Hello Priscilla, 

It’s been a full and productive summer over here—lots of time spent in the field with clients, working shoulder to shoulder with crews, mapping out systems, and helping leaders step more confidently into their roles. I’ve also been carving out time for a few professional goals of my own, including earning my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (more on that below).

When I’m not on a jobsite or in a strategy session, I’ve been working behind the scenes on new tools and training content, revamping a few client onboarding workflows, and prepping for my upcoming talk at HBRAME’s Business, Builders, and Beer event later in August. And yes, I’ve also managed to sneak in a few garden harvests, some time with friends, and a BBQ or two.

Below you’ll find a quick update on what’s new, what’s next, and some practical Lean wisdom you can put to work today.  Hope you are having a fantastic summer - let me know what projects you've been working on!

- Priscilla

Here's some NEWS you can use!

📝 NETWORKING

Lean Systems at Work – Join Me at HBRAME’s August Meetup 

In the skilled trades, most daily frustrations—missed handoffs, unclear scopes, wasted time—don’t come from a lack of effort. They come from weak systems.

That’s why I’m excited to lead a hands-on session at the next Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine (HBRAME) meetup:

📅 Date: Thursday, August 21st
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Scarborough Cowbell– 185 US Rt 1, Scarborough, ME

Click here to RSVP!

Talk Title: Lean Systems at Work

This session introduces contractors to Lean thinking—a practical, field-tested approach to improving how work flows across your teams, jobs, and tools. We’ll cover how to spot hidden inefficiencies, apply methods like 6S and GEMBA walks, and walk away with simple str

ategies you can implement right away.

If you're a business owner, project manager, supervisor, or crew lead looking to improve results without burning out, pull up a chair. I’d love to see you there.  

🛠 NEWS

Certified, But Not New
After years of using Lean systems in the field, I’ve made it official: I’m now a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

The certification might be new, but the approach isn’t. I’ve been helping clients improve processes, reduce waste, and protect margins using Lean thinking for years. The certification just sharpens my ability to bring more value to the table.  

📚 EDUCATION

• Free Resource: Download my Lean Jobsite Checklist—a simple tool to spot waste and streamline your setup.

• Worth Reading: 2-Second Lean by Paul Akers is a no-nonsense intro to Lean thinking for hands-on teams.

• Tool Highlight: SIPOC Mapping—this 5-column tool helps you break down any process to improve clarity, handoffs, and flow. I’ll share examples during the HBRAME session.

💡 WISDOM

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear

Latest from the blog:

Stop the Bleed: Lean Concepts Every Crew Leader Should Know
Protect the Margin: Jobsite Strategies to Improve Profits Amid Rising Costs and Tariffs

🤝 SUPPORT

• Maine Employers: Don’t forget—there’s still training money on the table! The Maine Workforce Development Grant offers up to $1,200 in matching funds per frontline worker for skills training. Funds are available through 2030, and the application process is simple.
  Click here to learn more, or reach out—I’m happy to walk you through it.

  New Hampshire Employers: You’ve got access too. WorkInvestNH provides a 1:1 employer match for job-related training. It’s an excellent opportunity to invest in your team without stretching your budget. Their process is quick, straightforward, and worth exploring.
  Learn more here, or get in touch if you’d like help navigating the steps.

Hope to see you (and your crew!) at the Cowbell on the 21st!

Priscilla Hansen Mahoney
Blazing Trails Coaching 
Where Strategy Gets to Work