Processes That Empower with Paul Graver | Buying Local S3E40

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Paul Graver, owner of EXSETIS Consulting, to discuss how strong processes can eliminate chaos, empower employees, and help businesses scale. Paul also shares stories from his 30+ years in manufacturing and his family venture, The Grill Pantry, where he turned a homemade wing sauce into a shelf-stable business.

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Connect with Paul at exsetis.com and explore his sauces at thegrillpantry.com.

0:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
0:04 Paul’s Background and EXSETIS Consulting
0:52 Why Process Matters for Small Businesses
1:55 Chaos Without Documented Processes
4:21 Training, Turnover, and “Hey Mike Syndrome”
6:47 Mapping Out Processes with Real-World Scenarios
11:19 Building Processes That Scale
12:00 Lessons from the Paper Industry
16:07 Technology, AI, and Process Improvement
20:07 Starting Simple Without Getting Overwhelmed
22:10 Keeping Processes Useful, Not “Word Salad”
24:39 Flexibility, Innovation, and Company Personality
26:33 Leadership, Training, and Sales Challenges
29:19 Tracking, Measuring, and Growing with KPIs
32:04 Service vs. Product KPIs and Cost Management
33:29 Keeping Processes Clear and Actionable
35:00 AI’s Impact on Small Business Operations
35:54 Launching The Grill Pantry and Barbecue Sauce Story
41:22 FDA Rules, Commercial Kitchens, and Scaling Production
47:40 Family Involvement, Flavors, and Local Sales
53:00 Where to Find the Sauces and Consulting Clients
56:06 Closing Thoughts and Call for Reviews