Survive & Thrive Ep 2 - Understanding Cost Structures and Index-Based Negotiation

In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson of Core Business Solutions and Jeanne Perron of IMEC to explore how small manufacturers can regain control of their cost structures and supplier strategies. Jeanne introduces the concept of the “silent slide,” where suppliers fail to pass on cost savings, and emphasizes the importance of using commodity price indices to negotiate fair pricing and avoid overpaying. The conversation covers practical steps for identifying key suppliers, preparing data-driven negotiations, planning for tariff volatility, and leveraging resources like IMEC and the nationwide MEP network to build resilient, informed supplier relationships.   Helpful Resources: Contact Jeanne: 847-337-2224 or email [email protected] How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and Dennis Gilbert, President of IMC Pennsylvania MEP, about applying risk-based thinking in times of uncertainty. They explore how small businesses can navigate disruption through agile strategic planning, open team engagement, and reframing risk as opportunity. Drawing on real-world insights and lessons from past crises like COVID-19, the conversation offers practical tools such as SWOT analysis and heat mapping, and emphasizes the importance of short-term actions, inclusive dialogue, and the courage to pivot quickly in a changing landscape.   Helpful Resources: Contact Dennis: (570) 329-3200 or email [email protected] How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In the kickoff episode of the Survive and Thrive series on The Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, introduce a timely new podcast focused on helping small businesses navigate today’s economic uncertainty. With insights drawn from real-world challenges—like shifting federal policies, supply chain issues, and market disruptions—the series offers practical, bite-sized strategies from experts in MEPs, Apex Accelerators, and beyond. Designed for business owners, managers, and contractors alike, each episode delivers actionable steps to help organizations stay resilient, make smart decisions, and thrive in a time of rapid change.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis continues his discussion with Kevin Franklin, Chief Product Officer at LRQA, and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions. Join them as they take a deep dive into the critical role of ISO 42001 in navigating AI risks and establishing trust in AI systems. The conversation demystifies common misconceptions about ISO 42001, highlighting its relevance not just for developers, but for all businesses leveraging AI—big and small. The episode explores the standard’s potential to dismantle the AI “black box,” foster accountability, and create a competitive advantage by demonstrating responsible AI use. The discussion underscores the urgency of addressing AI governance as AI rapidly permeates both business and daily life, emphasizing that effective oversight is not a bureaucratic hurdle, but a vital part of shaping a trusted, innovative future.   Helpful Resources: More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis speaks with Kevin Franklin, Chief Product Officer at LRQA, and Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, to delve into the timely and crucial topic of AI risk management and governance. AI is here and not going away, and understanding the increasing importance of ISO 42001, a new standard designed to provide businesses—whether large or small is paramount. 42001 has a structured approach to responsibly integrating and governing AI technologies. Kevin and Scott share insights on how ISO 42001 helps organizations anticipate and navigate evolving risks, build trust, enhance accountability, and prepare for regulatory changes, offering a roadmap for businesses of all sizes to effectively manage AI-driven challenges.   Helpful Resources: More About ISO 42001: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-42001-certification Why ISO 42001 Certification Matters: https://www.thecoresolution.com/why-grammarlys-iso-42001-certification-matters How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of Quality Hub: Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis and returning guest Bruce Newman, consultant at Core Business Solutions, explore the benefits and challenges of integrating ISO 9001 with other ISO standards (like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001). They discuss how an Integrated Management System (IMS) simplifies operations, reduces costs and much more. Bruce also shares real-world examples, key metrics, and best practices for successfully aligning quality, safety, and other processes. Whether you’re new to integration or looking to optimize your existing system, this episode provides valuable insights to improve compliance and collaboration across your organization.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis chats with Suzanne Strausser, VP of Consulting and Development at Core Business Solutions, about the value of ISO 9001 certification for startups. They explore how early adoption can help new businesses build structure, reduce costly mistakes, attract investors, and qualify for contracts—all while avoiding common misconceptions like excessive paperwork or limited relevance. Suz explains how ISO 9001 provides a scalable, practical framework that supports growth and quality from day one, making it a smart strategic move for startups ready to do things right from the start.                                   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub – Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis sits down with Drew Markley, VP of Sales, and Renee Ferry, Customer Success Manager at Core Business Solutions, to explore why ISO 9001 certification continues to be a critical asset in today’s competitive market. The conversation addresses common concerns about cost, disruption, and complexity, highlighting how Core’s streamlined approach simplifies the certification journey. With real-world insights and nearly two decades of combined experience, Drew and Renee explain how ISO 9001 not only strengthens business practices but also acts as a form of “business insurance” during uncertain times. Whether you're seeking to improve customer satisfaction, prepare for future certifications, or stay ahead of industry demands, this episode offers a clear case for why ISO 9001 still matters more than ever. Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, Chatting with ISO Experts, host Xavier Francis is joined once again by Norm Verbeck, consultant from Core Business Solutions, to dive into how ISO 9001 (QMS) and ISO 14001 (EMS) align and complement each other. They discuss the key similarities between the two standards, including shared requirements like management reviews, internal audits, corrective actions, and more. Norm explains how organizations can integrate these systems to streamline processes, which can save time and. The conversation also highlights how quality risk assessments can uncover environmental concerns, potentially guiding companies toward ISO 14001 compliance or certification. With practical examples and real-world insights, this episode is a must-listen for companies looking to enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.   Helpful Resources: How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting

In this episode of The Quality Hub, host Xavier Francis returns with Brian Smith, Director of Consulting Services at CORE, for Part 2 of their deep dive into ISO 9001 risk-based thinking—this time focusing on key metrics. They unpack how to align quality objectives with strategic goals, measure what matters, and track risk at both the organizational and process levels. Brian offers real-world examples and practical advice on setting realistic targets, leveraging existing data, and using tools like KPIs and dashboards for effective monitoring. Whether you're certified or just using ISO 9001 as a framework for improvement, this episode is packed with insights to help you strengthen your quality management system. Helpful Resources: What is Risk-Based Thinking? https://www.thecoresolution.com/what-is-risk-based-thinking How is ISO 9001 Implemented?:  https://www.thecoresolution.com/how-is-iso-9001-implemented For All Things ISO 9001:2015: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-9001-2015 Contact us at 866.354.0300 or email us at [email protected] A Plethora of Articles: https://www.thecoresolution.com/free-learning-resources ISO 9001 Consulting: https://www.thecoresolution.com/iso-consulting