In this episode of Operations Experts, David McClaskey and Billy Schaefer break down what truly makes strategic planning work. David shares lessons from 50+ years of helping organizations—from single-person companies to multi-unit enterprises—use strategic planning to focus their teams, align their mission, and achieve goals they once thought impossible. They explore why most strategic plans fail, how to build one that actually gets implemented, and why consistent review—not just great ideas—is the key to transforming results year after year. If you're ready to move beyond “goals on paper” and build a plan that accelerates real, measurable progress, this episode delivers the roadmap.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/operations-experts/id1829535567
👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/00IlbNyMAOiWGj5lBHCm7H?si=83f7e459e8124a93

Meet Deric Rosenbaum, President of Groucho’s Deli. Founded in 1941, Groucho’s is a beloved restaurant brand with more than 30 locations across the Southeast—and a legacy that spans 85 years. Hear how Deric blends technology and hospitality to drive consistency, empower franchisees, and create a culture where standardization means empowerment. Learn how data-driven systems, service recovery, and a “we adapt, not change” mindset are helping Groucho’s Deli thrive for generations to come.

Meet Eric Latham, Co-Founder and Owner of Johnson City Brewing Company. What started as a home-brewing hobby has grown into a thriving community business with multiple locations across East Tennessee. Hear how Eric and his wife Kat built a company rooted in community and creativity—expanding production, empowering staff, and crafting consistent quality through systems, training, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth.