Building Systems, Developing Leaders: From Corporate Exec to Trusted Small Business Advisor with Jim Bradley

Welcome back to The Entrepreneur's Journey. In this episode, Michael is joined by Jim Bradley, founder of Precision Profit Strategies, to discuss his transformation from a corporate leader at companies like FedEx and Ready Pac Foods to a trusted advisor and coach for small businesses. Jim shares how his corporate experience with leadership development, lean manufacturing, and process improvement now serves his entrepreneurial mission: helping business owners build systems, develop leaders, and reclaim their time. This episode offers valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, self-sustaining businesses.

Tune into this episode to also learn:

● How lean methodology can drastically improve small business profitability.

● Why leadership development is key to increasing business value.

● What it means to be a “trusted advisor” in a business owner’s inner circle.

● The difference between working in the business vs. working on it.

What we discussed

● [00:02:06] Jim explains the mission of Precision Profit Strategies and how his firm helps business owners develop systems, leadership, and clarity around business health.

● [00:04:06] His career journey from machine operator to leadership roles at FedEx and the significance of FedEx’s leadership development training.

● [00:07:04] How lean principles work across industries and why they’re more about repurposing than cutting jobs.

● [00:10:09] The moment Jim realized the value of his expertise — while generating $20,000/week as a corporate consultant.

● [00:13:34] What finally pushed Jim to launch his own business, and how he positioned himself as a strategic advisor rather than just a consultant.

● [00:17:57] Why working with owners of small businesses is both rewarding and high impact.

● [00:21:00] What size and type of businesses benefit most from his services.

● [00:23:30] The difference between using EOS and mastering true leadership and accountability.

● [00:24:36] How listeners can reach Jim and start a conversation about their business needs.

3 Things To Remember

1. Jim’s experience across industries and companies like FedEx enables him to bring invaluable process and leadership tools to small business owners.
2. Lean methodology isn’t just for factories—it’s a mindset shift that can improve efficiency in any type of business.
3. Leadership development creates freedom for business owners and increases the value of their companies

Memorable moments:

(00:07:58) "Even in your line of work, Michael, you can apply these concepts and eliminate waste. Really. It's not just a production thing or field thing… it is administrative process."

(00:10:34) "Train your people, look through a particular lens, and once you see waste, you just can't unsee it."

(00:14:59) "I think the real thought process was back in 2016 when I was with ISI and people were giving me $20,000 checks a week… and those checks weren’t going to me."