give back, exchanging best practices in Lean, safety, and leadership. Membership creates opportunities to connect with peers, spark collaboration, and stay at the forefront of improvement practices that benefit Michigan’s industries and communities.
“Through the MLC, we’ve seen firsthand how Lean principles not only improve efficiency but also create safer, more sustainable workplaces. That’s why both BPPC and ECPL are proud to be supporters—we are committed to shaping systems that protect people and improve performance.” — Brittany Parks, Owner & Principal Consultant, BPPC; Owner & President, ECPL
At BPPC and ECPL, strong systems are built with people at the center. Their work integrates human-centered design with Lean and safety principles to ensure solutions are not only effective—but also intuitive, practical, and embraced by the teams who use them.
Beyond tools and templates, both organizations partner with clients to design and implement change management strategies that align operational efficiency with safety compliance. By focusing on how people interact with systems, BPPC and ECPL help create processes that last—driving meaningful, sustainable improvement.
As active members of the Michigan Lean Consortium, BPPC and ECPL embody the spirit of Lean leadership—combining innovation, safety, and collaboration to make Michigan’s workplaces safer, stronger, and better connected.
Pamela Burgess, Chair of the 2025 Annual Conference, summed it up best: “The MLC community showed up. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
As the team, board members, sponsors, and presenters arrived, what could have been chaos turned into a masterclass in collaboration. “No joke—anyone that was around just did what was needed,” Pamela shared. “I don’t think I carried anything beyond my luggage… actually, someone grabbed that too!”
✔️ 3 days of learning and Lean energy
✔️ 12+ breakout sessions across industries
✔️ High-impact keynotes and panels
✔️ Gemba Walks across Frankenmuth, Saginaw, and Bridgeport
✔️ White Belt Certification track
✔️ Interactive sessions that brought play and practice together
✔️ A room full of Lean learners, leaders, and legacy builders
We kicked off with Alexandra Suchman, CEO of Barometer XP, who reminded us of the power of play in workplace culture. Her interactive session had us reflecting and thinking differently about how we approach continuous improvement.
Mark Cruth, Principal Modern Work Coach at Atlassian, took us into the future with a keynote on Lean + AI. His message: before you make a process faster, make the system better.
And throughout the week, Debra Levantrosser, MLC Founder, guided us with humor and heart as our conference emcee. A Lean legend who kept the flow moving—and the energy high.
Wednesday’s Riverboat Cruise, sponsored by HilCo Global, was a chance to relax, reflect, and reconnect on the beautiful Bavarian Belle.
With over a dozen engaging sessions, we covered everything from Lean in government and healthcare to facilitation, communication, team dynamics, and strategy deployment.
Attendees raved about sessions from:
Patrick Adams (Lean Solutions)
Pamela Weiss (Orlans Law Group)
LaShira Champion-King (Walbridge)
Adam Lawrence (Process Improvement Partners)
Jaclyn Badder (State of Michigan)
Troy Tungate (GE Healthcare)
Sarah Tilkens
Liz Gardner
Jamie Noble
And so many more.
The White Belt Certification Track—led by Stephanie Welch and Jerry Browne—welcomed new learners into the Lean community with hands-on training and foundational tools.
One of the most memorable sessions came courtesy of Brian and Allison DeVries, who wrapped up the conference with The Big Thinking of a Small Knight. This engaging, story-driven experience blended creativity with Lean principles and left attendees inspired to take big thinking back to their teams and classrooms.
To close out the week, attendees went out into the field for Gemba Walks at:
Frankenmuth Cheese Haus – Celebrating 50 years of flavorful innovation
Amigo Mobility International – A showcase of people-first Lean improvements
Nexteer Automotive – A Lean leader in driveline technologies
Each location offered a unique perspective on Lean principles in motion, and participants left energized by seeing how continuous improvement thrives in different environments.
Pamela shared it all best: “Was it perfect? No. Room for improvement? Absolutely. But I couldn’t be more proud of our AC Committee and the Lean community.”
That’s what Lean is all about—progress, not perfection. And this year’s conference proved again that when people come together with purpose, practice, and heart, incredible things happen.
To our attendees, sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and the entire MLC Board and planning committee—thank you for showing up, leaning in, and building on the legacy of Lean.
We're already planning for next year—and you can be part of it! Secure your spot at the 2026 MLC Annual Conference with Early Bird Pricing available through January 31, 2026:
️ Member Early Bird – $460.00
️ Non-Member Early Bird – $590.00 (includes 1-year Individual Membership!)
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center ️ August 4–7, 2026 | Muskegon, MI
Register Today!
Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, a global leader in contract manufacturing for the orthopedic market, exemplifies how Lean principles can drive excellence in high-precision, highly regulated industries. Specializing in implants, instruments, and innovative technologies for joint replacements, spine, and trauma surgeries.
Recently, Orchid Orthopedic Solutions joined the Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) as a Huron Member, formalizing a longstanding relationship with the Lean community in Michigan. While several team members had previously held individual memberships, the decision to become an organizational member was driven by a shared vision: Lean is for everyone.
That vision is championed by Holy Plaga, Operational Excellence Global Leader, who has been involved with the MLC since 2010. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including Chair of the Board of Directors, and has consistently championed the organization.
Orchid’s organizational membership has helped expand access to Lean resources across its global footprint. In addition to U.S.-based participants, the company has team members from around the world engaged with the MLC, including a colleague in Sheffield, England, who actively participates in online programming. This reach demonstrates the power of MLC’s virtual offerings to connect Lean thinkers across borders and time zones.
Since joining as an organizational member, Orchid has taken full advantage of the MLC’s diverse offerings:
✅ Affordable, high-impact professional development ✅ Cross-industry collaboration and idea exchange ✅ Access to Lean tools and thought leadership ✅ Volunteer opportunities for team members in roles that may not traditionally offer them
Team members have already begun collaborating with other MLC member organizations, sparking new ideas and meaningful improvements. Gaining outside perspectives and unfiltered feedback has helped reinforce a culture of learning, experimentation, and shared purpose.
As Orchid continues to build and sustain its Lean culture, the MLC is proud to be a trusted partner.
With a strong emphasis on people, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Orchid exemplifies what it means to lead Lean from within, whether that’s in Michigan, across the U.S., or around the world.
As Pascal Dennis said, “Intensity is the soul of lean production, and team members are its heart.” At Orchid, that belief lives in every improvement effort, every collaboration, and every voice.
Here’s to the next chapter of continuous improvement, powered by people.
MLC Welcomes New Board Leadership and Directors Exciting Transitions Usher in Fresh Energy for 2025 and Beyond
The Michigan Lean Consortium is excited to announce several recent changes to its Board of Directors. These transitions mark a new chapter of leadership, growth, and collaboration as MLC continues to champion Lean thinking across Michigan’s diverse sectors.
New Leadership at the Helm
After years of dedicated service, Holly Plaga has stepped down as Board Chair. We thank Holly for her outstanding contributions and leadership. Stepping into the role is Pamela Burgess, a seasoned professional with a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Pamela has served MLC in various capacities—including Board Secretary and Event Director—and brings extensive experience from her role in Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
Pamela is joined by Josh Smith, who has moved into the Vice Chair position while also serving as Community Director. Josh previously led MLC’s training initiatives and brings his signature energy and passion for Lean community-building to this expanded leadership role.
Welcoming New and Transitioning Directors
We are thrilled to welcome three new directors to the board:
Michelle Formanczyk joins as MLC’s first-ever Outreach Director. This new role reflects MLC’s growing commitment to statewide collaboration and expanded partnerships. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, Michelle brings innovative thinking and a talent for connection-building.
Kim Ziegler steps into the role of Membership Director. An active MLC member since 2013, Kim is a leader in Operational Excellence at Dart Container Corporation and brings deep expertise in strategic improvement and member engagement.
Chenoa Reyes has accepted the role of Secretary. A Process Improvement Specialist with the State of Michigan, Chenoa is a Lean-certified professional with a passion for making systems more effective and efficient.
In addition to our new board members, we celebrate the evolving roles of current directors:
Stephanie Welch transitions into the role of Training Director, bringing over 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical operations and a passion for teaching continuous improvement principles.
Melissa Sherman will now serve as Events Director, leveraging her experience in utility and higher education sectors with a focus on leading change and cultivating Lean learning opportunities.
Robert Sturza, a long-time Lean advocate, healthcare professional, and MLC Board Member, has assumed the role of Program Director, expanding his impact on MLC’s content and strategic programming.
Dr. Patricia Malone continues in her role as Treasurer, bringing deep financial and strategic expertise as a CPA. She supports MLC’s mission with a strong focus on purposeful, sustainable change.
Looking Ahead
Each board member brings unique skills and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to advancing Lean principles throughout Michigan. The Michigan Lean Consortium is excited to continue building momentum in 2025 with this dynamic leadership team.
We are grateful to all our past and present board members for their service—and to our community for continuing to support our mission. With this new team in place, we are more equipped than ever to drive meaningful, measurable change.
You can learn more about the full Board of Directors and connect with them by visiting our Board of Directors page—we welcome your questions, ideas, and collaboration.
Member Spotlight: Consumers Energy
For nearly a decade, Consumers Energy has stood out not only as one of Michigan’s most trusted utilities but also as a committed leader in Lean thinking and continuous improvement. As a Superior Member of the Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) since 2017, Consumers has continuously invested in Lean principles to enhance operations, elevate customer experiences, and drive innovation across the organization.
Consumers Energy is an investor-owned utility (IOU) that delivers natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout Michigan. With a mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy, the company utilizes a balanced portfolio of generation sources—including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar, wind, pumped storage, and renewable natural gas (RNG). That balanced approach mirrors Lean principles: intentional, efficient, and adaptable to change.
At the core of their internal Lean efforts is the Lean Center of Excellence, where professionals like Sr. Quality Improvement Consultant Melissa Sherman guide process improvement initiatives across departments. Melissa plays a key role in embedding Lean principles into everyday operations, ensuring they’re more than just a set of tools—they’re a part of the company culture.
But Consumers Energy’s commitment to Lean extends beyond its internal walls. Since joining the MLC, the organization has actively contributed to the Lean community. They’ve engaged in events across the state, including volunteering at the 2022 Annual Conference, and further deepened their involvement when Melissa joined the MLC Board of Directors in late 2022, serving in both Events and Secretary roles.
So why does Consumers Energy remain a committed member of the MLC? The answer is simple: value.
From virtual coffees and Gemba walks to one-day summits and the Annual Conference, MLC provides countless opportunities for Lean professionals to learn, grow, and connect. The chance to “go-see” how Lean is applied in other sectors, hear from diverse voices, and bring back new ideas is invaluable to their team.
“Through my involvement with the MLC, I have built a valuable network of colleagues, deepened my knowledge and passion for Lean principles, and experienced significant personal and professional growth,”- Melissa Sherman.
As Consumers Energy continues to lead in both the energy and Lean spaces, the MLC is proud to count them among its most active and engaged members. Their passion for improvement, innovation, and community makes them a model for what Lean leadership looks like in action.
Here’s to many more years of partnership, progress, and purposeful problem-solving.
For over four decades, Sebright Products, Inc. has been a leader in designing and manufacturing waste handling and recycling equipment. Founded in 1978 and incorporated in 1984 by Brent Sebright and Lee Murray, the company has built a reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and sustainability. Based in Hopkins, Michigan, Sebright Products continues to innovate, producing rugged, high-quality equipment that meets the evolving needs of industries worldwide.
Beyond manufacturing, Sebright takes pride in offering turnkey installations and exceptional after-sales service, ensuring their customers receive long-term value from their investments. Their solutions impact businesses, municipalities, and global corporations, driving efficiency, sustainability, and better waste management practices.
Sebright & the Michigan Lean Consortium
Sebright’s journey with Lean and the MLC began in 2022 with just two members. After attending the Grand Rapids Lean Summit in 2024, interest in Lean thinking skyrocketed across the company. By May 2024, ten Sebright employees had become MLC members, actively engaging in Lean learning and professional development.
“We’ve started our Lean journey and recognize the value of the Michigan Lean Consortium,” says Emir, a key leader at Sebright. “The events and resources offered by the MLC provide our team with opportunities to connect with other companies and learn Lean practices and tools.”
This commitment is evident—six Sebright Products team members are currently enrolled in the MLC Green Belt Course, reinforcing their dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Meet Emir: Leading Sebright’s Lean Transformation
As a key executive at Sebright, Emir plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future. His responsibilities include:
✅ Developing and executing Sebright’s strategic vision
✅ Overseeing executive teams and company culture
✅ Budgeting, forecasting, and tracking company performance
✅ Driving innovation and operational excellence
Emir first discovered the MLC five years ago through another member after visiting the City of Grand Rapids Inventory Facility. After volunteering and attending conferences, he deepened his involvement and joined the MLC Board in August 2023.
His leadership philosophy?
"Your personal growth and success depend on your ability to deal with people."
Why Sebright Chooses MLC
Sebright Products is committed to embracing Lean principles as they continue their improvement journey. Their MLC membership gives them access to:
A powerful network of Lean professionals and industry leaders
Hands-on training and events that drive real-world improvements
Continuous learning opportunities to strengthen their Lean capabilities
Sebright is proof that Lean is not just a methodology—it’s a culture shift. By investing in Lean training and embedding continuous improvement into their daily operations, they are positioning themselves for long-term success.
We are thrilled to have Sebright Products as an active part of the MLC community and look forward to their continued Lean journey!
The Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) was thrilled to partner with the 2024 Lean Solutions Summit, which brought together Lean professionals from across industries. A standout feature of the summit was the Lean Excellence Competition, where teams of six individuals competed in a live Kaizen-type event, transforming poorly performing processes into models of efficiency and success. MLC is proud to spotlight one of our Superior Level members, Dematic, who won this exciting competition.
At the summit, teams tackled challenges such as poor quality, machine downtime, and inventory management. Armed with Lean tools and methodologies, Dematic and other competitors worked against the clock to unravel inefficiencies and implement ingenious solutions. This high-pressure event tested the teams’ technical expertise, collaboration, innovation, and Lean leadership.
The Dematic team—comprising Kelly Robson, Tonna Agim, Kim Egan, Paul Hoekwater, Kyle Mahoney, and Brian Bolen—stood out for their ability to quickly assess the situation, devise creative solutions, and work seamlessly as a unit. Their performance exemplified Lean principles such as waste reduction, continuous improvement, and respect for people.
Brian Bolen shared his excitement about the competition, saying, "Despite the challenges of working with a team of full-time facilitators, I was really impressed with our team’s ability to work together, show our thinking, and produce championship-level results. It was a great day working with the team. Thanks to John Dyer, the Lean Solutions Team, and the other facilitators for creating such a rich environment for learning and improvement."
For Kelly Robson, the competition wasn’t just about winning but about the growth and experience gained: "We appreciate the opportunity provided by the Lean Solutions Team, John Dyer, and all of the judges. This was a wonderful team-building experience for Dematic, and we look forward to having others from our organization compete at future events!"
The Lean Excellence Competition fostered a spirit of innovation and demonstrated the power of Lean principles in action. Teams like Dematic exemplified what it means to continuously improve and innovate under pressure. Their success highlights the value of Lean methodologies in transforming not just processes but entire organizations.
Congratulations to Dematic for their impressive win, and we look forward to seeing more outstanding achievements from them in the future!
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2024 Distinguished Service Award Winner: State of Michigan Office of Continuous Improvement!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued service and support of the MLC!Holly Grandy-MillerJim WillemsPam KenneyAndrew HalfmanPamela BurgessStacie NoelJoel FeldpauschChristopher FizzellHannah Barton
"What does it take to plan the worlds best Lean conference (IMO)? Some stats: 11 months of planning; 20 planning meetings; 500+ people-hours of prep, action items, speaker wranglin'... then 4 days of the actual thing!" - Dave Kippen
Thank you to our events team, attendees, and sponsors for making this year's event a success like we've never had before!
✅ 4 days of amazing learning and networking
✅12 Breakout Sessions
✅Panel of Lean Experts
✅Networking — Network and bond with other learners, make connections
✅Gemba Walks — “Go see” what is happening at some great spaces
Amy Gowder, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Aerospace Defense & SystemsDavid McRaney, Science Journalist + creator of blog, book, and podcast “You Are Not So Smart”Joshua Smith, Internal Training & Education Lead @ ZFS TECHNOLOGIESJeff Zupancic, Lean Consultant/Facilitator @ Lean Learning CenterBill Artzberger, LSSBB, PMP, Partner, Lean Learning CenterKaleb Foss, MBA, Manager Continuous Improvement @ Munson HealthcareBrian DeVries, Director, Global Business Improvement Leader | Executive Coach | Operational Excellence through Operational ExperienceBrian Johnson, Training Specialist III @ Grand River Aseptic ManufacturingEnda McGonigle ACMA, CGMA, System Director Supply Chain @ Munson HealthcareTracy Cleveland, Vice President Supply Chain @ Munson HealthcareBrian Calkins, Manager, Continuous Improvement, Americas-Solutions Development, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt @ DematicLindsay Dewey, Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Munson HealthcarePenny Cox, Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Munson HealthcareEmily Miner, Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Grand River AsepticLucas Apol, Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Grand River AsepticMichael Goodrich, Senior Supplier Quality Engineer @ Consumers EnergyJody Tupper, Principal Supplier Quality Engineer @ Consumers EnergyMark Graban, Consultant, Author (“The Mistakes That Make Us"), Speaker, Coach, Podcaster, Senior Advisor to KaiNexusLisa Eshbach, PhD, Professor, College of Business, Ferris State UniversityDennis Wade, Director, Pawley Lean Institute, Adjunct Professor, Oakland UniversityToni Racco Benner, Chief Difference Maker, Racco & Associates Inc.Kennith Scott, HeartMath Inc. Certified; NeuroChangeSolutions ConsultantJessica Merwin, Owner, New Moon Yoga LLCAnd our amazing emcee Debra Levantrosser!Our Lean Communicators Pavilion Sponsor and Live Podcast HostPatrick Adams interviewing keynote speaker David McRaney
Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 5:00 PM – Friday, August 15, 2025, 12:00 PM @ Bavarian Inn & Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI
