When your business, organization, project, etc. is just getting started, it’s easy to keep track of everything in your head. But what happens when you start to grow, more people get involved, and things get more complex? The sheer volume of “things” to take care of becomes overwhelming, leading to stress, mistakes, and burnout. Keeping everything in your head works…until it doesn’t.
Hi! I’m Phil Britton. I’m an ISO 9001-certified regional economic development consultant, specializing in small business, quality management systems, and local food systems. I’ve spent the last decade moving projects like this forward, whether it’s on-farm food safety, collaborative quality management, training and education, QMS and business development, or building regional value chains. You can browse my projects to get a feel for the problems I roll up my sleeves and get to work on. I’d love to learn more about what you’re working on, and see how my skillset, experience, and knack for wayfinding can help you on your way.
““Phil did an amazing job at listening to us and asking the right questions to get us in the right headspace for work. He then took what we do every day, documented it, and empowered us to find areas of improvement and growth to the benefit of our organization. We couldn’t have done it without him!””
What we can work on together:
Business Systems X-Ray
No one knows your business inside and out like you do, but as you grow it becomes harder and harder to keep it all straight. You need a map! The Business Systems X-Ray does just that - it pulls your business out of your head and maps out how everything works on paper, and then together, we identify a handful of improvement opportunities. The process leaves you with a clear head and a clear way forward! This is a great cost-effective place to begin our journey together.
Quality For the Rest of Us
I have over 15 years of quality management system experience. Quality management systems are a powerful operational tool used throughout myriad industries the world over, and I’m passionate about bringing the benefits of QMS methodology to small organizations. Simply put, they’re a way to build structure in your organization, large or small, and serve your customers more effectively and consistently. They’re easier to put together than you think, and you’ll be glad you did!
ISO 9001 Prep
ISO 9001 is a standard used by thousands of organizations the world over to signal their dedication to quality and bolster credibility. Compliance leads to streamlined operations, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction, opening doors to new markets and contracts. Additionally, the certification fosters a culture of proactive risk management and continuous improvement. If this is the path you’re on, I’d be happy to help you move forward.
Local Food Systems
So many of the problems we face today can be addressed on through food systems. Climate change, racial equity, poverty, nutrition, community health, rural economies…the list goes on. Food systems are a powerful leverage point for making the world a better place. I approach these projects from a regional economic development perspective, because for a solution to “stick,” it has to work for each partner in the value chain, and build sustainable capital in the community.
Project Management
Let’s be real, project management is an art form. While there are tools that can be helpful, like spreadsheets and Gantt charts, the real skill in project management is being able to see the critical path, anticipating obstacles, and creatively overcoming them. We’ll use whatever tools suit you and your project best, but when we work together we’ll spend most of our time and energy on moving that critical path forward.
General Consulting
At the end of the day, consultants are here to solve problems and make things run better. The problems communities and regions often face are complex, varied, and multi-layered. The best way to find out if bringing me into the mix would move your project forward is to reach out! If I’m not the best fit, there’s a good chance that I can connect you with someone who is.
“Instead of reacting to an error with, ‘I need to be more careful,’
we can respond with, ‘I can build a better system.’”
Working With Fresh Systems
One of the best complements that I’ve ever received was being told that I’m really good at explaining a complex idea or subject in a simple, understandable way. I’ve also been described as laid-back, easy-going, thoughtful, hilarious, and someone who simply just gets the job done. I’m big on communicating clearly and directly, so we always stay on the same page. I steer clear of needless complexity. While I take the work seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously, so I’m not easily offended. I’m devoted to the process, intensely curious, and keep a humble attitude.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity”