Operational Excellence

The Value of Partnerships On the Continuous Improvement Journey

By Dan Sullivan

September 9, 2024

SPX Technologies, a global supplier of infrastructure equipment, needed to streamline operations across new acquisitions through continuous improvement (CI) and leadership development.

In these videos, Dan Sullivan, Executive VP at TBM, and Shelby Jarvis, VP of Continuous Improvement at SPX, discuss their strategic partnership in developing and implementing these initiatives across both current and new businesses. In these series of short videos, learn about their journey from a vendor-client relationship to a trusted partnership, the lessons learned along the way, and the successes that have driven SPX’s transformation.

 

Why did you call TBM?
(5 min.)

Shelby explains the evolution of the CI initiative and aligning to the corporate business model of placing talent near the customer. Tune in to understand their selection criteria for an external partner (University, consulting firm, contractor) to help navigate the challenges of integrating this model across various company levels and the importance of continuous reflection and learning.


How did you get buy-in from stakeholders?
(2 min.)

Listen to this discussion to learn about Shelby’s approach to gaining buy-in from SPX executives by laying out the roadmap of not only the “what”, but also the “why”, and explaining why the partnership was worth the investment.


What are some of TBM’s strengths as a consulting partner?
(3 min.)

Shelby dives into how the TBM team effectively engages across all organizational levels, fostering mutual respect for all employees, regardless of position. This approach has significantly strengthened the partnership between TBM and SPX.


What are some of the results SPX has experienced since partnering with TBM?
(2 min.)

Listen to this segment where Shelby emphasizes the significant results from the TBM partnership, with the return on investment far exceeding expectations. Learn why this four-year partnership has been mutually beneficial, driving growth for SPX. Example of these successes are achieving performance targets, impactful changes in governance and modifications to the engagement model.


Would you recommend TBM to other companies?
(2 min.)

Learn the value r using consultants that TBM has brought to SPX, stressing how the partnership has led to significant improvements and the positive impact TBM has had on the SPX business.


Making the CI journey a success
(4 min.)

Learn how TBM Consulting has played a crucial role in making SPX’s CI journey successful from individual site transformation to M&A diligence and integration and finally hosting the Lean Leader School. Listen in as Dan and Shelby talk about the effective partnership and collaboration that has helped drive significant achievement and sustainment of key goals at SPX.

 

 

TBM Consulting Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are partnerships important to sustaining a continuous improvement journey?
Partnerships are important because continuous improvement is not a one‑time initiative but a long‑term capability that must be built and reinforced over time. The video explains that strong partnerships provide external perspective, proven methods, and consistent reinforcement of best practices. This support helps organizations avoid losing momentum once early gains are achieved and internal attention shifts.
How do external partners accelerate continuous improvement results?
External partners accelerate results by helping organizations see problems more clearly and act faster. The video highlights that experienced partners bring structured approaches, coaching, and accountability that complement internal teams. By working side‑by‑side with leaders and frontline teams, partners help translate improvement ideas into disciplined execution rather than isolated events.
What long‑term value do partnerships create beyond short‑term improvements?
The video emphasizes that the greatest long‑term value of partnerships is capability building. Rather than creating dependency, effective partners help organizations strengthen management systems, develop leaders, and embed problem‑solving behaviors into daily operations. This approach ensures that continuous improvement becomes part of how the organization runs the business, delivering sustained performance gains long after the partnership engagement ends.

Meet the Expert

Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan

Email Dan
Dan Sullivan is an Advisor and serves on the TBM Board of Directors. He is a coach at heart and is passionate about operational excellence, cultural change and results.

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