What's it like being a PROCESS Improvement Consultant?

Do many people dream of being a small business consultant focusing on improving processes?

If you run a small business and feel like your days are filled with putting out fires, this episode of Time We Discuss will feel like someone finally turned on the lights. In this conversation, Dan interviews small business consultant Marty Dunn, whose specialty is helping service based companies transform their operations through clear and sustainable process improvements.

Marty works with electricians, plumbers, landscapers, marketing firms and many other owners who are great at their craft but overwhelmed by the constant stress of running a business without dependable systems. Throughout the episode he breaks down how better workflows, documented steps and predictable operations can turn a chaotic business into one that grows with confidence.

You will hear how Marty analyzes bottlenecks, redesigns communication pathways and teaches leaders how to support their teams while building repeatable systems. He explains why process improvements are the foundation of profitability and how strong leadership habits make it easier for teams to follow new procedures. Marty also shares valuable real world advice about networking, early stage entrepreneurship, emotional resilience and the shift from employee to owner.

What you will learn in this episode

• Why most small service based businesses struggle due to unclear or inconsistent processes
• How process improvements reduce stress, eliminate bottlenecks and create smoother daily operations
• The Build Break Build leadership approach that strengthens teams during change
• How to move from being a do everything owner to leading a business that runs predictably
• Why networking groups like BNI can become an extended sales team for small businesses
• How financial clarity and operational structure work together to support smart growth
• What new entrepreneurs should document before hiring their first employee or taking their first client
• How Marty’s background in finance, cybersecurity and operations shaped his process driven method
• Why strong community involvement and team mentorship matter in both business and sports

Whether you are an established owner or considering leaving a full time job to start your own business, Marty offers clear steps and relatable stories that show how powerful process improvements can be. His company, Mingma, helps business owners create documented workflows, strengthen their operations and build teams that work with consistency and confidence.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Typical day like as a process improvement consultant
1:07 - Background before consulting
4:10 - Education background for consulting
5:41 - Forming the company
7:27 - Relating music and sports to business
12:16 - Pivoting into consulting
14:34 - Importance of networking for small businesses
19:34 - Talent has the floor
20:52 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Marty Dunn

• Mingma Website

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

• Becoming a Sommelier with Nathan Bihm
• Decluttering for a Living
• Pro Organizer Organizes Offices, Homes, and Lives.
• Becoming a Mentor with Doug Lawrence

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