Our Story

After stepping away from corporate life, we wanted to keep making a difference—but in a more focused way. We saw a clear opportunity: to help businesses improve execution by strengthening their operating models.

A well-designed operating model is the backbone of consistent performance. When the right structures, people, and tools are aligned with customer needs, execution becomes sharper—and growth more reliable.

But many organizations struggle to connect the dots. Priorities shift, communication breaks down, and accountability fades. That’s where we come in.

Through a two-day, design thinking-based workshop, we work with your internal experts to assess your current operating model and uncover what’s holding you back. Together, we co-create practical improvements that drive stronger execution and long-term success.

Our tailored approach to your situation creates clarity, momentum, and buy-in—so change doesn’t just happen, it sticks.

Our Team

  • Joe Spadaford

    Joe Spadaford brings over four decades of leadership in financial services, with a proven track record of guiding major institutions through strategic transformation. With deep expertise in operational excellence, design thinking, and digitization, Joe specializes in building high-performing operating models that drive sustainable change.

    A CPA and Master Black Belt in Six Sigma, Joe pairs analytical rigor with visionary thinking. He holds a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Dayton and an MBA in Banking and Financial Markets from Adelphi University. He has also served as a Trustee and Audit Committee Chair at UD.

    Learn more about Joe on LinkedIn.

  • C. Andrew Pfeiffer

    Over Andrew’s 30-year career, he has focused on driving operational improvements across companies’ value chains. Through the strategic use of design thinking, operational excellence principles, intelligent automation and artificial intelligence, he has demonstrated success in driving both cost-effective process improvements and innovative automation solutions.

    As a consultant at Apex Systems and the founder of The Process Innovation Lab, he is a leader in service offering development, client engagement and delivery excellence. He is a Certified Design Thinking Instructor, Six Sigma Blackbelt and Project Management Professional, with certifications in Facilitation, Change Management and Team Development. He holds a Bachelor’s in Operations Management and International Business from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Illinois.

    Learn more about Andrew on LinkedIn.

Testimonials

“Joe solicits advice, evaluates it, challenges it and moves forward aggressively. More importantly, he engages staff in a way that prompts change and maintains a positive footing even in some cases where tough, hard-nosed business decisions were part of the change. Bottom line is that Joe gets things done.”

Company President of Management Consultancy

” I'm staring at my desk, and I have a sticky here to remind me to recognize you!  Andrew, I hear your name all the time as someone who is digging in, listening to the team and figuring out what exactly they need to be successful.  You are the exact type of person we love to have on the team.  Please accept this as a small token of appreciation for all the leadership and the hard work you've been putting in.”

SVP of Operations, Customer Experience and Process Management

“I recommend Joe very highly to anyone looking for a digital transformation leader. He brought together multiple vendors and business teams to collaborate on an organization-wide digital transformation initiative. He created a system that ensured we saw his vision and worked together to accomplish the program objectives.”

CEO and Founder of Digital Technology Company

“Joe has the unique ability to align strategically with the C-Suite and effectively roadmap solutions through multiple teams to drive broad transformation. He is a leader who motivates others through action, always willing to get his hands dirty with his teams, applying his experience with Lean Six Sigma and other methodologies to drive lasting change. “

Managing Partner and COO of Strategic Advisory Firm